Alum Rock
8th grade Detailed Curriculum map for Physical Science
2015-2016
( G= Glencoe book, H = Holt old series book) Included are ideas for labs, activities,
projects and assessments for all content standards, topics include: Physics,
Chemistry and Astronomy. I have chosen to start the year with States of Matter
and Density and Buoyancy. These units help develop classroom lab practices,
background knowledge and the use of Language Arts skills in science. It is easy to
move on to either Chemistry or Physics after these two units. I save Astronomy for
the end of the year since it encompasses an understanding of both physics and
chemistry. This is JUST a suggestion.
Please contact Carol Hagen at Sheppard Middle School room F-6 for assessments,
labs, materials, project samples, worksheets, questions or comments. Enjoy…
Projects and general topic outline (Details to follow in a weekly chart)
1st Quarter: Begin with States of matter (Chapter #6), process skills and lab
safety. Introduce Energy along with heat for changes of state. Move to Density
and Buoyancy (Chapter #3) Then move into Motion and Forces (Chapter #1
Chapter #2). Major Projects: Egg drop, Famous scientist/careers power point
2nd Quarter: Continue with Motion and Physics (Chapter # 1, Chapter #2). Then
move on to the Atom (Chapter # 4) and the Periodic Table (Chapter #7). Major
projects include: Marble Roller Coaster, Manila Bridge Challenge and then it’s time
to begin science fair.
3rd Quarter: This whole quarter is all chemistry. Chapters 5, more 7, 8, 9, 10 Major
Projects are: Science fair project, Chemical element power point.
4th Quarter- Astronomy (chapter # 11 chapter# 12), review for the CST. Major
projects include: Astronomy power point, RTQ packet, and Manila folder bridge
(sometimes there’s no time earlier so it’s fun to do during CSTs).
Language Arts: 8th Grade English CA Common Core Standards in Writing:
1a. Use claim(s) about a topic and give reasons and evidence logically. 1b. Support
Claims with relevant, accurate data and evidence. 1c. Use words, phrases and
clauses that create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim, evidence
and reasoning. 1d. Establish and maintain a formal style. 1e. Provide a concluding
statement.
2a. Introduce a topic, idea or concept. 2.b Develop the topic Develop the topic with
relevant, facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and
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examples. 2c. Use appropriate transitions to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts. 2d. Use precision language and domainspecific vocabulary to inform about or explain the topic. 2 e. Establish and maintain
a formal style. 2f. Provide a concluding statement.
Writing in Science: All 8th graders should use these in all their written work.
a. Introduce claims about a topic or issue, acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s)
from alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
b. Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant, accurate data and evidence
that demonstrate an understanding of the topic or text, using credible sources.
c. Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships
among claim(s) reasons, and evidence.
d. Establish and maintain a formal style.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the
argument presented.
Speaking and Listening Standards -8th Grade Comprehension and
Collaboration
1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups,
and teacher led) with diverse partners on grade 7 topics, texts and issues, building
on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
2a. Come to discussion prepared, having read or researched material under study;
explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence on the topic, text, or
issue to probe and reflect on ideas under discussion.
Reading Standards ELA for Grade 7-:
Cite several pieces of textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
Bold worksheets are Page Keeley Assessment Probes (Column # 2, (G=Glencoe
book and H=Holt book.) Any science book provides adequate reading. The most
significant difference in teaching science is the activities, labs, and projects you
provide for the students. Developing Crosscutting concepts in science is best
accomplished with engaging, student involved activities. The Cross cutting
concepts are: Patterns- Cause and Effect- Scale, proportion and Quantity- Systems
and System Models – Energy and matter- Structure and Function- Stability and
Change. (Energy and matter is Physics and Chemistry!)
2
Once you have taught a writing skill, include it in all the labs, activities and
probes where appropriate. Include class discussions using vocabulary and
provide sentence frames to encourage proper use of content vocabulary.
Please attend our Professional Development sessions for more activities,
ways to infuse Common Core, and to share your ideas. See you there!
Week & old
standards
August
26- 31
9a, 9b,
Topic &
assessments
(BOLD) Keeley
Class rules,
structure,
journals
MS Dictionary
Lab Safety
Scientific Method
-Is it a Theory
-Ice Cubes in a
Baggie
Intro. States of
matter Chapter #
6
Tools test
Sept.
