Grade 8 Physical Science

Arlington Public Schools

August 8, 2003

This curriculum guide is adapted from the Virginia Department of Education Sample Scope and Sequence Guide for Grade 8 Physical Science at: http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/solscope/sssps.pdf.

This guide has also been adapted to correspond with Arlington County Public school’s choice for the 8^th grade physical science textbook, “Physical Science” published by Glencoe: http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/lep_science/lep2002/national/physical/index.html.

This curriculum guide was developed under the supervision of Mark A. Johnston, Arlington Public Schools Science Supervisor.

1426 N. Quincy Street

Arlington, VA 22207

Phone: 703-228-6166

Special thanks go to the following teachers who contributed to the development of this guide in 2002 and subsequent revisions in 2003:

Erin Peters and

Jeff Politzer

Organizing Topics	Related Standards
Investigation Skills and the Nature of Science	PS.1
Investigating the Characteristics of Matter	PS.2d PS.5a, PS.1
Investigating Atoms and Atomic Theory	PS.2a, PS.3, PS.1
Investigating The Periodic Table	PS.4, PS.1
Investigating Chemical Bonds and Changes	PS.2b, PS.4, b, PS.5c, PS.1
Investigating Nuclear Reactions and Radioactivity	PS.5b, PS.1
Investigating States and Forms of Energy	PS.6, PS.1
Investigating Heat and Heat Transfer	PS.7, PS.1
Investigating Sound	PS.8, PS.1
Investigating Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum	PS.9, PS.1
Investigating Electricity and Magnetism	PS.11, PS.1
Investigating Force and Motion	PS.10a, b, PS.1
Investigating Work and Power	PS.10a, b, PS.1

Grade 8 Physical Science Pacing Guide

1^st Quarter
	Investigation Skills and the Nature of Science	one week and additional focus throughout the year
	Investigating the Characteristics of Matter	about 4 ½ weeks
	Investigating Atoms and Atomic Theory and Investigating the Periodic Table	about 3 ½ weeks
2^nd Quarter
	Investigating Chemical Bonds and Changes	about 4 ½ weeks
	Investigating Nuclear Reactions and Radioactivity	about 1 week
	Investigating States and Forms of Energy	about 2 weeks
3^rd Quarter
	Investigating Heat and Heat Transfer	about 3 weeks
	Investigating Force and Motion	about 5 weeks
	Investigating Work and Power	about 3 weeks
4^th Quarter
	Investigating Sound	about 3 weeks
	Investigating Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum	about 3 weeks
	Investigating Electricity and Magnetism	about 3 weeks

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigation Skills and the Nature of Science (A discrete introduction to specific science skills is not necessary, as all of the inquiry skills should be incorporated within the following topical areas. Teachers may consider introducing some of these skills in isolation or coordinated with mathematics, English, and history instruction.)	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes -Glencoe TE – p. 458, 467, 473, online § Tests: Test Generator – Glencoe, Chapter 1: The Methods of Science -Chapter Test – p. 39-42 Chapter Resources Book	§ Glencoe Text Chapter 1 pgs. 6-26 § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html
	use chemicals and equipment safely. use select appropriate equipment (triple beam balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and spring scales) and utilize correct techniques to measure length, mass, volume, temperature, and force. record measurements using the following metric units (SI): liter, milliliter (cubic centimeters), meter, centimeter, millimeter, grams, degrees Celsius, and Newtons. convert among metric units applying appropriate prefixes. express scientific notation when appropriate. read a graph and analyze patterns, determine trends, and make predictions through extrapolation. gather, evaluate, and summarize information using multiple and variable resources. Detect bias from a given source.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigation Skills and the Nature of Science (cont’d)	identify the key components of controlled experiments: independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials. construct and interpret data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived quantities, the number of trials, descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central tendency and the range of the data set. construct and interpret frequency distributions, scattergrams, line plots and histograms. formulate conclusions that are supported by the gathered data. apply the methodology of scientific inquiry: begin with a question, design an investigation, gather evidence, formulate an answer to the original question, and communicate the investigative process and results. communicate in written form the following information about investigations: the purpose/problem of the investigation, procedures, materials, data and/or observations, and an interpretation of the results. develop an understanding of the nature of science.	PS.1		§ SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § Science SOL Teacher Resource Guide http://www.pen.k12.va.us/VDOE/Instruction/sol.html § Foldables booklet –Glencoe p. 5 TE § Converting Kitchen Measurement Lab – Glencoe p. 27 TE § Setting High Standards for Measurement Lab – Glencoe p. 28 TE

