Grade 8

        Standards

 of Learning

 

 

for Virginia

                                            Public Schools

 

 

 

 

Commonwealth of Virginia

Board of Education

Post Office Box 2120

Richmond, Virginia 23218-2120

Physical Science

 

The Physical Science standards continue to build on skills of systematic investigation with a clear focus on variables and repeated trials. Validating conclusions using evidence and data becomes increasingly important at this level. Students will plan and conduct research involving both classroom experimentation and literature reviews from written and electronic resources. Research methods and skills highlight practical problems and questions. Students will share their work using written reports and other presentations.

 

The Physical Science standards stress an in-depth understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. The standards place considerable emphasis on the technological application of physical science principles. Major areas covered by the standards include the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; nuclear reactions; temperature and heat; sound; light; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion.

 

The Physical Science standards continue to focus on student growth in understanding the nature of science. This scientific view defines the idea that explanations of nature are developed and tested using observation, experimentation, models, evidence, and systematic processes. The nature of science includes the concepts that scientific explanations are based on logical thinking; are subject to rules of evidence; are consistent with observational, inferential, and experimental evidence; are open to rational critique; and are subject to refinement and change with the addition of new scientific evidence. The nature of science includes the concept that science can provide explanations about nature, can predict potential consequences of actions, but cannot be used to answer all questions.

 

PS.1 The student will plan and conduct investigations in which

a) chemicals and equipment are used safely;

b) length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately

measured and reported using the International System of Units (SI - metric);

c) conversions are made among metric units applying appropriate prefixes;

d) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated

cylinders, and spring scales are used to gather data;

e) numbers are expressed in scientific notation where appropriate;

f) research skills are utilized using a variety of resources;

g) independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials

are identified;

h) data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived

quantities, and the number of trials are constructed and interpreted;

i) data tables for descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central

tendency, the range of the data set, and the number of repeated trials are

    constructed and interpreted;

j) frequency distributions, scattergrams, line plots, and histograms are

constructed and interpreted;

k) valid conclusions are made after analyzing data;

l)   research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions;

m) experimental results are presented in appropriate written form; and

n) an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced.

 

PS.2 The student will investigate and understand the basic nature of matter. Key

concepts include

a) the particle theory of matter;

b) elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and salts;

c) solids, liquids, and gases;

d) characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties;

e) physical properties (shape, density, solubility, odor, melting point, boiling

point, color); and

f) chemical properties (acidity, basicity, combustibility, reactivity).

 

PS.3 The student will investigate and understand the modern and historical models of

atomic structure. Key concepts include

a) the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr in understanding

the atom; and

b) the modern model of atomic structure.

 

PS.4 The student will investigate and understand the organization and use of the

periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include

a) symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical families (groups), and

periods;

b) classification of elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals; and

c) simple compounds (formulas and nature of bonding).

 

PS.5 The student will investigate and understand changes in matter and the relationship

of these changes to the Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy. Key concepts

include

a) physical changes;

b) nuclear reactions (products of fusion and fission and their effects on human

beings and the environment); and

c) chemical changes (types of reactions, reactants and products, and balanced

equations).

 

PS.6 The student will investigate and understand states and forms of energy and how

energy is transferred and transformed. Key concepts include

a) potential and kinetic energy;

b) mechanical, chemical, and electrical energy; and

c) heat, light, and sound.

 

PS.7 The student will investigate and understand temperature scales, heat, and heat

transfer. Key concepts include

a) Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales and absolute zero;

b) phase change, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, vaporization, and

condensation;

c) conduction, convection, radiation, and

d) applications of heat transfer (heat engines, thermostats, refrigeration, and heat

pumps).

 

PS.8 The student will investigate and understand characteristics of sound and

technological applications of sound waves. Key concepts include

a) wavelength, frequency, speed, and amplitude;

b) resonance;

c) the nature of mechanical waves; and

d) technological applications of sound.

 

PS.9 The student will investigate and understand the nature and technological

applications of light. Key concepts include

a) the wave behavior of light (reflection, refraction, diffraction, and

interference);

b) images formed by lenses and mirrors; and

c) the electromagnetic spectrum.

 

PS.10 The student will investigate and understand scientific principles and technological

applications of work, force, and motion. Key concepts include

a) speed, velocity, and acceleration;

b) Newton’s laws of motion;

c) work, force, mechanical advantage, efficiency, and power; and

d) applications (simple machines, compound machines, powered vehicles,

rockets, and restraining devices).

 

PS.11 The student will investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and

magnetism. Key concepts include

a) static, current, circuits;

b) magnetic fields and electromagnets; and

c) motors and generators.