1-4
3d, 3e,
9a, 9b
Sept
7-11
3d, 3e,
9a, 9b
Metric conversion
MS vocabularyGlencoe page
272.
-Is it matter
-Thermometer
States of matter
3 story intellect
# 5 Ice cubes in a
Baggie
Science process
skills – collecting
and graphing data
Ch. # 6 content
vocabulary &
concepts…
condense,
evaporate
sublimate,
Book pages
H = Holt
G = Glencoe
H 610matter &
energy
Tools
G 7-14
H 1119Scientific
method
G 5-6, 1920, 29-33
H 512-514
Labs/ activities
Literacy & math
H 24-27tools
G 15-18
metric
H 128-129
mass
LA- summary
writing in a
conclusion
Black boxes
Claim/ Evidence
Cornell notes
with Bill Nye
DVD
Glencoe lab pg.
276-277
Changing
states using a
thermometer/
Or/ using
scales to find
mass.
Burning Candle
lab
G 20-23
models
H 60-64
G 254-260
States
H 68-73
G 261-273
Changes
Favorite subject
walk around
Show tools
Discussions of
Assessments and
Initial writing of
claim evidence.
DVDs /
homework/
worksheets
Tools/ safety
parent
signature
Is it Theory
Is it matter?
Matter/
Energy
Theory
Melting Ice in
a Baggie lab
Review writing a
conclusion and
finishing the
Cornell notes for
Bill NyePhases of
matter
Observe &
infer
Temp. scales
Melt & freeze
Condensation/
Evaporation
Bill NyeEnergy
Mass, volume
Changing
volume
3
vaporize,
deposition
-Is it melting
TEST Ch. #6Sept. 14-18
9a, 9b
Sept. 21-25
8a, 8b, 8c,
8d
9a, 9b
Sept. 28Oct. 2
8a, 8b, 8c,
8d
9a, 9b
Oct. 5-9
8a, 8b, 8c,
8d
9a, 9b
Oct. 12-16
8a, 8b, 8c,
8d
9a, 9b
Oct. 19-23
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
-Is it solid
Famous scientist
or Technical
career power
point project
Density Ch. # 3
Inquiry- Cartesian
Diver
-Salad
DressingDouble layer
assessment
Implement IMSS
liquid density
sequence here…
-Four layer pour
Density formula
Manipulating
variables
Displacement
method
-Comparing
Cubes
Assign Egg Drop
project
Density as a
physical property
Revisit –Salad
Dressing probe
Buoyancy and
pressure
Chapter # 3 test
EGG drop day!
Day after test!
IMSS motion intro
unit.
-Roller coaster
G 36- 41
H 214-219
138-139,
140
G 48-54
Energy
study guide
Ch.# 6
Volume
worksheets
measurements,
+ displacement
method
Scales lab
H 45-46
G 130-135
DO not read!
Start unit
with Inquiry
IMSS unit
Liquid
Density.
H 68-73
G 21-273
G 136-137
H162-167,
64-66
G 140-148
Salad dressing
Observe liquids
2 liquid pour
4 liquid
layering
Density formula
Calculating the
density of four
liquids.
water density
20ml and 40
ml.
Density of two
new unknown
liquids
Density cubes
lab
Claims, Evidence
Reasoning
formats for lab
write ups!!
Density of
chocolate lab
Density of
irregular
objects
Soda can
Buoyancy in a
tub demo lab
Claim, evidence
Reasoningmultiple sources.
Marble
challenge on a
table
IMSS density
unit beginning
With inquiry
using 4 liquids
Density intro
worksheet
Bill NyeFluids
Density
calculations
worksheet
(series of 3)
Bill Nye –
Buoyancy
Viscosity
Bill NyePressure
Pressure
Class time to
work on
Marble roller
4
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Oct. 26 – 30
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Nov. 2-6
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Nov 9-13
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Nov.
