Science — Grade 8

Resources on the web

Smallest thing

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the challenge of selecting the smallest living creature, based on how we define such an organism. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sleuthing for a lost ship

In this Xpeditions lesson, students consider the ways in which geography is not merely an academic discipline but also a field of study with interesting and practical applications. Students will: learn about Ballard's work by exploring... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Skull diversity

In this Science NetLinks lesson, students explore the similarities and differences of animal skulls. The students examine skulls that are part of an online exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Similarities attract

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study showing that genetic similarities may play a role in how people choose their friends and mates. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Seal cam

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how nature photographers have recruited Weddell seals to help them shoot film under the Antarctic ice. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Saving Aleut

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a project that aims to document Alaska's Aleut culture and language before they are lost. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sardines

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how the humble sardine could save the lives of countless sea creatures. Science Updates are audio interviews with scientists and are accompanied by a set of questions as well as links to helpful... (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Sanitation and human health

The purpose of this Science NetLinks lesson is to develop an understanding of the impact of improved sanitation on human health. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Robot farmers

In this Science Update from Science NetLinks, students hear about how cheap robots may revolutionize farming. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Pottery quest

In this Science NetLinks lesson, the first in a two-part series on pottery making, students learn that the production of ceramic pottery requires detailed knowledge of the physical properties of different clays and tempering materials, as well as knowledge... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Popsicle flavors

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the reasons homemade popsicles never taste quite as good as those bought in the store. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Pizza cheese

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear why the cheese on pizza tastes different when it is reheated versus when it is originally baked. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Pilot whales' social behavior

In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about pilot whales' sociability and bonding and consider how National Geographic's Crittercam (a camera worn by wildlife to provide information about animal behavior) might help scientists learn more about ocean... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Phone fibbing

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that shows that people's likelihood of lying depends on the communication technology they're using. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Phage comeback

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how the overprescription and misuse of antibiotics has fueled the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Paleoanthropology: A complex career choice

In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore the field of paleoanthropology. They consider how National Geographic Emerging Explorer Dr. Zeray Alemseged chose paleoanthropology as his career as they learn more about the multifaceted field itself. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Night lights

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear why bright nighttime lights could be bad for women's health. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Name brands

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that showed that people preferred tea brands that shared three letters with their own name. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Music & IQ

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about research that examined connections between the study of music and IQ. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Mummy's curse

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a scientific investigation that tested the Egyptian legend of the mummy's curse. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science