8th Grade Science SSA Review Notes

Nature of Science

Scientific Experimentation

  • Benchmarks:
    • SC.8.N.1.1 (SC.8.N.1.3, SC.6.N.1.1, SC.7.N.1.1):
      • Evaluate a scientific investigation using evidence of scientific thinking and problem-solving.
      • Interpret and analyze data to make predictions and/or defend conclusions.
    • SC.7.N.1.3 (SC.6.N.1.3): Distinguish between an experiment and other types of scientific investigations where variables cannot be controlled.
    • SC.7.N.1.4: Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in a given scientific investigation.
    • SC.8.N.1.4: Explain how hypotheses are valuable.

Evidence, Data, and Conclusions

  • Based on data of motion of objects traveling down a ramp, one can make conclusions based on collected evidence.
  • Example Data Table:
    • Shows mass (g) and time (s) for cars and balls rolling down a ramp across multiple trials.
    • Asks to identify a conclusion, supporting evidence, and additional desired evidence.

Experiment vs Investigation

  • Experiment:
    • Melanie conducts an experiment to find out whether wooden bats or metal bats allow baseballs to travel further by asking five different people to hit ten balls with each type of bat and measuring the distance each ball travels.
  • Investigation:
    • Brody conducts an investigation by researching the physical properties of pine wood and aluminum metal and then estimates the possible distance a ball could travel with a given force.
  • Key Difference: An experiment involves controlled variables and direct measurements, while an investigation involves research and estimation without direct manipulation of variables.

Variables

  • Lindsey wants to determine how the temperature of the water in her pool changed throughout the year.
  • She took measurements and made a graph.
  • Task:
    • Identify the independent and dependent variables in her investigation.
    • The test variable (independent) is what is being manipulated and is the independent variable, and the outcome variable (dependent) is what's being measured as the dependent variable.

Hypotheses

  • Kathryn wants to keep squirrels from eating the bird feed by experimenting to see which types of feed the squirrels prefer.
  • She hypothesizes that the squirrels prefer feed with berries.
  • Importance of Hypothesis: It's important for Kathryn to generate a hypothesis before starting her experiment because it provides a specific, testable prediction to guide her investigation.

Replication and Repetition

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.N.1.2 (SC.6.N.1.2, SC.8.N.1.2): Differentiate between replication and repetition; Evaluate the use of repeated trials or replication in a scientific investigation; Explain why scientific investigations should be replicable.
  • SC.6.N.1.4: Compare methods and results obtained in a scientific investigation.

Replication vs Repetition

  • Repetition: Elizabeth conducted an experiment to determine which toy car would travel the fastest down a ramp. She sent three different toy cars down a ramp five times each and recorded the time it took for each car to reach the bottom of the ramp. Elizabeth reported to her class that the smallest car had the greatest speed.
  • Replication: After hearing Elizabeth’s results, her classmate Kelley wanted to conduct the same experiment because she felt the results might be inaccurate. Kelley followed Elizabeth’s exact procedures to conduct her own experiment.
  • Why both activities are important: Repetition ensures reliability of results within one experiment, while replication validates the results across multiple experiments conducted by different individuals.

Comparing Investigations

  • Two students conducted the same experiment measuring pH.
  • Sarah used a digital pH meter, while Olivia used pH paper.
  • They recorded their results in tables.
  • Analysis: Digital pH meter (Sarah) provides more precise measurements compared to pH paper (Olivia).

Science Methods

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.N.1.5 (SC.8.N.1.5): Describe and analyze common methods and models used in different fields of study.
  • SC.7.N.3.2: Identify the benefits and limitations of the use of scientific models.
  • SC.8.E.5.10: Identify how technology is essential to science.

Methods of Science

  • Key terms in scientific experimentation include:
    • Observation
    • Hypothesis
    • Data
    • Conclusion
  • Description: Each term represents a step in the scientific method, from noticing a phenomenon to forming a testable explanation, gathering evidence, and drawing a conclusion based on the evidence.

Using Models

  • Books often have images of the solar system.
  • Helpful: Visual representation aids understanding of spatial relationships.
  • Misleading:May not accurately represent scale or distance.

Using Technology

  • Examples include microscopes and telescopes.
  • How They Are Used: They are used to make observations and collect data in scientific investigations.
  • Differences: Some are for small objects (microscopes) and some are for large objects (telescopes).
  • Similarities: They extend human senses, allowing for more detailed study.

