LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Science — Grade 8

Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the hydrosphere.

Objective 3.03. Evaluate evidence that Earth's oceans are a reservoir of nutrients, minerals, dissolved gases, and life forms:

  • Estuaries.
  • Marine ecosystems.
  • Upwelling.
  • Behavior of gases in the marine environment.
  • Value and sustainability of marine resources.
  • Deep ocean technology and understandings gained.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Resources on the web

Why is oceanography important?
In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn about some of the important discoveries that oceanographers have made and some areas that they are investigating. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
A trip to the beach?
Students investigate the truth behind common myths about sharks and shark attacks, learning why sharks are important members of the ecosystem. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Threats to ocean life: Can marine sanctuaries help?
is lesson, from Xpeditions, provides an opportunity for students to learn about environmental problems in the oceans and how marine sanctuaries can help protect ocean habitats. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
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
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
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
The pros and cons of artificial reefs
This lesson asks students to consider whether artificial reefs are good for marine ecosystems. Students will look at pictures of artificial reefs and read articles describing the pros and cons of these structures. They will conclude by writing paragraphs explaining... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Ocean conservation: Getting the word out with photographs
This Xpeditions lesson will help students understand that Geography enables people to make sense of the world and prepare for the future. They will concentrate on how photography can contribute to the planning process by looking at pictures by undersea photographer... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Marine sanctuaries
Students learn about the national marine sanctuaries found in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and off the coast of American Samoa. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Harvesting the ocean for medical science
In this Xpeditions lesson, students are introduced to two marine species, one (the horseshoe crab) that is currently invaluable in the field of medicine and another (Bugula neritina) that is likely to prove beneficial in the future. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Exploring manatee conservation in Latin America
During this virtual tour, your students will have access to real-life, current examples of manatee conservation. Through this web site, your students will have the opportunity to experience research as it takes place and to develop a broader understanding... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8–12 Science and Social Studies)
Provided by: Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies
El Niño
The purpose of this lesson is to understand that El Niño is caused by changes in the atmospheric and ocean content. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 7 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
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
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
The Antarctic ecosystem: Where would it be without krill?
This Xpeditions lesson asks students to investigate the importance of krill, a thumb-sized, shrimplike animal, to the Antarctic ecosystem by researching the animals that depend on it and drawing a food web. They will conclude by writing paragraphs explaining... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic