Physical Science

Grade 8

Prerequisites: Earth Science and Life Science

ABSTRACT

Physical Science continues the inquiry approach to the study of the interaction of forces and energy changes in nature. Students are
provided with a comprehensive up-to-date approach to modern physical science explorations. The program provides students with the
conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to investigate and understand the composition and interactions
of the natural world.

Course: Physical Science Time Frame: First Marking Period

Grade Level: 8
Unit of Study: Enduring Understanding(s):
The Nature of Matter - Science encompasses a wide range of professions.
- Students understand core concepts and principles of science and use measurement and
observation tools to assist in categorizing, representing, and interpreting the natural and
designed world.
- All objects and substances in the natural world are composed of matter.
- Mixtures, compounds and elements can be distinguished by their physical and chemical
properties.
- Substances can undergo physical or chemical changes to form new substances. Each
change involves energy.
Essential Questions:
- How do we gather information about our world?
- Why is it important to record and communicate your results in an organized, consistent manner?
- How does kinetic energy determine the state of matter?
- How can unknown substances be identified using what is known about matter?
- How do physical and chemical properties and changes differ?

Approved by the Somerville Board of Education on September 20, 2016

Curriculum is aligned to:

Next Generation Science Standards:

Structure and Properties of Matter
MS-PS1-1, MS-PS1-2, MS-PS1-3, MS-PS1-4.

21st Century Career Ready Practices

Problem Solving
9.1.8.A.1, 9.1.8.A.2, 9.1.8.A.3, 9.1.8.A.4
Creativity and Innovation
9.1.8.B.1, 9.1.8.B.2
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership
9.1.8.C.1, 9.1.8.C.2, 9.1.8.C.3
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication
9.1.8.D.2, 9.1.8.D.3

Essential Skills Assessment/ Strategies to Teach Terminology/ Resources/Materials

Performance Evidence Skills/Concepts Vocabulary for Instruction
Disciplinary Core Ideas Inquiries/Labs: Unit Overview Study Acids Discovery Education
MS.PS1.A - Density Blocks Guides Alloy Techbook
MS.PS1.B - Architectural Models Analyze http://www.discoverye
MS.PS3.A - Grab Bag Collaborate with peers to Atom ducation.com//what-
- Gummy Bear Density identify and explain Bases we-offer/techbook-
Design experiments to explore - Finding the properties of matter. Bohr Model digital-
hypothetical problems. Boiling Point textbooks/index.cfm
Difference
- Comparing Viscosity Catalyst
Organize and display data in Student use of Nova
Chemical Formula
tables, charts, and graphs. manipulatives. (www.pbs.org)
Classroom Reflection: Compound
- What does a real scientist Conclusion
Interpret data from graphs: Warm-ups/Do-Nows Youtube.com
look like? Condensation
determine trends and draw - Student responses to Conductor
predictions, hypotheses, and Reading and Analyzing www.brainpop.com
essential questions orally Conservation of
conclusions. and in writing. non-fiction text. Mass/Matter National Science
Corrosion Digital Library
Explain that all matter is made Research/Project-Based: Self-Group-Class
Density Electron http://nsdl.org/
of atoms and give examples of - Anatomy of Fireworks brainstorming activities.
Element
common elements. presentations. Evaporation
SmartBoard
teacher-generated Freezing Point Bill Nye
Classify matter into categories: Tests/Quizzes: Gas
-elements - Physical and activities.
Heterogeneous
-compounds Chemical Homogenous
-heterogeneous mixtures Note-taking, Student
properties/changes Hypothesis
- homogeneous solutions generated PowerPoints/
test. Ionic
Prezi presentations
- Calculating Density Liquid
Explore the separation of Quiz. Related media: Mass
mixtures by physical properties
- Bill Nye Matter Metal
of constituents.
- Myth busters Metalloid
Distinguish among colloids, - BrainPop Mixture
suspensions, emulsions, gels, - YouTube Molecule
and foam. Neutron
Noble Gases
Use the kinetic molecular Nonmetal
model to predict how solids, Physical/Chemical
liquids, and gases would change
behave under various physical Physical/Chemical
circumstances, such as heating properties
or cooling. pH
Products
Apply elemental fingerprints to Proton
the colors displayed in Pure
fireworks and expand to layer Reactants
the different timing of the Reactivity
explosions Scientific Method
Solder
Integrate forms of energy Solid
involved in displays: sound and Solubility
light energy. Solute
Solution
Investigate the methods by Solvent
which properties are observed. States of Matter
Subatomic Particles
Differentiate between extrinsic Sublimation
and intrinsic physical Subscript
properties (e.g., size, shape, Synthetic
color, mass, density, volume, Volume
state of matter, viscosity)

Categorize objects by their

physical properties

Distinguish between physical

and chemical properties

Identify unknown substances

based on data regarding their
physical and chemical
properties.