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating the Characteristics of Matter	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes: Glencoe TE p. 495, 501, 507, 524, 533, 712, 717, 722, 726 and 16 online, 17 online, 23 online § Tests: Glencoe Test Generator -Chapters 16, 17, and 23 -Chapter test 16- p. 41-44 -Chapter Resources Booklet -Chapter test 17 – p. 37-40 -Chapter Resources Booklet -Chapter test 23	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html
	find the mass and volume of substances and calculate and compare their densities. describe the properties of the states of matter (solid, liquid, and gas). distinguish between physical (i.e., shape, density, solubility, odor, melting point, boiling point, and color) and chemical (i.e., acidity, basicity, combustibility, and reactivity) properties. determine the identity of an unknown substance by comparing its properties to those of known substances.	PS.2d
	design an investigation that illustrates physical changes.	PS.5a

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	§ Sample Resources
Investigating the Characteristics of Matter (cont’d)	design an investigation from a testable question related to physical and chemical properties of matter. The investigation may be a complete experimental design or may focus on systematic observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection and analysis. (Students should be able to use the inquiry skills represented in PS.1 (and LS.1) to compose a clear hypothesis, create an organized data table, identify variables and constants, record data correctly, construct appropriate graphs, analyze data, and draw reasonable conclusions.)	PS.2		§ SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § Glencoe Text Chapters 16, 17 and 23 pgs. 487-507 , pgs. 517-533, and pgs. 705-726 § Foldables Glencoe TE - p. 487, 517 and 705 § How Thermal Energy Affects Matter Lab – Glencoe p. 496 TE § Testing the Viscosity of Common Liquids – Glencoe TE p. 508-509 § The Behavior of Gases – p. 13-18 Chapter Resource Book · Elements, Compounds and Mixtures p. 525 TE · Chromatography Lab p. 13-16 Chapter Resource Book · Checking Out Chemical Change p. 534-535 Glencoe TE · Boiling Points of Solutions p. 727 Glencoe TE · Examining Properties of Solutions p. 13-16 Chapter Resource Book § Saturated Solutions p 728-729 Glencoe TE
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Atoms and Atomic Theory	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes: Glencoe TE, pgs. 549, 553, 562, 615, 620, 629 § Tests: Test Generator -Chapter 18 and 20 Chapter 18 Test p. 39-42 -Chapter Resource Book -Chapter 20 Test p. 41-44 Chapter Resource Book	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § Foldables – Glencoe TE pgs. 549 and 607 § What’s in a Name? P. 564-565 Glencoe TE § What type is it? P. 621 Glencoe TE § Preparation of Carbon Dioxide p. 13-16 Chapter Resource Book § Slippery Carbon p. 630-631 Glencoe TE
	describe the particle theory of matter.	PS.2a
	use the Bohr model to differentiate among the three basic particles in the atom (proton, neutron, and electron) and their charges, relative masses, and locations. compare the Bohr atomic model to the electron cloud model with respect to their ability to represent accurately the structure of the atom. investigate and understand the modern and historical models of atomic structure including the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr and the modern model of atomic structure.	PS.3
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating The Periodic Table	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes: Glencoe TE pgs. 549, 553 and 562 § Tests: Test Generator Chapter 18, Glencoe Chapter Resource book pgs. 39-42	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § Periodic Table of Foods – Glencoe TE p. 563 § Chemical Activity Lab p. 13-15 Chapter Resource Book
	use the periodic table to obtain the following information about the atom of an element: - symbol - atomic number - atomic mass - state of matter at room temperature - number of outer energy level (valence) electrons. describe the organization and use of the periodic table in terms of: - atomic number - metals, metalloids, and nonmetals - groups/families vs. periods. - simple compounds, formulas and the nature of bonding.	PS.4a
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Chemical Bonds and Changes	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes: Glencoe TE pgs. 578, 586, 593, 644, 648, 655, 661, 742, 745, 754, 771, 775, 785 § Tests: Test Generator Chapters 19, 21, 24 and 25	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items · Foldables - Glencoe TE pgs. 573, 639, 737, and 765 · Atomic Trading Cards – Glencoe TE pg 579 · The 5 Solutions Problem Chapter Resource Book pg. 13-16 (Ch 19) · Alcohols and Organic Acids p. 649 Glencoe TE · The Breakdown of Starch – Chapter Resource Book p. 13-15 (Ch 21) · Catalyzed Reaction – Glencoe TE p. 755 · Conservation of Mass – Chapter Resource Book (Ch 24) p. 13-16
	design an investigation to determine whether a -substance is an element, compound, or mixture. analyze the pH of a solution and classify it as acidic, basic, or neutral. describe what a salt is and explain how salts form.	PS.2b
	compare and contrast physical (and) chemical changes. given chemical formulas, write and balance simple chemical equations. given a chemical formula, identify the elements and the recognize that the number of electrons in the outermost energy level determines an element’s chemical properties or chemical reactivity or number of atoms of each. predict what kind of bond forms (ionic or covalent) when two specific elements combine chemically.	PS. 5a, c
Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Chemical Bonds and Changes (cont’d)	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1		· Strong and Weak Acids – Glencoe TE pg. 776 · Acids, Bases and Indicators Chapter Resource Book (Ch 25) p. 13-16 · Become a Bond Breaker – p. 594 Glencoe TE · Preparing an Ester – Glencoe TE p. 662-663 · Fossil Fuels and Greenhouse Gases p. 756-757 Glencoe TE · Be a Soda Scientist – Glencoe TE p. 786 –787 · Acid Rain PBL Tie in with chapter 25

