2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
X 1st-6 weeks  2nd -6 weeks  3rd-6 weeks
8th Grade Science
Essential Standard:
Science as Inquiry
8.P.1 Understand the properties of matter and changes that occur when matter interacts in an open and
closed container.
Clarifying Objective:
1.1 Classify matter as elements, compounds, or mixtures based on how the atoms are packed together in
arrangements.
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.
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.
1.4 Explain how the idea of atoms and a balanced chemical equation support the law of conservation of mass
Unpacking: What does this standard mean a student should know, understand, and be able to do?
1.1 Atoms- arrangement, elements, mixtures and compounds
1
2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
1.2 Periodic Table- arrangement, reactivity, periods/groups, metals, non-metals and metalloids, conductivity
1.3 Physical and Chemical Properties-states of matter, chemical formulas and reactions
1.4 Law of Conservation of Mass- Chemical Equations
Essential Questions:
 What are you made of?
 If you can’t see an atom, how do we know it is there?
 What evidence proves whether you have a physical or chemical change?
 What are the risks/benefits of chemicals on the human health condition?
 How is the Law of Conservation of Matter relevant to everyday life?
Essential Vocabulary:
Atom, molecule, compounds, chemical/physical change, mixtures (heterogeneous and homogenous),
Mendeleev, metals, non-metals, metalloids, reactivity, conductivity, periods, groups, melting/boiling point,
specific heat, pH, density, solubility, polarity, solid, liquid and gas, precipitate, chemical formulas, Law of
Conservation of Matter
Learning Targets: “I Can”
I can explain the relationships between atoms and
elements. (R)
Identify Student Success: "I Will"
• I will compare and contrast atoms verses elements
I can explain how elements combine to form
compounds. (R)
• I will recognize elements by capitalized/upper case
chemical symbol and identify compounds as two or
2
2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
I can differentiate mixtures from compounds. (R)
more elements written together.
• I will determine the numbers of atoms in a given
molecule or Compound
I will compare and contrast mixtures and
compounds.
• I will explain the difference between homogeneous
and heterogeneous mixtures.
• I will recognize a homogeneous mixture is a
solution
I can explain how the Periodic Table is organized. (r)
I will explain how groups and periods are arranged on
the Periodic Table and identify the patterns evident
in the elements.
• I will interpret chemical reactivity of elements
based on their grouping on the Periodic Table.
• I will identify metals, nonmetals, and metalloids on
the Periodic Table
I can compare physical and chemical changes of
matter. (R)
I will identify characteristics of physical changes to
include: appearance, texture, color, odor,
melting/boiling points, density,
solubility, polarity.
• I will analyze changes in states of matter to
recognize them as physical changes.
• I will identify characterisitics of chemical changes to
include: gas production , precipitate formation and
3
2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
change in color or heat.
I can understand that all physical and chemical
changes involve a change in energy.
I will list examples of energy changes that are both
chemical and physical
I can explain how the idea of atoms and a balanced
chemical equation support the Law of Conservation
of Mass.
I will examine how the mass of products always
equals the mass of reactants in a closed system and in
an open system it will not hold true.
• I will count atoms to evaluate and confirm that
mass is neither gained or lost in chemical reactions
Resources:
Eric Loveday’s File Cabinet for 8th Grade NC Science ( PowerPoints, Labs, Notes, etc.)
https://sites.google.com/a/thelovedays.com/eric-loveday/files
Chemistry lessons, activities, worksheets, etc. www.sciencespot.net
Lab Activities, Lessons, Demonstration Ideas, etc. www.middleschoolscience.com
Videos www.unitedstreaming.com
Online Equation Balancer http://education.jlab.org/elementbalancing/index.html
BrainPoP Fireworks- http://www.brainpop.com/technology/funtech/fireworks/preview.weml
Atom Builder Activity http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/tryit/atom/
Extensions (for students who achieve the goals initially):
Study Island Virtual Labs
Team Teaching Activities and Strategies
Research/Presentations on Periodic Table/Elements
Element Games http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/elementgames.php
Element Quiz http://funbasedlearning.com/chemistry/elemQuiz/default.htm
4
2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
Periodic Table Game http://www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/ptdata/games/findelement.htm
Chemistry Challenge http://www.quia.com/cb/3333.
Elemental Quiz http://www.quia.com/jq/13118.html
Proton Don Game http://www.funbrain.com/periodic/
Chemistry Games http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/Elementsgames.htm
Reteaching strategies/intervention plans (for students who do not achieve the goals initially):
Individualized teaching/tutoring time with fellow students, teacher or resource support
ClassScapes Quizzes and Practice
Study Island Lessons, labs and quizzes
Atoms Family Math Lesson/Activities (www.sciencespot.net )
Organizing the Elements Activity (www.sciencespot.net )
Information and Technology Goals:
8.SI.1 Evaluate information resources based on specified criteria.
8.TT.1 Use technology and other resources for assigned tasks.
8.RP.1 Apply a research process to complete project-based activities.
8.SE.1 Analyze responsible behaviors when using information and technology resources.
Language Arts Common Core Goals:
1. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or
speaking.
2. Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling
when writing.
3. Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing speaking, reading or listening.
5
2011 8th Grade Science Curriculum Guide-Alleghany County Schools
6. Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases;
gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.
Assessment Strategies:
Daily Writing Review/Reflection
Laboratory Activities/Write-Up
Class Scape Assessments
Classroom Quizzes and Tests (multiple choice, matching, short answer)
Presentations (articles and independent research)
Oral Questioning
Projects (team and individual)
6