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 4.03. Explain how the periodic table is a model for:

  • Classifying elements.
  • Identifying the properties of elements.

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

Periodic table database
These lessons are designed to help students use their computer skills to create their own database using teacher directions, and they also learn how to read the periodic table and understand what it means.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8 Computer/Technology Skills, Information Skills, and Science)
By Florence B. Winslow.
Periodic table
This lesson provides knowledge about periodic law, groups and periods. Students will be able to identify and label each group with their names. Students will be able to relate atomic number and atomic masses of different elements of periodic table. Students will also be able to discuss periodicity of different properties of elements.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–12 English Language Development and Science)
By Abha Bhatnagar and Meera Madan.
The human atom
Students will act out the role of atoms by dressing up as the atoms of designated elements. They will wear costumes with balloons representing valence electrons. The “atoms” will gain or lose valence electrons in order to achieve chemical stability. The students must then identify the charges of the ions formed.
Format: lesson plan (grade 8–10 English Language Development and Science)
By Kamie Wine.
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

Dryer sheets
In this Science Update, from Science NetLinks, students hear how the old saying “opposites attract” relates to your laundry. Positively charged particles are attracted to negatively charged particles, which can cause static cling in clothing. (Learn more)
Format: activity/lesson plan (grade 8 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science