Scientific Knowledge

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.N.2.2 (SC.8.N.1.5), SC.7.N.2.1 (SC.7.N.1.7): Explain that scientific knowledge may change as new evidence is discovered or new scientific interpretations are formed; Identify instances in the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed as a result of new evidence.
  • SC.8.N.1.6 (SC.7.N.1.6): Explain that scientific explanations are based on empirical evidence, logical reasoning, predictions, and modeling.

Scientific Knowledge

  • Scientific knowledge changes as new evidence is found.

Explanations based on Evidence

  • The Theory of Plate Tectonics describes how the Earth’s crust moves and has been moving over time, creating the surface as we know it today.
  • Evidence: Includes fossil distribution, geological formations, and magnetic striping on the ocean floor.
  • Modeling: Can be modeled using physical models or computer simulations.

Theory vs Law

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.N.3.1 (SC.6.N.3.1): Explain the difference between theories and laws; Identify examples of theories and laws.
  • SC.8.N.3.2: Explain why theories may be modified but are rarely discarded.

Theories vs Laws

  • Theories: Plate Tectonics, Evolution
  • Laws: Gravity, Conservation of Energy
  • Difference: Theories explain why something happens and laws describe what happens in nature, often mathematically.

Modifying Theories

  • Atomic Theory has changed over time with new evidence.
  • Changes: From Dalton's model to Rutherford's to the quantum mechanical model.

Earth Science

The Universe

  • Benchmarks
    • SC.8.E.5.3: Compare and contrast the relative distance, relative size, and general composition of astronomical bodies in the universe.
    • SC.8.E.5.1: Describe distances between objects in space in the context of light and space travel.
    • SC.8.E.5.2: Describe that the universe contains billions of galaxies and stars.

Comparing Objects in Space

  • Objects: Jupiter, Betelgeuse, The Moon
  • Comparison to Earth:
    • Size
    • Distance from the Sun
    • Atmospheric composition

Distances in Space

  • Distances are measured in light-years.

Our Universe

  • Contains billions of stars and galaxies.

Sun and Stars

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.E.5.5: Describe and classify physical properties of stars: apparent magnitude, temperature (color), size, and absolute brightness.
  • SC.8.E.5.6: Evaluate models of solar properties and explain solar characteristics, including rotation, structure of the Sun, convection, sunspots, solar flares, and prominences.

Properties of Stars

  • Stars: Vega, Our Sun, Alpha Centauri
  • Comparison: Brightness, size, and temperature

Properties of the Sun

  • Key terms related to the sun:
    • Chromosphere
    • Convection Zone
    • Core
    • Corona
    • Photosphere
    • Prominence
    • Radiation Zone
    • Solar Flare
    • Sunspots

Solar System

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.E.5.7: Compare and contrast the characteristics of objects in the Solar System.
  • SC.8.E.5.4: Identify and explain the role that gravity plays in the formation and motion of planets, stars, and solar systems.
  • SC.8.E.5.8: Compare and contrast various historical models of the Solar System.

Solar System Objects

  • Planets listed with characteristics: Moon(s), Thick Atmosphere, Ring(s). Planets include Jupiter, Venus, Earth, Neptune, Mercury

Role of Gravity

  • Gravity is crucial in the formation of the Sun, planets, and stars.

Models of the Solar System

  • Types: Heliocentric (Sun-centered) and Geocentric (Earth-centered).

Earth-Moon-Sun

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.E.5.9: Explain the effect of astronomical bodies on each other, including the Sun’s and the Moon’s effects on Earth.

Seasons and Moon Phases

  • When it is summer in England (UK), it is winter in Florida.
  • The Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned in a new moon.

Eclipses

  • Lunar eclipses are visible to more people than solar eclipses because they occur over a wider area.

Tides

  • Opposite sides of the Earth have high tide simultaneously due to the Moon's gravitational pull and inertia.

Earth's Surface

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.E.6.2: Identify and describe steps of the rock cycle and relate them to surface and sub-surface events.
  • SC.6.E.6.1: Describe and explain how Earth's surface is built up and torn down through the processes of physical and chemical weathering, erosion, and deposition.
  • SC.6.E.6.2: Identify different types of landforms commonly found on Earth; Describe similarities and differences among landforms found in Florida and those found outside of Florida.
  • SC.7.E.6.6: Identify and describe the impact that humans have had on Earth.

