Science Grade

Scientific literacy encompasses the understanding of key concepts and principles of science; familiarity with the natural world for both its diversity and unity; and use of scientific knowledge and scientific ways of thinking for individual and social purposes (American Association for the Advancement of Science). Standard 5. Scientific Processes All students will develop problem-solving, decision-making and inquiry skills, reflected by formulating usable questions and hypotheses, planning experiments, conducting systematic observations, interpreting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results. Big Idea:

Science is a way of thinking about and investigating the world in which we all live. 5. 1. 8 A. Habits of Mind Essential Questions What constitutes evidence? When do you know you have enough and the right kind of evidence? How can this result be best justified and explained to others? Enduring Understandings

Scientific inquiry involves asking scientifically-oriented questions, collecting evidence, forming explanations, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge and theory, and communicating and justifying explanations. Areas of Focus 1. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of data, claims, and arguments. Communicate experimental findings to others. Recognize that the results of scientific investigations are seldom exactly the same and that replication is often necessary. Recognize that curiosity, skepticism, openmindedness, and honesty are attributes of scientists. Comments and Examples

As a skill standard, habits of mind are assessed in the context of standards 5. 5 – 5. 10, rather than as stand-alone items. Sample Test Item: Cheng wants to know which brand of paper towel absorbs more water, Brand X or Brand Y. He uses squares of each brand and measures how much water is absorbed from cups of water after 30 seconds of submersion. His data from the five trials are shown below. Describe and explain three ways that Cheng could improve his experimental design. Water Absorption Paper Towel Brand Amount of Water (mL) Absorbed (5 trials) Brand X 30, 31, 32, 34, 34 Brand Y 40, 43, 44, 45, 45 2. 3. 4. Essential Questions

What makes a question scientific? 5. 1. 8 B. Inquiry and Problem Solving Enduring Understandings Scientific inquiry involves asking scientifically-oriented questions, collecting evidence, forming explanations, connecting explanations to scientific knowledge and theory, and communicating and justifying explanations. Areas of Focus 1. Identify questions and make predictions that can be addressed by conducting investigations. Comments and Examples Sample Test Items: 1. Explain how you can determine the volume of a solid object, such as a small rock, using only water and either a measuring cup or a graduated cylinder. 2.

Design and conduct investigations incorporating the use of a control. Focal Points at this Grade Level are BOLDED *Correct answer to a multiple-choice item Grade 8 Science Areas of Focus Page 1 of 19 3. Collect, organize, and interpret the data that result from experiments. Use the picture below to answer the question. 2. Predict what will most likely happen (sink or float) to the amber when it is placed in each liquid? Explain the reasons for your hypothesis. 3. A student made this hypothesis. “If most plants did not carry out photosynthesis, then many organisms would die. ” Which statement best supports his hypothesis?

The environment has a limited water supply. B. * C. D. The environment has a limited mineral supply. The environment has a limited oxygen supply. The environment has a limited carbon dioxide supply. 5. 1. 8 C. Safety Essential Questions What does Safety First demand of us in each setting? What rules are general and what are situationspecific? Safety first! Enduring Understandings Areas of Focus 1. Know when and how to use appropriate safety equipment with all classroom materials Understand and practice safety procedures for conducting science investigations. Comments and Examples

Sample Test Item: Maria has one glass of pure water and one glass of salt water, which look exactly alike. Maria has decided to boil small samples of water on a hot plate to evaporate the water to identify which sample has salt dissolved in it. Identify the potential hazards of doing so and what Maria should do to keep safe. 1. Standard 5. 2 Science and Society All students will develop an understanding of how people of various cultures have contributed to the advancement of science and technology, and how major discoveries and events have advanced science and technology. Big Idea: Science is a human endeavor.

People from many cultures have contributed to the understanding of science. 5. 2. 8 A. Cultural Contributions Essential Questions What do we mean in science when we say that we stand on the shoulders of giants? Enduring Understandings Understanding the development of scientific ideas is essential for building scientific knowledge. Focal Points at this Grade Level are BOLDED *Correct answer to a multiple-choice item Grade 8 Science Areas of Focus Page 2 of 19 Area of Focus 1. Recognize that scientific theories: develop over time; depend on the contributions of many people; and reflect the social and political climate of their time.

Know that scientists are men and women of many cultures who often work together to solve scientific and technological problems. Describe how different people in different cultures have made and continue to make contributions to science and technology. Comments and Examples Instructional Focus: As students study science, they should be aware of the historical context that has impacted the development of various scientific theories and that the body of scientific knowledge is constantly changing.

It is not expected that students memorize the specific contributions of individual scientists, but rather they will appreciate the context of their work and how it has impacted what we know about the world in which we live. Sample Test Item: Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species is often considered to be the foundation of biology as it offers a unifying logical explanation for the diversity of life. Provide a brief explanation as to why it took Darwin 23 years to publish his work after conceiving his revolutionary ideas. Inappropriate assessment item for this CPI: Who wrote On the Origin of Species?

Historical Perspectives Essential Questions How do science and technology influence each other? Enduring Understanding: Technology evolves at an ever accelerating pace based on the needs and wants of society, and is influenced by the cultural, political, and environmental values and constraints. Areas of Focus 1. Describe the impact of major events and people in the history of science and technology, in conjunction with other world events. Describe the development and exponential growth of scientific knowledge and technological innovations. Comments and Examples

In the mid-1800s, Louis Pasteur proved the germ theory of disease. The impact of his work saved millions of human lives. Which invention made Pasteur’s work possible? A. telescope * B. microscope C. endoscope D. spectroscope 2. 2. According to the above data table, which country is most likely to become a world leader in energy production? Explain the reasons for your choice. Standard 5. 3 Mathematical Applications All students will integrate mathematics as a tool for problem-solving in science, and as a means of expressing and/or modeling scientific theories.