16-20
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Nov. 23-24
1a, 1b, 1c,
1d, 1e, 1f,
9a, 9b, 9d,
9e
Nov. 30Dec. 4
2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, 2e, 2f,
2g, 9d, 9e
Dec 7-11
26-27
2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, 2e, 2f,
2g, 9d, 9e
ride
-Following jack
part 1
-Following jack
part II
-Nascar Racing
Motion –
Chapter # 1 test
Introduce
marble roller
coaster
G 54-58
H 108-109
H 110-111
velocity
G 54-58
H 108-109
H 110-111
velocity
G 60-71
H 112-114
acceleration
-Apple on a
desk
Friction
-Friction
-Experience
-Gravity ( # 34)
Gravity and
motion
Free fall, orbit
motion
Types of forces –
Kinetic Energy
/ Gravitational
energy lab
Inertia
3 meter
acceleration
lab
Data collection
from Roller
coasters lab
-Equal and
Opposite
-Force and
motion ideas
Average speed
lab
Wheels AlaCart
Drip
Acceleration
lab
H
H
H
H
145-147
119-124
148-149
150-153
G 93, 106114
G 96-98
H 117-118
G 88-92,
99-100
H 115,
119-124
Newton’susing a spring
scale
Newtonian
Demo lesson
Straw tower
challenge
Sandpaper
surfaces lab
with spring
scales
Holt pg. 540
coasters.
Good time to
introduce MS
vocabulary! A
few words a
day!!!
IMSS motion
inquiry
lessons
Bill NyeMotion
Average speed
Bill NyeMomentum
Force
homework
Bill NyeStructure
Force
homework 2
Falling objects
Bill NyeGravity
2nd law mass
2nd law motion
2nd law
acceleration
Bill NyeFriction
Velocity
Acceleration
H 125-129
H 138-144
Centripetal
forces
G
Bill Nye –
Balance
5
Dec. 14-16
26-27
2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, 2e, 2f,
2g, 9d, 9e
Dec. 17-18
Inertia and mass
-Talk about
Forces
Work & power
Mechanical
advantage
Chapter #2 test
2a, 2b, 2c,
2d, 2e, 2f,
2g, 9d, 9e
Christmas
Break!!!
Notes to get Page Keeley for
you started
Chemistry…
after the
Physical Science
break- All
bk.
the chem.
Pizza Dough 31
assessments Weighing water
33
H( 188-191)
H (196197)
Holt pg. 542
Marshmallow
Catapult –
Angles of launch.
Mechanical
advan.
Acceleration
review
Word
problems 2nd
law
Introduce
science fair
ideas …
(Time to do a
fun lab!!)
Book 1
Lemonade
6
Cookie
crumble 7
Is it made
of
molecules
11
Rusty nails
12
Book 4 Sugar
water & Iron
Bar
H 43-44
matter
H 82-85
elements
G 313-318
Physical
properties lab
Mystery
Powders
Physical
change
Physical
Properties
Drawing models
of atoms
Bill Nye- Heat
Soap opera of
atoms
Bill Nye – the
Atom
Book 2
Bubble 8
Chemical
bonds 9
Atoms and
cells
Science fair for
county
participants
applications due
Jan 4-8
3a, 3b, 3d,
9a, 9b
Jan. 11-15
3a, 3b, 3d,
9a, 9b
Jan 18-22
3a, 3b, 3d,
Begin matter &
properties
Physical changes(
same as change
of state)
-Atoms and
cells
The Atom –
neutrons,
protons, and
electrons
-Is it made of
molecules
Discovering the
atom
G 174-179
H 311-314
G 182-194
H 304-310
6
9a, 9b
Jan 25-29
7a, 7b, 7c,
9a, 9b
Feb 1-5
7a, 7b, 7c,
9a, 9b
Feb. 8-12
7a, 7b, 7c,
9a, 9b,
3f,6a, 6b
Feb. 22-26
7a, 7b, 7c,
9a, 9b, 6c
Feb 29-Mar
4
5a, 5b, 5c,
5d, 5e
March 7-11
5a, 5b, 5c,
5d, 5e, 3f,
3c, 3d
Arrangement of
the periodic table
1st 10
-Water and Iron
Bar
IMSS periodic
table using a
calendar and
matching shapes
organization
activities.
-Weighing
water
Organization of
the periodic table
Elements power
point project!!!
Grouping of
Elements in the
periodic table
Radioactivity,
isotopes
Electrons and
bonding
Chapter # 7 test
Continue with
Chemical bonding
- using the
periodic table
-Pizza Dough
FEBRUARY
BREAK!!
