Science — Grade 8

Exploring properties of matter with submersibles

This inquiry-based learning activity allows students to explore the relationships between mass, volume, density, and buoyancy as they manipulate various materials to construct a submersible “vehicle” for deep-sea research.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Science)

By Miriam Sutton.

The drought causes conservation

The students will use their knowledge of the importance of water to learn about the hydrosphere. The drought being experienced will be explored through graphs and a personal plan for water conservation.

Format: lesson plan (grade 8 English Language Arts and Science)

By Linda Cummer.

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

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

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

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

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

Are hammerheads a keystone species?

In this lesson, from Xpeditions, students learn what a keystone species is and then draw a simple food chain that helps illustrate why tiger sharks are considered a keystone species in Shark Bay. (Learn more)

Format: lesson plan (grade 6 and 8 Science)

Provided by: National Geographic