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Nuclear Reactions and Radioactivity	Students should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes: Glencoe TE pg. 262, 267, 272, and 278 § Tests: Test Generator Chapter 9 Chapter Resource Book p. 41-44	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § Foldables – Glencoe TE p. 257 § Chain Reactions – Glencoe TE p. 279 § The Effect of Radiation on Seeds: Chapter Resource Book p. 13-16 · Modeling Transmutation p. 280-281 Glencoe TE
	describe the processes that release nuclear energy (i.e., nuclear fission and nuclear fusion). compare and contrast physical, chemical, and nuclear changes. appraise the positive and negative effects of using nuclear energy.	PS.5b
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating States and Forms of Energy	Student should be able to:		§ Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Text pages 98-123 § Mini-labs: resource book pgs 3+4, text pg 106 “Bouncing balls” § Quizzes: Glencoe TE – p. 105, 115, 122, 123 § Tests: Chapter 4 resource book pg 37 § Concept map pg 121	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items
	Distinguish between potential and kinetic energy - use diagrams or concrete examples to compare relative amounts of potential or kinetic energy.	PS.6a
	Recognize different ways that energy can be stored.
	Identify and give examples of common forms of energy; design an investigation to illustrate energy transformations.	PS.6b
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Heat and Heat Transfer	Students should be able to:		§ Text pages 156A-188 § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes pg 163, 179 § Tests Chapter 6 resource book pg 37	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § PBL “Thermal House” tie in.
	illustrate and explain the results of the addition or subtraction of heat energy on the motion of molecules. distinguish between heat and temperature. compare and contrast temperature Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales and absolute zero. analyze a time/temperature graph of a phase change experiment to determine the temperature at which the phase change occurs (freezing point, melting point, or boiling point). compare and contrast conduction, convection, and radiation and explain common examples. explain how the principle of heat transfer applies to heat engines, thermostats, refrigerators, and heat pumps. design an investigation from a testable question related to heat transfer. The investigation may be a complete experimental design or may focus on systematic observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection and analysis.	PS.6c PS.7
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Sound	Students should be able to:		§ Chapter 12 pgs 356A-387 § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes txt pg 368, 373, 379, Glencoe Online test § Tests Resource book chapter 12 pgs 37-39	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items
	model a compression wave; diagram, label, and describe the basic components: wavelength, compression, rarefaction, ,frequency. determine the relationship between frequency , wavelength, speed, amplitude and interference. Understand the factors that contribute to the nature of mechanical waves. analyze factors that determine the speed of sound through various materials and interpret graphs and charts that display this information. describe technological applications of sound waves and how each application functions.	PS.8
