8th Grade Science
Mrs. Mindy
Unit 1:
Scientific Method, Creation of the Universe and Chemistry
Weekly Breakdown of the Unit with Goals:
Week 1: Scientific Method, Measurements and Metric Conversions
Goal: Science as Inquiry
Week 2: Creation of the Universe/States of Matter/Density and Atomic Structure:
 8.P.1.1: Classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures based on how the atoms
are packed together in arrangements.
Week 3: Physical and Chemical Properties/Changes and the Periodic Table:
 8.P.1.2: Explain how the physical properties of elements and their reactivity have been
used to produce the current model of the Periodic Table of elements.
 8.P.1.3: Compare physical changes such as size, shape, and state to chemical
changes that are the result of a chemical reaction to include changes in temperature,
color, formation of a gas or precipitate.
Week 4: Elements, Compounds and Mixtures/Solutions:
 8.P.1.1: Classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures based on how the atoms
are packed together in arrangements.
Week 5: Reactions/Balancing Equations:
 8.P.1.3: Compare physical changes such as size, shape, and state to chemical
changes that are the result of a chemical reaction to include changes in temperature,
color, formation of a gas or precipitate.
 8.P.1.4: Explain how the idea of atoms and a balanced chemical equation support the
law of conservation of mass.
Week 6: Wrap up all labs and activities, test taking strategies, test review and test!!!
Key Vocabulary:
Matter
Mass
Ion
Isotope
Element
Compound
Atom
Group
Molecule
Proton
Neutron
Period
Reactive
Electron
Metal
Atomic Number
Non-Metal
Mixture
Solution
Chemical
Reaction
Reactant
Mass Number
Metalloid
Product
Precipitate
Catalyst
Law of
Conservation of
Mass
Exothermic
Endothermic
Saturated
Solubility
Solution
Neutral
Solute
Alloy
Chemical
Formula
Solvent
Acid
Base
pH
Key Essential Questions:
1. How are atoms, ions and isotopes different?
2. How are the relationships of elements in a group different from the relationships of
elements in a period?
3. How do an element’s physical and chemical properties relate to it’s position on the
periodic table?
4. How does mass affect density? How does volume affect density?
5. How are the molecules arranged in the three states of matter?
6. How do elements, compounds and mixtures differ?
7. How does the Law of Conservation of Mass affect the amounts of reactants and
products in a chemical reaction?
8. Explain three factors that affect the rate at which something will dissolve.
Unit 1 Assignment Matrix: Science
How to Use this Matrix:
 Shaded assignments are mandatory
 At least 15 assignments must be completed by the end of Unit 1
 The blank spaces are “student choice” assignments. This means that you can create an
assignment of your choosing, but you must first submit a Proposal Form and wait for approval
before you begin, so plan carefully and use your time wisely!!!
Unit 1: Week 1
Topic: Scientific Method and Measurements
Goals: Science as Inquiry
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-A1
Science Safety Scavenger
Hunt/What Happened?
1-A2
Making Measurements Lab
1-A3
Metric Mania Scavenger Hunt
1-A4
Effect of NaCl on Radish Seeds
Lab with Lab Report
1-A5
1-A6
Unit 1: Week 4
Topic: Elements, Compounds, Mixtures, Solutions
Goals: 8.P.1.1
Assignment
#
1-D1
Nuts and Bolts Lab
Unit 1: Week 2
Topic: Creation of the Universe and Chemistry
Intro
Goals: 8.P.1.1
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-B1
Expansion Balloon Activity
1-B2
Density and Measurements Lab
1-B3
Calculating Subatomic Particles
Computer Game
1-B4
States and Properties of Matter
Interactive Video
1-B5
Build a 3D Atom
1-B6
Unit 1: Week 5
Topic: Reactions and Balancing Equations
Goals: 8.P.1.3 and 8.P.1.4
Unit 1: Week 3
Topic: Properties, Changes and the Periodic
Table
Goals: 8.P.1.2 and 8.P.1.3
Assignment Assignment Title
#
1-C1
Physical and Chemical Changes
Lab
1-C2
Where Do I Belong Computer
Activity
1-C3
Adopt an Element
1-C4
Reactivity and the Periodic Table
1-C5
1-C6
1-D2
1-D3
1-D4
Acid/Base Lab
Mixtures Lab
Alien Juice Bar Online Lab
Simulation
1-D5
1-D6
Assignment
#
1-E1
1-E2
1-E3
Endo/Exo Lab
Egg Equation Challenge
Balancing Act Internet Challenge
1-E4
1-E5
1-E6
Unit 1: Week 6
Topic: Wrap Up and Test Review
Assignment
#
1-F1
1-F2
1-F3
1-F4
1-F5
1-F6
Unit 1 Scoring Log: Science
General Assignments:
Unit
Assignment
#
Assignment Title
Score
Comments:
Corrections
Required?
Old
Score
Corrections
Required
Old
Score
Formal Assessments (Tests/Quizzes/Labs/Projects):
Unit
Assignment Title
1
Unit 1 Mid Unit
Quiz
Score
Score Breakdown:
SR:___/____CR:____/____ER:____/____PT:____/_____
1
Unit 1 EOU Test
Score Breakdown:
SR:___/____CR:____/____ER:____/____PT:____/_____
1
1
Lab Report
Project
Component
(Qtr 1)
Comments