Science — Grade 8

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 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 English Language Development and Science)

By Kamie Wine.

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