Course: Physical Science Time Frame: Second Marking Period

Grade Level: 8
Units of Study:
The Periodic Table of
Elements and Chemical
Reactions.
Enduring Understanding(s):
- Substances can undergo physical or chemical changes to form new substances. Each
change involves energy.
- The Periodic Table reveals patterns and relationships between atoms of different
elements.

The Properties and Behavior - Waves carry energy and interact with matter.
of Sound Waves - The size, shape, and type of material influence the properties of the sound waves
created.
- Animals use a vast spectrum of frequencies to communicate.
Essential Questions:
- How are the elements arranged in the PTOE?
- What does the PTOE tell us about the structure of an atom?
- How can we predict the products in a chemical reaction?
- Why do we need to eat?
- What elements make up living organisms?

- What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves and how do they affect us?
- How does the human ear work?
- How do animals communicate?
- How are sound waves used in the medical field?
- How can sound waves be used to detect objects?
Curriculum is aligned to:

Next Generation Science Standards:

Structure and Properties of Matter
MS-PS1-1
Chemical Reactions
MS-PS1-2, MS-PS1-5, MS-PS1-6
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
MS-PS4-1 & MS-PS4-2

21st Century Career Ready Practices

Problem Solving
9.1.8.A.1, 9.1.8.A.2, 9.1.8.A.3, 9.1.8.A.4
Creativity and Innovation
9.1.8.B.1, 9.1.8.B.2
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership
9.1.8.C.1, 9.1.8.C.2, 9.1.8.C.3
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication
9.1.8.D.2, 9.1.8.D.3
 Essential Skills Assessment/ Strategies to Teach Terminology/ Resources/Materials
Performance Evidence Skills/Concepts Vocabulary for Instruction

Disciplinary Core Ideas Inquiries/Labs: Unit Overview Study Acids Discovery Education
MS.PS1.A - Chemical changes Guides Alloy Techbook
MS.PS1.B demonstration Analyze http://www.discoverye
MS.PS3.A - Trends in the PTOE Student use of Atom ducation.com//what-
MS.PS4.A - Ionic Bonding manipulatives. Bases we-offer/techbook-
- Covalent Bonding Bohr Model digital-
Determine whether a substance - Mendeleev’s Buttons Warm-ups/Do-Nows Boiling Point textbooks/index.cfm
is a metal or nonmetal through categorization Catalyst
student-designed Reading and Analyzing Nova
- Percent Composition of Chemical Formula
investigations. non-fiction text. (www.pbs.org)
elements in the human Compound
body Conclusion Youtube.com
Determine the relative acidity - Domino- Speed of Sound Self-Group-Class Condensation
and reactivity of common acids - Slinky brainstorming activities. Conductor www.brainpop.com
through a variety of student- - Sound Stations Conservation of
designed investigations. SmartBoard Mass/Matter
- Straw Oboe National Science
teacher-generated Corrosion
activities. Digital Library
Use the concept of chemical Classroom Reflection: Density http://nsdl.org/
changes (Law of Conservation - Student responses to Doppler Effect
of Mass) to explain why the Note-taking, Student
essential questions orally Electron
mass of reactants and the mass generated PowerPoints/
and in writing. Element Bill Nye
of products remain constant. Prezi presentations
Evaporation
Research/Project-Based: Freezing Point
Compare and contrast the Related media:
- Homemade Instrument Gas
physical properties of reactants - Bill Nye
Project Heterogeneous
with products after a chemical - Myth busters
Homogenous
reaction, such as those that Tests/Quizzes: - Hunting the
Elements Hypothesis
occur during photosynthesis - Periodic Table Quiz Ionic
and cellular respiration. - Wave Properties Quiz (Nova)
Liquid
- Sound Waves Test - BrainPop
Mass
Investigate the causes of global - YouTube
Matter Metal
climate change.
 Metalloid
Explain how energy from the Mixture
sun is transformed or Molecule
transferred in global wind Neutron
circulation, ocean circulation, Noble Gases
and the water cycle. Nonmetal
Physical/Chemical
Describe the flow of energy change
from the sun to the fuel tank of Physical/Chemical
an automobile. properties
pH
Explore how buildings can be Products
constructed to be earthquake- Proton
proof evaluate seismic data. Pure
Reactants
Use the process of Reactivity
triangulation to find the Scientific Method
epicenter of an earthquake. Solid
Solubility
Discover the relationship Solute
between frequency and pitch. Solution
Solvent
Distinguish between music and
States of Matter
sound.
Subatomic Particles
Categorize the types of Sublimation
instruments according to the Subscript
sound produced. Synthetic
Volume
Course: Physical Science Time Frame: Third Marking Period
Grade Level: 8
Unit of Study: Enduring Understanding:
The Properties and Behavior of the - There are several factors that affect the strength of electric and magnetic forces.
Electromagnetic Spectrum - Electric currents produce a magnetic field.
- Waves carry energy and interact with matter.
- Digitized signals are a more reliable way to encode and transmit information
than analog signals.
- Different technologies rely on different types of waves and wave properties.
- Magnets exert a force at a distance.
- Light waves can be absorbed, reflected, and transmitted by matter.

