In Year 8 Science, students compare physical and chemical changes and use the particle model to explain and predict the properties and behaviours of substances. They identify different forms of energy and describe how energy transfers and transformations cause change in simple systems. They compare processes of rock formation, including the timescales involved. They analyse the relationship between structure and function at cell, organ and body system levels. Students examine the different science knowledge used in occupations. They explain how evidence has led to an improved understanding of a scientific idea and describe situations in which scientists collaborated to generate solutions to contemporary problems. They reflect on implications of these solutions for different groups in society.
Content
The following topics provide the framework for learning throughout the year, but not necessarily in this order, as different Year 8 classes will cover content at different times of the year.
Assessment
Students are assessed against the Australian Curriculum Science achievement standards. Evidence of student achievement will be gathered through tests, assignments and practical reports.
Students are tested on their knowledge of cells, rocks, chemical reactions and energy. They test how changing variables affects the reaction rate of enzymes and write a practical report on their findings. They design a method to determine the densities of a range of liquids. They write a persuasive text on a topic of their choice and investigate vaccinations benefits to humanity.
CARE • COMMITMENT • CO-OPERATION • RESPECT