Rock Cycle

  • Processes change rocks on and below the surface of the Earth.

Weathering, Erosion, Deposition

  • Examples: River Delta, Meandering Stream, Cracked Rock after Expansion.
  • Explanation: Water changes the landscape through weathering, erosion, and deposition.

Landforms

  • Examples: Dune, Delta, Sinkhole.
  • Florida: Features common in Florida.

Human Impact

  • Activities: Cutting down Forests, Oil Spill.
  • Effect: These activities affect the Earth.

Geologic Time

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.E.6.4: Identify examples of and explain physical evidence that supports scientific theories that Earth has evolved over geologic time due to natural processes.
  • SC.7.E.6.3: Identify and describe current scientific methods for measuring the age of Earth and its parts.

Geologic Time Evidence

  • Examples showcase changing Earth surfaces:
    • Volcanic Eruption
    • Eroded Mountain Range
    • Dry Sea Bed.

Measuring Age of Earth

  • Methods help determine organism age precisely.

Plate Tectonics

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.E.6.5 (SC.7.E.6.7): Describe the scientific theory of plate tectonics and how the movement of Earth’s crustal plates and the flow of heat and material cause various geologic events to occur.
  • SC.7.E.6.1: Identify and/or describe the layers of Earth.

Plate Tectonics

  • Volcanoes can be created by colliding or separating boundaries.

Layers of the Earth

  • Identify the thickest, hottest, and densest layers of Earth.

Interactions between the Spheres

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.E.7.4: Differentiate and explain interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
  • SC.6.E.7.2 (SC.6.E.7.3): Describe and explain how the cycling of water and global patterns influence local weather and climate.
  • SC.6.E.7.6: Differentiate between weather and climate.
  • SC.6.E.7.9: Describe the composition and structure of the atmosphere and how the atmosphere protects life and insulates the planet.

Spheres Identification

  • Spheres: Geosphere, Hydrosphere, Cryosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere.

Weather Patterns

  • Ocean circulation patterns affect Florida's weather.
  • Cold-air interaction with Florida's warm air impacts climate.

Weather vs Climate

  • Maps depict Weather and Climate.

Atmosphere

  • Layers of the atmosphere protect life on Earth.

Sun Influences Weather

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.E.7.5: Explain how energy provided by the Sun influences global patterns of atmospheric movement and the temperature differences among air, water, and land.
  • SC.6.E.7.1: Differentiate among radiation, conduction, and convection in Earth’s systems.

Sun Heating Earth

  • Wind patterns arise due to temperature differences.

Radiation, Conduction, Convection

  • Examples: Heating of air over the road (mirage), hot air rising (cold air sinks), Sun’s heat travels through space.
  • Identification: Each image represents different heat transfer types.

Physical Science

Physical Properties

  • Benchmarks
    • SC.8.P.8.4: Classify and compare substances on the basis of their physical properties and explain that these properties are independent of the amount of the sample.
    • SC.8.P.8.3: Describe density and calculate and compare the densities of various materials using the materials’ masses and volumes.

Physical Properties

  • Examples: Boiling Point, Flammability, Conducts Heat/Electricity, Ability to Rust, Density.

Density

  • Changes in volume affect density, while mass remains constant.

Elements, Compounds, and Mixtures

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.P.8.7: Explain that atoms are the smallest unit of an element and are composed of subatomic particles.
  • SC.8.P.8.5: Describe how elements combine in a multitude of ways to produce compounds that make up all living and nonliving things.
  • SC.8.P.8.9: Differentiate among pure substances, mixtures, and solutions.
  • SC.8.P.8.1: Describe the motion of particles in solids, liquids, and/or gases.
  • SC.8.P.8.6: Explain that elements are grouped in the periodic table according to similarities of their properties.
  • SC.8.P.8.8: Identify common examples of acids, bases, salts. Compare, contrast, and classify the properties of compounds, including acids and bases.

Atoms and Elements

  • The difference between a Carbon atom and a Nitrogen atom is the number of protons.