Forces, Motion, and Interactions

- Forces change the motion of objects in predictable ways.
- The laws governing motion apply to ALL objects.
- Electrical energy can be converted into other forms of energy when
electric charges flow in a circuit.

Essential Questions:
- How does the frequency and wavelength of electromagnetic waves affect humans?
- How is electricity conducted, stored, and released?
- What is the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance?
- How is energy transferred in a lightbulb?
- What is the relationship between an electric current and magnetism?
- What is the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves and how do they affect us?
- How does the human eye work?
- How can light waves transmit information to the world?
- How does a GPS work?

- Why are all the planets round?

- How would the universe be different if one or more of the laws of motion were
suspended?
- How can energy be transferred from one material to
 another?
- How can the Earth’s magnetic force be used to our
benefit?
- Why doesn’t a ball ever bounce back to its original
height?

Curriculum is aligned to:

Next Generation Science Standards:

Forces and Interactions
MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5
Energy
MS-PS3-3, MS-PS3-4, MS-PS3-5.
Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
MS-PS4-1, MS-PS4-2, MS-PS4-3.

21st Century Career Ready Practices

Problem Solving
9.1.8.A.1, 9.1.8.A.2, 9.1.8.A.3, 9.1.8.A.4
Creativity and Innovation
9.1.8.B.1, 9.1.8.B.2
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership
9.1.8.C.1, 9.1.8.C.2, 9.1.8.C.3
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication
9.1.8.D.2, 9.1.8.D.3
 Essential Skills Assessment/ Strategies to Teach Terminology/ Resources/
Students will understand Performance Evidence Skills/Concepts Vocabulary Materials
that: for Instruction
Disciplinary Core Ideas Inquiries/Labs Unit Overview Study Acceleration Discovery
MS.PS4.A - Measuring Speed Guides Action/Reaction Education
MS.PS4.B - Marble Collisions Air resistance Techbook
MS.PS4.C - Newton’s Second Law Student use of Amplitude http://www.discover
MS.PS2.B - Balloon Races manipulatives. Centripetal Force yeducation.com//wh
Compass at-we-
Relate the electromagnetic Classroom Reflection: Warm-ups/Do-Nows Compression offer/techbook-
spectrum to classification by - Student responses to Conduction digital-
essential questions orally Reading and Analyzing textbooks/index.cfm
frequency, wavelength, and Conservation of
energy. and in writing. non-fiction text. energy Nova
Distance (www.pbs.org)
Compare the motion of an Test/Quizzes Self-Group-Class Doppler
object acted on by balanced - Gravity Quiz brainstorming activities. Effect Drag Youtube.com
forces with that of - Motion and Forces Earth’s Magnetism
unbalanced forces. Test SmartBoard Elastic Potential
teacher-generated www.brainpop.com
- Graphing Energy
Distinguish between activities. Electromagnetic National
distance and displacement. Spectrum Science
Note-taking, Student
Energy Digital
Construct speed and generated PowerPoints/
transformation Library
acceleration graphs. Prezi presentations
Equilibrium http://nsdl.org/
Related media: Force
Recognize the effects of Frame of
gravity and friction on - Bill Nye
Reference Bill Nye
motion. - Myth busters
- BrainPop Frequency
Friction
Discover that acceleration - YouTube
G-force
varies with mass. Gravity
Heat
 Inertia
Longitudinal
Magnetic
Mechanical
Energy Motion
Net force
Potential/Kinetic
Energy
Pressure
Radiation
Sliding, Rolling,
and Static Friction
Speed
Terminal
Velocity

Course: Physical Science Time Frame: Fourth Marking Period

Grade Level: 8
Unit of Study: Enduring Understanding:
Forces and Interactions - Forces change the motion of objects in predictable ways.
- The laws governing motion apply to ALL objects.

