Grade Level: Grade 8

Geology

Concepts
Force/Energy

Enduring Understandings
Scientists develop theories and models to explain and predict their observations.
The Earth has changed over time.
The movement of matter deep within the Earth releases energy that produces earthquakes and volcanoes.
The process of the rock cycle cause rocks to change continuously from one form to another.
Interactions between the Earth, Moon and Sun are predictable, and result in regular phenomenon.
Although the surface of the Earth appears stable, there is a constant movement of materials as weathering and erosion wear down the Earth's surface features.

Skills
1.  Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.
2.  Read, interpret and examine the credibility of scientific claims in different sources of information.
3.  Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.
4.  Identify dependent and independent variables, and those variables that are kept constant when designing an experiment.
5.  Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.
6.  Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data.
7.  Identify and present relationships between variables in appropriate graphs.
8.  Draw conclusions and identify sources of error.
9.  Provide explanations to investigated problems or questions.
10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence, and clear logic.

Meteorology

Concepts
Systems/Energy/Interactions

Enduring Understandings
Energy is transferred by radiation, conduction and/or convection.
Scientists develop theories and models to explain and predict their observations.
All winds are caused by differences in air pressure.
Temperature is directly related to how much moisture air can hold.
Pressure, temperature, and moisture determine the properties of weather cells.
Temperature and precipitation determine the climate of any region.
The long-term effects of climate are influenced by natural cycles as well as other factors.
Does human behavior truly influence the climate?

Skills
1.  Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.
2.  Read, interpret and examine the credibility f scientific claims in different sources of information.
3.  Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.
4.  Identify dependent and independent variables, and those variables that are kept constant when designing an experiment.
5.  Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.
6.  Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data.
7.  Identify and present relationships between variables in appropriate graphs.
8.  Draw conclusions and identify sources of error.
9.  Provide explanations to investigated problems or questions.
10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence, and clear logic.

Understanding the Universe--Astronomy

Concepts
Evolution and Equilibrium

Enduring Understandings
Scientists develop theories and models to explain and predict their observations.
Mass will determine the evolution of the Universe.
Gravity's influence is the universal truth that determines the form and behavior of celestial bodies.
According to the Nebular Theory, the solar system evolved over the course of billions of years from a giant nebula.
Despite differences in size and composition, stars and galaxies follow the basic laws of nature.

Skills
1.  Identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.
2.  Read, interpret and examine the credibility f scientific claims in different sources of information.
3.  Design and conduct appropriate types of scientific investigations to answer different questions.
4.  Identify dependent and independent variables, and those variables that are kept constant when designing an experiment.
5.  Use appropriate tools and techniques to make observations and gather data.
6.  Use mathematical operations to analyze and interpret data.
7.  Identify and present relationships between variables in appropriate graphs.
8.  Draw conclusions and identify sources of error.
9.  Provide explanations to investigated problems or questions.
10. Communicate about science in different formats, using relevant science vocabulary, supporting evidence, and clear logic.