NBMS Science Program 2008 - 2009

Welcome to NBMS Science - 8th Grade!

Grade 8 Living in a World of Change

Unit 1: Atmospheric Phenomena

By the end of this unit, students will be able to do the following:

• Explore some of the key components of Earth’s weather patterns.

• Use weather instruments to collect data and predict future weather conditions.

• Investigate how global patterns within the atmosphere and hydrosphere affect the climate of

our planet.

• Investigate how coastal communities prepare for severe weather conditions.

Unit 2: Introductory Chemistry

By the end of this unit, students will be able to do the following:

• Investigate how matter can be identified by observable measurable properties.

• Distinguish between physical and chemical changes.

• Determine that matter is neither created nor destroyed.

• Classify elements into groups based on properties.

• Distinguish between elements, compounds, and mixtures.

Unit 3: Earth’s Structure

By the end of this unit, students will be able to do the following:

• Investigate the Earths internal structure.

• Differentiate rock types and investigate the processes of the rock cycle.

• Explain how major geologic events are a result of crustal movement.

• Determine the difference between physical and chemical weathering.

Unit 4: Earth's History

By the end of this unit, students will be able to do the following:

• Investigate the formation of the universe, galaxies, stars, and planets (earth).

• Explore the evidence proving the earths surface has changed over time

• Explore the role of sedimentary rock layers as evidence of changing life forms.

• Investigate that evolution is the process of change over time.

State Curriculum http://mdk12.org/mspp/vsc/index.html

MCPS Science Department
http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/curriculum/science/