Grade 8 Science Information

  • One of the main goals of the science department is to help students become better critical thinkers. The courses offered by the department are diverse and provide students with the opportunity to broaden their content knowledge. A wide variety of project-based learning experiences are provided for students through scientific research opportunities and other content-related work. Advanced Placement courses are offered in every possible subject area. Our electives are unique and diverse offering all types of learners an opportunity to experience science in action. The courses offered by the department assist students to become well-rounded, competitive and prepared for their college experiences.

    8th Grade Science 

    Living Environment with Lab

    Curriculum Level: Regents

    Type of Examination: Regents Exam

    Prerequisite: None

    Credit: 1
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    DESCRIPTION

    This is a Regents level course based upon the Living Environment curriculum. Living Environment is a New York State Department of Education’s inquiry-based course focusing on the scientific method, biological tools, life characteristics of cells, reproduction, modern genetics, evolution, diversity, and ecology. This course also includes a study of human anatomy, health and physiology. 

    TEXT 

    Biology, Miller & Levine, Prentice Hall 2003.

    WORK EXPECTATIONS 

    Weekly quizzes and unit tests will cover class work, laboratory and homework assignments. Homework is given each night and laboratory assignments must be completed. According to state law, “All students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences, with satisfactory laboratory reports prior to entry into a Regents examination in science.” There are four state-mandated labs that must be completed to take the Regents exam and pass this course.

    COURSE OUTLINE

    1. Scientific Method
      1. Scientific Processes
      2. Lab Skills
      3. Organization of Data
      4. Experimental Design
    2. Cells
      1. Living vs Nonliving
      2. Characteristics of Living Things
      3. Life Functions
      4. Cell Structures
      5. Levels of Cellular Organization
      6. Cell Transport
    3. Biochemistry
      1. Organic vs Inorganic Compounds
      2. Cellular Building Blocks: Lipids, Proteins, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids
      3. Enzymes
      4. Biochemical Processes: Cellular Respiration & Photosynthesis
    4. Human Systems
      1. Digestive System
      2. Excretory System
      3. Respiratory System
      4. Circulatory System 
      5. Nervous System
      6. Endocrine System
      7. Immune System
    5. Reproduction / Development
      1. Asexual Reproduction: Mitosis
      2. Sexual Reproduction: Meiosis
      3. Male Reproductive System
      4. Female Reproductive System
      5. Fertilization & Development
    6. GeneticS
      1. Inheritance of Traits
      2. DNA Structure and Function
      3. DNA Replication
      4. Protein Synthesis
      5. Epigenetics
      6. Mutations
      7. Genetic Disorders & Testing
      8. Genetic Engineering
    7. Evolution
      1. Sources of Evolution
      2. Evidence of Evolution
      3. Genetics Role in Evolution
      4. Charles Darwin
      5. Natural and Artificial Selection
    8. Ecology
      1. Levels of Organization
      2. Parts of an Ecosystem
      3. Ecological Relationships
      4. Ecological Pyramids
      5. Cycles of Matter
      6. Biodiversity
      7. Populations
      8. Ecological Succession
    9. Human Impact
      1. Climate Change
      2. Ozone Depletion
      3. Effects of Human Population Growth
      4. Renewable vs Non-Renewable resources
      5. Conservation Practices
    10. Required New York State Labs
      1. Diffusion Through a Membrane
      2. Making Connections
      3. Beaks of Finch
      4. Relationships and Biodiversity

     

    Physical Setting:  Earth Science with Lab

    Curriculum Level: Regents

    Type of Examination: Regents Exam

    Credit: 1
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    DESCRIPTION

    This course provides a foundation in understanding Earth’s complex and dynamic processes. Topics include geology, paleontology, astronomy, meteorology, and climatology. These topics advance students’ understanding of issues such as climate change, the use of natural resources and energy development. Instructional methods include lecture, inquiry activities, discussion and lab investigations. This course emphasizes the use of reference materials and raw data to draw conclusions. A Regents exam and a lab practical are required.

    COURSE OUTLINE

    1. Meteorology and Weather
      1. Weather Variables
      2. Atmosphere
      3. Forecasting
      4. Hazards
      5. Water Cycle
    2. Astronomy
      1. Terrestrial Coordinates
      2. Earth’s Motions
      3. Seasons
      4. Solar System
    3. Weathering, Erosion and Deposition
      1. Landscapes
      2. Topography
    4. Geologic History
      1. Fossils
      2. Bedrock
      3. Plate Tectonics
    5. Minerals
      1. Composition
      2. Identification
    6. Rocks
      1. Rock Cycle
      2. Identification

    TEXT 

    Earth Science: Geology, the Environment and the Universe, Glencoe 2002
    Reviewing Earth Science, 3rd edition, Thomas McGuire, Amsco 2010

    WORK EXPECTATIONS

    Students are expected to participate in class discussions and lab work. Quizzes, homework, projects and tests are used to monitor progress. State law requires that “All students in a Regents science course must complete the laboratory requirement of 1200 minutes of hands-on laboratory experiences, with satisfactory laboratory reports prior to entry into a Regents examination in science.”

Faculty