LEARN NC

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

Science — Grade 8

Goal 4: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize technology and information systems to build an understanding of chemistry.

Objective 4.01. Understand that both naturally occurring and synthetic substances are chemicals.

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

We all live downstream
This lesson uses the North American Streamside exhibit of the North Carolina Zoological Park as an inquiry-based starting point for a stream ecology study.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–10 English Language Arts and Science)
By Eddie Hamblin.
Introducing students to environmental justice: A North Carolina case study
This lesson plan for science and social studies uses the 5E model to have students consider an environmental justice case study.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 Science and Social Studies)
By Dana Haine.
Experimenting with pH
In Critical thinking in science, page 4
This lesson introduces pH, and the effect of concentration and volume on pH. Students will use common foods for the experiment, helping them to make connections between pH, real-life things, and even the relationship between pH and taste. Students design their own experiment, which strengthens their inquiry skills.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–10 English Language Arts and Science)
By Daniell DiFrancesca.

Resources on the web

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
The grooviest of fabrics
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear about the invention, manufacture, and development of polyester. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 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
Antibacterial sludge
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear a professor from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health describe concerns about TCC, a toxic chemical found in common products. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 6–8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science