Jefferson County Science Scope and Sequence
Course:
8th
Grade Physical Science
Course Code: 2003010
Quarter: 3C ~ 2weeks
Topic(s) of Study: Cycling of Matter and Energy
Bodies of Knowledge: Nature of Science and Life Science
Big Idea(s): 1: The Practice of Science; 18: Matter and Energy Transformations
Essential Questions: How do scientists analyze the relationship between photosynthesis and
respiration? How does the carbon on our Earth get cycled through the various spheres? Is there
substantiated evidence that living systems follow the Laws of Conservation of Mass and Energy?
Why is scientific argumentation necessary in scientific inquiry and what role does it play in the
generation and validation of scientific knowledge?
NGSSS
SC.8.L.18.1 Describe and
investigate the process of
photosynthesis, such as the roles
of light, carbon dioxide, water
and chlorophyll; production of
food; release of oxygen.
Cognitive Complexity: High
SC.8.L.18.2 Describe and
investigate how cellular
respiration breaks down food to
provide energy and release
carbon dioxide. Cognitive
Complexity: Moderate
SC.8.L.18.3 Construct a
scientific model of the carbon
cycle to show how matter and
energy are continuously
transferred within and between
organisms and their physical
environment. Cognitive
Complexity: Moderate
OUTLINE OF CONTENT
(CONCEPT)
I Photosynthesis requires
A. Light
B. Carbon dioxide
C. Water
D. Chlorophyll
II Photosynthesis
A. Produces food for
the plant
B. Releases oxygen into
the atmosphere
III Cellular Respiration
A. Breaks down food to
provide energy
required to survive.
B. Releases carbon
dioxide
III Carbon cycle results in
the transfer of
A. Energy
B. Matter
SC.8.L.18.4 Cite evidence that
IV Living systems follow
living systems follow the Laws of
A. Law of Conservation
Conservation of Mass and Energy
of Mass
Cognitive Complexity: Moderate
B. Law of Conservation
of Energy
SC.8.N.1.5 Analyze the methods
used to develop a scientific
explanation as seen in different
OBJECTIVES

Describe the roles of light, carbon
dioxide, water and chlorophyll in
the photosynthetic process.
 Explain how photosynthesis
produces food for the plant and
releases oxygen into the
atmosphere.
 Describe how cellular respiration
breaks down food for energy and
releases carbon dioxide.
 Can illustrate and give examples of
how matter and energy are
continuously transferred within and
between organisms and their
physical environment.
 Cite evidence that living systems
follow the Laws of Conservation of
Mass and Energy
Objectives below are from Quarter 1A
and should be embedded in this topic
of study.
 Give examples of how advances in
technology have affected scientific
theories and laws.
 Explain why models are used in
science to observe processes that
happen too slowly, too quickly, or
are too small or vast for direct
observation.
 Give examples of visual/physical,
mathematical, and conceptual
models as used in science.
1
Jefferson County Science Scope and Sequence
fields of science. Cognitive
Complexity: High

SC.8.N.3.1 Select models useful
in relating the results of their
own investigations. Cognitive
Complexity: High.


Explain the difference between an
experiment and other types of
scientific investigations.
Describe the creative means
scientists must use to design an
investigation.
Explain what is meant when we say
that the processes of science
frequently do not correspond to
the traditional portrayal of “the
scientific method?”
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