Elements and Compounds

  • Elements combine to create compounds.
  • Examples:
    • Hydrogen + Oxygen = Water
    • Sodium + Chlorine = Salt
    • Carbon + Hydrogen + Oxygen = Sugar

Pure Substances vs Mixtures

  • The main difference between a compound and a mixture is that compounds are chemically bonded, while mixtures are physically combined.

Solutions

  • Identify the solute and solvent for each of the solutions.

Motion of Particles

  • Gases move freely because they have more energy than particles in solid or liquid.

Periodic Table

  • Elements in the same group have similar properties to Magnesium.

Acids, Bases, and Salts

  • Acids and bases react to create salts.

Physical vs Chemical Changes

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.P.9.2: Differentiate between physical and chemical changes.
  • SC.8.P.9.1: Explain that mass is conserved when substances undergo physical and chemical changes, according to the Law of Conservation of Mass.
  • SC.8.P.9.3: Describe how temperature influences chemical changes.

Physical vs Chemical Changes

  • Identify examples of each type and how to recognize them.

Conservation of Mass

  • Mass remains constant as it's conserved.

Temperature and Chemical Changes

  • Increasing temperature affects reaction rate.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.P.10.1: Identify, compare, and contrast the variety of types of radiation present in radiation from the Sun.
  • SC.8.E.5.11: Identify and compare characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum; Identify common uses and applications of electromagnetic waves.

Sun’s Radiation

  • Types of radiation from the sun:
    • Infrared
    • Visible Light
    • Ultraviolet

Electromagnetic Spectrum

  • Trends in the waves within the EM Spectrum can be described using “wavelength” and “frequency”.

Waves

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.P.10.3: Describe and explain that waves move at different speeds through different materials.
  • SC.7.P.10.2: Explain that light waves can be reflected, refracted, and absorbed.

Speed of Waves

  • Changes in the speed of light as it travels through different media.

Reflect, Refract, Absorb

  • Identify the motion of light waves.

Transformation of Energy

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.P.11.2: Identify and describe the transformation of energy from one form to another.
  • SC.6.P.11.1: Differentiate between potential and kinetic energy; Identify and explain situations where energy is transformed between kinetic energy and potential energy.
  • SC.7.P.11.3: Identify and describe examples of the Law of Conservation of Energy.

Transformation of Energy

  • Examples of each type of energy (chemical, thermal, electrical, mechanical, light, and nuclear).

Potential vs Kinetic Energy

  • Skater's energy transformation in a skate park.

Law of Conservation of Energy

  • Energy in a spring is neither created nor destroyed.

Heat Flow

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.P.11.4: Describe how heat flows in predictable ways.
  • SC.7.P.11.1: Explain that adding heat to or removing heat from a system may result in a temperature change and possibly a change of state.

Heat Flow

  • Examples of heat flow types include:
    • Radiation
    • Conduction
    • Convection

Adding and Removing Heat

  • Cooling a beaker involves removing heat.

Types of Forces

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.P.13.1: Identify and describe types of forces.
  • SC.6.P.13.2: Describe the relationship among distance, mass, and gravitational force between any two objects.
  • SC.8.P.8.2: Differentiate between mass and weight.

Types of Forces

  • Identify force types.
  • Friction opposes an object traveling horizontally.
  • Unbalanced forces change an object’s motion.

Distance, Mass, and Gravity

  • Changes in distance and/or masses the force of gravity.

Weight vs Mass

  • Differentiate instruments measuring mass and weight.

Balanced and Unbalanced Forces

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.P.13.3: Describe and explain that an unbalanced force acting on an object changes its speed and/or direction.
  • SC.6.P.12.1: Interpret and analyze graphs of distance and time for an object moving at a constant speed.

Unbalanced Forces

  • To move, the applied force must overcome opposing forces.

Distance vs Time

  • Describe motion during each section of the graph.

Life Science

Organization of Organisms

Benchmark

  • SC.6.L.14.1: Identify and/or describe patterns in the hierarchical organization of organisms, from atoms to molecules, to cells, to tissues, to organs, to organ systems, to organisms.

Hierarchy

  • Hierarchical organization of organisms progresses from:
    • Atom
    • Molecule
    • Cell
    • Tissue
    • Organ
    • Organ System
    • Organism
  • List images in order of increasing complexity.

Cell Theory

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.L.14.2: Identify, describe, and explain the components of cell theory.
  • SC.6.L.14.3: Describe how cells undergo similar processes to maintain homeostasis.