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Light and the Electro-magnetic Spectrum	Students should be able to:		§ Chapter 13+14 pgs 388a-449 § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes Ch 13 pg 395, 401, 409, 416+417. Online quiz Ch 14 pgs 424, 429, 435, 440 Online quiz § Tests Chapter 13 resource book pg 39 Chapter 14 resource book pg 39	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items
	design an investigation to illustrate the wave behavior of light – reflection and refraction. Describe how reflection and refraction occur. compare and contrast diffraction and interference. model a transverse wave and draw and label the basic components. Explain wavelength, amplitude, and frequency. compare the various types of electromagnetic waves in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy. describe an application of each of the major forms of electromagnetic energy. predict the images formed by different types of lenses and mirrors.	PS.9
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Electricity and Magnetism	Students should be able to:		§ Text pages 192-254 § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes -Electricity: pgs 201, 207, 215, 220 and online . -Magnetism: 232, 239, 246, 254 and online. § Tests; -Electricity teacher resource pg 37 -Magnetism: teacher resource pg 39	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items · PBL electromagnet tie-in.
	explain the relationship between a magnetic field and an electric current. design an investigation to illustrate the effects of static electricity. create series and parallel circuits. create an electromagnet and explain how it works. construct simple circuits to determine the relationship between current and resistance. compare and contrast generators and motors and how they function.	PS.11
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Force and Motion	Students should be able to:		§ text pages 36-96 § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports Quizzes: Text pgs, 41, 51, 56, 64, 74, 82, 88, 96, speed quiz, forces quiz. § Tests Teacher resource chapter 2 pg 37 chapter 3 pg 39.	§ Glencoe online textbook § Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items § PBL “toy car” tie in.
	make measurements to calculate the speed of a moving object. apply the concepts of speed, velocity, and acceleration when describing motion. explain how force, mass, and acceleration are related. differentiate between mass and weight. identify situations that illustrate each of Newton’s Laws of Motion. solve basic problems given the following formulas: - Speed = distance/time (s = d/t) - Force = mass x acceleration (F = ma).	PS.10a-b
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1

Organizing Topic	Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Processes	Related SOL	Sample Classroom Assessment Methods	Sample Resources
Investigating Work and Power	Students should be able to:		§ Text chapter 5 pgs 124-154. § Student demonstrations § Classroom observations § Student laboratory reports § Quizzes pgs, 131, 137, 141 online quiz. § Tests: chapter 5 resource book page 37.	§ Physical Science Activities resource site (UVA Physics Dept.) http://www.phys.virginia.edu/education/outreach/8thgradesol/home.htm § Physical Science Solutions module http://www.smv.org/pubs/index.html § SOL assessment blueprints and sample items
	apply the concept of mechanical advantage to test and explain how a machine makes work easier. make measurements to calculate the work done on an object. make measurements to calculate the power of an object. explain how the concepts of work, force, and motion apply to car safety technology, machines, and rockets. solve basic problems given the following formulas: - Work = force x distance (W = F d) - Power = work /time (P = W/t).	PS.10a-b
	apply the PS.1 science skills in the context of this topic.	PS.1