Outline of Topics Covered
LIFE SCIENCE
THE HUMAN BODY – in this unit we start by looking at the structure and function of cells (students will develop observation skills as we will be using the microscopes to view and draw various slides of cells) and then we learn about 6 of our body’s main systems: skeleto-muscular; circulatory; respiratory; digestive; co-ordination & control; and reproductive. We study the parts of each function, the functions of each system and how the structures are related to their functions. We then look at how all the systems work together for the proper functioning of the body. There are many projects in the unit (some individual, others in groups), including building a working model of the arm showing how all the parts work together to bend a joint; a travel brochure through the circulatory system; a simple model of the lungs; and the culminating project, a Human Body theme Park.
GENETICS & HEREDITY – in this Unit we study how our traits are determined by our genes and how there are various forms of these genes. We will study how these traits are passed from one generation to another, working out probabilities of certain traits appearing in offspring. We then apply what we have learnt to study various genetic disorders and applications of genetics in the real world. This unit’s culminating project is the well-loved “Sesame Street Project” where students are given various characters to work out their genotypes and create gametes for “mating” and production of offspring, where they will determine what traits they have passed on to their “kids”.
NATURAL SELECTION & EVOLUTION – We look at the work of Charles Darwin and how it led to what we know today as the theories of natural selection and evolution. We study the various pieces of evidence that support these theories, including fossils, embryology and similar homology. This unit ends with a debate for and against natural selection and evolution.
CORAL REEF ECOLOGY – this unit is in preparation for the 8th grade Outdoor Education trip to Tobago. We study the overall ecology of the reef, looking specifically at the species, both coral and non-coral species, found in Caribbean reefs. We then focus on the damage incurred on reefs by natural and human activities and finding solutions to these problems. This unit has a model that is built showing 3 parts: a pristine reef, a damaged reef, and a repaired reef. When we go to Tobago, we take the students to two reefs around Tobago to snorkel and observe what they have learnt.
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
MAGNETISM & ELECTRICITY – in this unit, we cover how magnets actually work and how we can make temporary magnets. We look at the Earth as a large magnet and how we can make a magnet using electricity (the students will make an electromagnetic “fishing pole” for a fishing competition). Other topics covered include static electricity, the flow of electrical charges through a circuit, and series and parallel circuits. The culminating project for this unit stretches the student’s creativity and use of technology as they will produce a short educational video on magnetism & electricity where they are writers, producers, directors and actors!
EARTH & SPACE SCIENCE
OUR SOLAR SYSTEM – in this unit, students will be assigned one of the planets in our Solar System and they are to research and produce a power point presentation. The key to this is that their powerpoint is to include little to no written information. They will write a speech containing all their information that will be recorded and played along with their slides so students will learn how to prioritize important information and align their slides with their speech.
All units will also include smaller activites and games, as well as worksheets (some graded) as will as quizzes and section and unit tests. There will be an end-of-year exam!!
ISPS 8th Grade Science 
Leave a comment