Forming
compounds,
molecules
Forming solids,
crystals, polymers
Chemical
changes, chemical
reactions
Writing and
balancing
chemical formulas
-Rusty nails
Endothermic and
exothermic
reactions
GET full IMSS
unit lesson
sequence for
introducing
the periodic
table
G 290-293
intro
H 324, 326333
G 294-299
H 334-341
G 301-310
isotope
H 352-365
***
H 352-365
Memorize 20
elements
Elements VS
compounds VS
mixtures lab
Lab using
density cubes for
ID of element/
compound
Bill Nye- Do it
yourself
science
Bill NyeInventions
Bill NyeMagnetism
SCIENCE FAIR!?!
G 218-228
H 398-400
G 230-237
G
H
G
H
338-344
374-381
346-356
382-384
G 358-363
H 385-389
Rock candy lab
Viewing crystals
with a
microscope
Worksheets on
balancing
equations
Chemical
changes lab.
Chemical
reactions lab…
Bill NyeChemical
reactions
Bill NyeElectrical
Current
Bill NyeSpinning
Things
7
March
14-18
5a, 5b, 5c,
5d, 5e
March 2125
25-29
5a, 5b, 5c,
5d, 5e
April 4-8
6a, 6b, 6c
April
11-15
4a, 4b, 4c,
4d, 4e
April
18-29
4a, 4b, 4c,
4d, 4e
May 2-6
ALL
standards
May 9-13
4a, 4b, 4c,
4d, 4e
-What’s in the
bubbles
Test on Ch. # 8
Solutions,
mixtures
Suspensions,
colloids
-Lemonade
Cookie
Acids and Bases,
pH
-Chemical
Bonds
Chapter # 9 test
Organic
compounds
(Carbon based
life!)
Begin Astronomy
and begin
reviewing with
RTQ’s
Solar system
forms
-Apple in the
plane
-Outer space
push
Chapter # 11 –
Solar system
Moons, asteroids,
comets
STAR testing –
manila bridge
construction
Chapter # 12
Stars
Formation of
G 380-392
H 90-97
Solubility lab
Concentrations
demo
G 394-405
H 401-406
Acids and Bases
cabbage juice
lab/ and pH lab
G 422-442
Chapter # 10
H 407-413
Elements in the
human body…
H 438-443
earth forms
Bill Nye -The
moon
H 424-432G 462-470-
G 478-488
SS
H 452-462
SS
H 471-475
comets
H 463-470
moon
G 472-476
moon
G 489-493
comets
Minimum
days
G 508-516
H 433-437
sun
H 500-503
Bill Nye- Sun
Bill Nye –
Planets
Dropping
marbles into
flour for craters.
Bill NyeComets and
Meteors
Demo eclipses
Birth of the
EarthDiscovery
Build manila
bridges during
testing!!
Bill Nye- Outer
Space
8
May 16-20
4a, 4b, 4c,
4d, 4e
universe
Power point
project on
Astronomy topics
May 23-27
Chapter # 11
Test
May 30 June
3
Chapter # 12
Test
June 6-10
Last week of
school
H 484-495
life cycle of a
star
H 496-499
galaxies
Astronomy
presentations
Bridge crushing!
BABY projectBiology review
for High school
(review
prevention of
STD’s)
Review Punnett
Squares,
genetics
Review Geologic
Time Periods
Maybe still
viewing
Astronomy
projects
Birth of a
BabyDiscovery
How the Earth
was madeDiscovery
Astronomy
probes to be
updated…
Notes- I have changed the curriculum to address a new plan of teaching in
LOGICAL sequence rather than book sequence. It seems best to introduce matter
and energy with states of matter, then density and buoyancy. Then we finish up
Physics before delving back into Chemistry. The goal here is to improve long term
memory and establish a solid base of knowledge for the students prior to
presenting a ton of information into their brains. Astronomy is last due to the
limited percent on the test and students really enjoy learning about the wonders of
our universe. Also Astronomy needs an understanding of both Physics and
Chemistry. The higher level processing skills students have developed are
particularly useful in teaching Astronomy as well as how we acquire and challenge
scientific knowledge.
Please feel free to teach in any sequence you feel comfortable with, just remember
to scaffold your writings and lab expectations so by the end of the year all content
has been covered and the students are ready for high school science classes!!
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