What does a student learn in StateVirginia,GradeGrade 8,SubjectScience?

determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of the school laboratory or field experience

make hypotheses that specify what happens to a dependent variable when an independent variable is manipulated

define design problems that involve the development of a process or system with multiple components and criteria

generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles

ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, examination of a model or theory, or unexpected results, and/or to seek additional information

asking questions and defining problems

select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate data

individually and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations

planning and carrying out investigations

plan and conduct investigations to test design solutions in a safe and ethical manner including considerations of environmental, social and personal effects

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means

use data in building and revising models, supporting explanations of phenomena, or testing solutions to problems

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models in order to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine an optimal design solution

apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide an explanation of phenomena or design solutions

construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from a variety of sources, including students’ own investigations, models, theories, simulations, and peer review

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

construct arguments or counterarguments based on data and evidence

make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

developing and using models

read and interpret topographic and basic geologic maps and globes, including location by latitude and longitude

evaluate the merits and limitations of models

develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships

construct and interpret scales, diagrams, classification charts, graphs, tables, imagery, models, including geologic cross sections and topographic profiles

compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question or solve a problem

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena and/or a design process in multiple formats

gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple sources, assessing the evidence and credibility of each source

asking questions and defining problems

ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer

develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables

offer simple solutions to design problems

planning and carrying out investigations

independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate and include the safe use of chemicals and equipment

evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies

apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process or system

interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating data

construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means

construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis

apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources (including the students’ own investigations)

construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints

differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law

developing and using models

construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena

evaluate limitations of models

obtaining, evaluating, and communicating information

read scientific texts, including those adapted for classroom use, to determine the central idea and/or obtain scientific and/or technical information

gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication

construct, use, and/or present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning

the big bang theory explains the origin of universe;

stars, star systems, and galaxies change over long periods of time;

characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, asteroids, and dwarf planets are determined by materials found in each body; and

evidence from space exploration has increased our understanding of the structure and nature of our universe.

Earth supports life because of its relative proximity to the sun and other factors

the dynamics of the sun-Earth-moon system cause seasons, tides, and eclipses.

analysis of physical and chemical properties supports mineral identification;

characteristics of minerals determine the uses of minerals; and

minerals originate and are formed in specific ways.

Earth materials are finite and are transformed over time;

the rock cycle models the transformation of rocks;

layers of Earth have rocks with specific chemical and physical properties; and

plate tectonic and surface processes transform Earth materials.

global resource use has environmental liabilities and benefits;

availability, renewal rates, and economic effects are considerations when using resources;

use of Virginia resources has an effect on the environment and the economy

all energy sources have environmental and economic effects.

convection currents in Earth’s interior lead to the movement of plates and influence the distribution of materials in Earth’s layers, and may impact the magnetic field

features and processes occur within plates and at plate boundaries;

interaction between tectonic plates causes the development of mountain ranges and ocean basins; and

evidence of geologic processes is found in Virginia’s geologic landscape.

water influences geologic processes including soil development and karst topography

the nature of materials in the subsurface affect the water table and future availability of fresh water

weather and human usage affect freshwater resources, including water locations, quality, and supply

stream processes and dynamics affect the major watershed systems in Virginia, including the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

our understanding of atoms has developed over time;

the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter;

the kinetic molecular theory is used to predict and explain matter interactions.

traces and remains of ancient, often extinct, life are preserved by various means in sedimentary rocks;

superposition, cross-cutting relationships, index fossils, and radioactive decay are methods of dating rocks and Earth events and processes;

absolute (radiometric) and relative dating have different applications but can be used together to determine the age of rocks and structures; and

rocks and fossils from many different geologic periods and epochs are found in Virginia.

chemical, biological, and physical changes affect the oceans

environmental and geologic occurrences affect ocean dynamics;

unevenly distributed heat in the oceans drives much of Earth’s weather;

features of the sea floor reflect tectonic and other geological processes; and

human actions, including economic and public policy issues, affect oceans and the coastal zone including the Chesapeake Bay.

the composition of the atmosphere is critical to most forms of life;

biologic and geologic interactions over long and short time spans change the atmospheric composition;

natural events and human actions may stress atmospheric regulation mechanisms;

human actions, including economic and policy decisions, affect the atmosphere.

weather involves the reflection, absorption, storage, and redistribution of energy over short to medium time spans;

weather patterns can be predicted based on changes in current conditions;

extreme imbalances in energy distribution in the oceans, atmosphere, and the land may lead to severe weather conditions;

models based on current conditions are used to predict weather phenomena; and

changes in the atmosphere and the oceans due to natural and human activity affect global climate.

pure substances can be identified based on their chemical and physical properties;

pure substances can undergo physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties;

compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding;

balanced chemical equations model the conservation of matter.

symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods are identified on the periodic table;

elements are classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals.

energy can be stored in different ways;

energy is transferred and transformed;

energy can be transformed to meet societal needs.

energy may be transferred in the form of longitudinal and transverse waves;

mechanical waves need a medium to transfer energy;

waves can interact

energy associated with waves has many applications.

electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, has wave characteristics and behavior;

regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have specific characteristics and uses.

motion can be described using position and time;

motion is described by Newton’s laws.

an imbalance of charge generates static electricity;

materials have different conductive properties;

electric circuits transfer energy;

magnetic fields cause the magnetic effects of certain materials;

electric current and magnetic fields are related;

many technologies use electricity and magnetism.