What does 8th grade science include?

What does an 8th grader learn about in science in California? Here are the highlights:

  • Genetics
    • How can changes in genes affect organisms?
    • How do humans influence traits in organisms?
  • Our fossil records
    • Compare ancient and modern skeletons for changes
    • How does natural selection work?
  • Astronomy
    • Patterns of lunar phases, eclipses, and seasons
    • The role of gravity in solar systems
    • Determining the size of objects in space
  • History of Earth
    • Investigate rock strata to see how scientists organize Earth’s 4.6 billion-year-old history.
  • Physics
    • Newton’s Laws
    • Magnetism
    • Gravity
    • Kinetic Energy
    • Potential Energy
  • Human Impact
    • How do increases in population and per-capita consumption affect Earth?
  • Engineering Design
    • Design and test a solution to an engineering challenge