Eighth Grade Science Standards

Updated 2008

Standard 1:  Science as Inquiry

1.1  Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigations.

1.2  Design and conduct a scientific investigation.

1.3  Use appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data.

1.4  Develop descriptions, explanations, predictions, and models using evidence and explanations.

1.5  Think critically and logically to make the relationships between evidence and explanations.

1.6  Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and predictions.

1.7  Communicate scientific procedure and explanations.

1.8  Use mathematics in most aspects of scientific inquiry.

Standard 4:  Students will understand and apply earth and space science concepts.

4.1  The solid earth consists of layers that have special characteristics.

4.2  Lithospheric plates are constantly moving which cause geological events.

4.3  Water circulates through the water cycle.

4.4  The atmosphere consists of a mixture of gasses and layers, each with their own properties.

4.5  Clouds from by condensation.

4.6  Most objects in the solar system are in a regular and predictable motion.

4.7  Gravity is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the sun.

4.8  Seasons result from variations in the amount of the sun’s energy hitting the surface, due to the tilt of the earth’s rotation on its axis and the length of day.

Standard 5:  Students will understand or apply science and technology.

5.1  Identify appropriate problems for technological design.

5.2  Design a solution or product.

5.3  Implement a proposed design.

5.4  Evaluate completed technological designs or products.

5.5  Showcase final design.