Cell Theory

  • Cell theory statements include:
    • All living things are made of cells.
    • Cells are the smallest unit of life.
    • All cells come from other cells.
  • All cells do NOT have a nucleus and chloroplasts.

Homeostasis

  • Cellular processes maintain homeostasis.

Cell Structure and Function

Benchmark

  • SC.6.L.14.4: Compare and/or contrast the structure and function of major organelles of plant and animal cells.

Parts of a Cell

  • Compare plant cells, animal cells, and bacteria cells.

Human Body

Benchmarks

  • SC.6.L.14.5: Identify and/or describe the general functions of the major systems of the human body. Identify and/or describe how the major systems of the human body interact to maintain homeostasis.
  • SC.6.L.14.6: Identify, compare, and/or contrast the types of infectious agents that affect the human body.

Human Body Systems

  • Problems with lungs will affect the heart.

Infectious Agents

  • Compare and contrast:
    • Bacteria
    • Fungus
    • Virus
  • Include information on transmission, treatment, and prevention methods

Classification

Benchmark

  • SC.6.L.15.1: Students will analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified.

Classification

  • Identify the three Domains and how the Six Kingdoms fit within them.

Theory of Evolution

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.L.15.2: Identify and explain ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.
  • SC.7.L.15.1: Identify and explain ways in which fossil evidence is consistent with the scientific theory of evolution.
  • SC.7.L.15.3: Identify and explain how a species’ inability to adapt may contribute to the extinction of that species.

Natural Selection

  • Under certain conditions are white rabbits best suited?

Fossil Evidence

  • Examine fossil evidence explaining the evolution from land mammals to aquatic mammals.

Adaptation or Extinction

  • Polar bears must adapt to their changing environment to avoid extinction.

DNA and Genetics

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.L.16.1: Describe and explain that every organism requires a set of instructions that specifies its traits. Identify and explain that hereditary information (DNA) contains genes located in the chromosomes of each cell and that heredity is the passage of these instructions from one generation to another.
  • SC.7.L.16.2: Use Punnett squares and pedigrees to determine genotypic and phenotypic probabilities.
  • SC.7.L.16.3: Compare and contrast general processes of sexual and asexual reproduction that result in the passage of hereditary information from one generation to another.

DNA

  • Structural hierarchy includes:
    • Nucleus
    • Chromosome
    • Gene
    • DNA
  • Describe the hierarchy as it applies to genetic material.

Punnett Squares

  • Heterozygous dominant vs homozygous dominant organisms definitions are important.

Mitosis and Meiosis

  • Differentiate between cells undergoing mitosis and meiosis.

Relationships in Ecosystems

Benchmarks

  • SC.7.L.17.2 : Compare and contrast relationships between organisms, such as mutualism, predation, parasitism, competition, and commensalism.
  • SC.7.L.17.1: Describe and explain the roles of and relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers in the process of energy transfer in a food web.
  • SC.7.L.17.3: Identify and describe various limiting factors in an ecosystem and their impact on native populations.

Relationships between Organisms

  • Construct Venn Diagram:
    • Mutualism
    • Commensalism
    • Parasitism
  • Include examples.

Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers

  • Describe the role each organism has in the food chain/web.

Limiting Factors

  • What are examples of limiting factors?

Conservation of Mass and Energy (Photosynthesis and Respiration)

Benchmarks

  • SC.8.L.18.4: Explain that living systems obey the Law of Conservation of Mass and the Law of Conservation of Energy.
  • SC.8.L.18.1 (SC.8.L.18.2): Describe and explain the general processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration; Describe the role of light, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll in the process and products of photosynthesis.
  • SC.8.L.18.3: Describe how matter and energy are transferred in the carbon cycle.

Conservation of Mass and Energy

  • Energy: states that the total amount of energy in an isolated system remains constant over time. This law means that energy can change its location within the system, and that it can change form within the system but not change in amount of total energy.
  • Mass: states that the mass of an isolated system will remain constant over time. This law means that mass cannot be created or destroyed, although it may be rearranged in space and changed into different types of particles.

Photosynthesis and Respiration

  • What is created during photosynthesis that is used by the plant for energy? What is created during photosynthesis that is used by humans?

Carbon Cycle

  • What are some reservoirs (storage) of carbon in the environment?