8th GRADE LIFE SCIENCE
Mrs. Lyons-Baker
IS IT A PLANT,
ANIMAL, OR NEITHER?
(This site may be
helpful to you as it provides an overview of the topics that will
be covered this year, student expectations, and classroom
expectations. As the year progresses, items such as special
project criteria and deadlines, special announcments, or other
materials will be added. If there is something that you would
like added or anything that you think can improve the site please
email me [contact the teacher tab] and I will see what I can
do to accommodate your request.)
Eighth grade science is
life science. This year will concentrate on four specific
areas which are:
1) the system of inquiry which includes conducting analyses,
thinking logically, how to question and how to investigate;
2) the properties of substances based on their atomic
structure;
3) cell type and organization and
4) biological inheritance, variation, and adaptation.
Each of these four areas will have specific learning targets that
each student is expected to master.
The classwork will be a mixture of lab work, book work, and
field work. Each quarter there will be a special project that
is to be completed outside of class time. Other than this
assignment, there will be little homework. However, as work is
concentrated in class, it is essential that class attendance be
excellent.
For classroom operations and grading procedures please go the the
announcement tab.
The curriculum and its goals for this year will
be:
Mastery of scientific investigative techniques.
This particular topic is the framework for class
and lab work for subject studied.
The end goal is that each student will be able to ask
meaningful questions, formulate hypotheses, design and
conduct experiments, and draw valid conclusions. As part of
this process, he/she will be able select and use appropriate tools,
resources, and tecnology.
ATOMS AND MOLECULES
The basic structure of an atom, how it forms
molecules, the wide array of elements and the combination of these
units of matter to form all substances will be the subject of this
unit.
Each student will be expected to know the basic structure of an
atom and how atoms combine in a closed system. They will also
be expected to know that substances have unique properties based on
their atomic structure.
Cell Biology
All living things are comprised of cells. In class, students
will be working with microscopes to view the content
and behavior of cells. The difference between
bacteria, plant, and animal cells will be presented as well as
the progression from single cell entities which are self sufficient
to multicelluar systems which are interdependent.
The end goal is that each student will know that cells function
similarly in all living organisms but do have differing
characteristics. That the cell is composed of different
parts, what the primary parts are and the function of each.
Genetics
The cell's ability to reproduce and
pass on its genetic material will be studied. How these
traits may be modified by environmental influences or other factors
will be reviewed.
The end goal is that each student will have a basic understanding
of genetics and know the differences between the life cycles and
reproduction methods of sexual and asexual organisms.
Evolution/Earth and Life History
The hisory of the earth, life on earth, and
the role of evolution in the development of the diversity of life
will be presented. The geological development of the earth
was studied in seventh grade. This year we will add the
development of life that occured along with the geological
changes. Evolution has contributed to the development of the
vast variety of plants and animals.
The end goals is that each student will have an
understanding of the earth processes that have occurred in the past
and continue to occur coupled with the development of life during
this history from bacteria to multi-celled animals. The
students are aware that both genetic variations and environmental
factors are causes of evolution and diversity of
organisms.
| 