Science — Grade 8

Resources on the web

Diving in to save the monk seal

In this Xpeditions lesson, students use the Internet to learn about monk seal research and an ecosystem reserve that has been established in part to protect the seals. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Dinosaur detectives

Students learn that discoveries about dinosaurs have a long history and that each paleontologist adds his or her work to a body of fossil evidence used to support theories about dinosaurs. Students will form groups to conduct research about a particular paleontologist... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: Discovery Channel School

Dangerous hail

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students ear why hail rarely seems to hit people. Every year, tornadoes, hurricanes, and snowstorms claim lives and cause injuries. But strangely, hailstorms, which pelt the ground with hard balls of ice, rarely... (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Crocs, then and now

Students investigate the geographical distributions, habitats, and other features of modern crocodilians and the so-called SuperCroc (Sarcosuchus imperator). Students will consider the things they can learn about one species by studying the other. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Coral bleaching: Making our oceans whiter

Students learn what coral reefs are and about the different types of reefs, the ecology surrounding these biological playgrounds, and the human impact on them. This lesson will provide an opportunity for students to debate whether human contact should be impeded... (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Contaminants in the water cycle

In this Xpeditions lesson, students review the water cycle and investigate how a region's water supply can become contaminated. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Computerized civilization

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a computer program designed to help answer some of the questions surrounding the mysterious disappearance of the Anasazi. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 5–8 Science and Social Studies)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cold sensors

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, University of Florida neuroscientist Jiango Gu explains how he and his colleagues are looking for sensory molecules, called receptors, that can sense cold. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Clumsy kids

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the reasons many adolescents feel awkward and clumsy. Growth spurts may be to blame for teenagers' sometimes klutzy behavior. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Clocking T. rex

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, you'll hear about how one of the most popular movies in history used special effects that were not only exciting, but also scientifically accurate. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cell phones & driving

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how cell phones could cause tunnel vision in drivers. Research indicates that when someone is talking on a phone, their vision narrows considerably. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cell phone traffic

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a new use for cell phone signals. Many people stuck in traffic pass the time or take care of business by making calls on their cell phone. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Cassowary calls

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about efforts to study the rare and often inaudible call of an elusive bird--the cassowary. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Browsing music

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a powerful music browser called SIMAC. Xavier Serra of the Pompeu Fabrea University in Barcelona, Spain, explains how SIMAC analyzes the musical properties of a digital audio track. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Bioluminescence: Living light

In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about bioluminescent creatures and the underwater world in which they live. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic

Biblical tunnel

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how scientists have proven that one Bible story is right on track. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Bacterial batteries

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how one group of scientists has found a way to put bacteria to work. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Asymmetry and aggression

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about a study that has found a link between aggression and body symmetry that may go back to the womb. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Artificial wetlands

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about how the man-made ponds at golf courses could be used to treat polluted water. (Learn more)

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

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science

Art algorithms

In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about new methods of art conservation. Art conservation is traditionally a painstaking and time-consuming business. (Learn more)

Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Visual Arts Education and Science)

Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science