Science

Science — Grade 8

American Curriculum · Ages 13-14

Eighth grade science prepares students directly for high school courses. Physical science covers Newton's laws, forces and motion with calculation, waves and their properties, and electromagnetic radiation and how it transmits information.

Life science covers cell division and heredity, evidence for common ancestry, and ecosystem dynamics and human impact. Earth and space science covers the solar system, gravity, the history of Earth and human effects on climate. Laboratory work expects controlled variables, accurate measurement and evidence-based conclusions.

Key topics covered

• Forces & MotionNewton's laws, speed and acceleration, and calculating with forces.
• Waves & InformationWave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum and digital signals.
• ChemistryAtomic structure, the periodic table, chemical reactions and reaction rates.
• Heredity & EvolutionCell division, genes, mutation and evidence for common ancestry.
• Ecosystems & Human ImpactEcosystem stability, biodiversity, resources and climate change.
• Space SystemsThe solar system, gravity, and patterns in the motion of celestial objects.
• Laboratory PracticeControlled variables, accurate measurement, data tables and conclusions.