Energy - Energy cannot be created or destroyed; different forces are responsible for energy
transfer from one type of matter and form to another.
- Light waves can be absorbed, reflected, and transmitted by matter.
- Electrical energy can be converted into other forms of energy when electric
charges flow in a circuit.
 Essential Questions:
How do Newton’s Laws explain the nature of physics?
How is flight possible?
What are the parameters of flight?
How does energy change form?
How do the laws of motion apply to a rollercoaster?
Why does a bubble always form a sphere?

Curriculum is aligned to:

Next Generation Science Standards:

Forces and Interactions
MS-PS2-1, MS-PS2-2, MS-PS2-3, MS-PS2-4, MS-PS2-5
Energy
MS-PS3-1, MS-PS3-2, MS-PS3-3, MS-PS3-4, MS-PS3-5.

21st Century Career Ready Practices

Problem Solving
9.1.8.A.1, 9.1.8.A.2, 9.1.8.A.3, 9.1.8.A.4
Creativity and Innovation
9.1.8.B.1, 9.1.8.B.2
Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership
9.1.8.C.1, 9.1.8.C.2, 9.1.8.C.3
Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal Communication
9.1.8.D.2, 9.1.8.D.3
Essential Skills Assessment/ Strategies to Terminology/ Resources/
Students will understand Performance Evidence Teach Vocabulary Materials
that: Skills/Concepts for Instruction
Disciplinary Core Ideas Inquiries/Labs Unit Overview Study Acceleration Discovery
MS.PS2.A - Newton’s Car Guides Action/Reaction Education
MS.PS2.B - Bernoulli Journals Air resistance Techbook
MS.PS3.A - Finding Energy Student use of Amplitude http://www.discover
MS.PS3.B manipulatives. Catapult yeducation.com//wh
MS.PS3.C Classroom Reflection: Centripetal Force at-we-
- Student responses to Warm-ups/Do-Nows Conduction offer/techbook-
Model the vertical structure of essential questions orally Conservation of digital-
the atmosphere. and in writing. Reading and Analyzing textbooks/index.cfm
energy
non-fiction text. Distance
Apply Bernoulli’s principle to Nova
Test/Quizzes Drag
lift and flight. - Motion and Forces Self-Group-Class (www.pbs.org)
Energy
Test brainstorming activities. Electromagnetic Youtube.com
Explain the four components - Newton’s Laws Quiz spectrum
of flight: lift, thrust, drag, and SmartBoard Force
teacher-generated www.brainpop.com
gravity. Research/Project-Based Frequency
- Rollercoaster activities. Friction G- National
Apply characteristics of flight Project force
Note-taking, Student Science
capability to the design of a Gravity
generated PowerPoints/ Digital
water bottle rocket. Magnet
Prezi presentations Library
Magnetic http://nsdl.org/
Perform measurements of Mechanical
triangulated distance and Related media:
- Bill Nye Motion Bill Nye
elapsed time to solve for height Net force
using trigonometry. - Myth busters
- BrainPop Potential/Kinetic Understanding
- YouTube Energy Car crashes
Apply the concepts of center of
Pressure video
gravity and gravity to
Radiation
Newton’s Laws. Utilize labs and
manipulatives to Repulsion Baumgartner
demonstrate inertia, speed, Sliding, Rolling, Free Fall
Predict how the gravitational
force between two bodies acceleration and the Law and Static Friction
would differ for bodies of of Conservation of Speed vs time
different masses or bodies that momentum. Terminal
are different distances apart.
Relate the kinetic and potential
energies of a roller coaster at
various points on its path.
Velocity
Collaborate in groups to Thermal Energy
design, model, build, and Thrust
explain the forces at work
on a rollercoaster ride.

Apply the properties of

physical science (kinetic
energy, potential energy,
momentum, speed, and
acceleration) to the creation of
a culminating project.

Explore the limitations of

increasing “g” forces and the
ways that humans have
adapted.