Rockingham County Public Schools

Eighth Grade Physical Science Benchmarks

A Guide for Parent Involvement

 

 

1st Nine Weeks

 

Investigation of practical problems and questions through research methods; PS.1

á       Chemicals and equipment are used safely

á       Metric system (length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, force)

á       Conversions made among metric units using prefixes

á       Numbers expressed in scientific notation

á       Reading scales, balances, thermometers, rulers, and graduated cylinders to gather information

á       Construct, record and interpret data using various graphs and data tables

á       Scientific method (research skills, research methods, variables, constants, controls, repeated trials, drawing conclusions, presenting conclusions in a written form)

á       An understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced

           

Nature of Matter; PS.2

á       Particle theory of matter

á       Characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties

á       Elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, salts

á       Solids, liquids, gases

á       Physical properties

á       Shape

á       Density

á       Solubility

á       Odor

á       Melting point

á       Boiling point

á       Color

á     Chemical properties

á       Acidity

á       Basicity

á       Combustibility

á       Reactivity

 

Modern and historical models of atomic structure; PS.3

á       Contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr

á       Modern model of atomic structure

 

 

 

2nd Nine Weeks

 

Investigation of practical problems and questions through research methods; PS.1

 

Modern and historical models of atomic structure; PS.3

á       Contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, Bohr

á       Modern model of atomic structure

 

Periodic Table of the Elements; P.S.4

á     Symbols

á     Families

á     Periods

á     Atomic numbers

á     Atomic mass

á     Binary compounds

á     Formulas

á     Nature of bonding

á       Classifying elements as metals, metalloids, nonmetals

 

Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy; PS.5

á       Physical changes

á       Chemical changes

á       Types of reactions, reactants and products

á       Balanced equations

á       Nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, effect on humans and the environment)

 

Temperature scales, heat, and heat transfer; PS.7

á       Celsius

á       Kelvin

á       Absolute zero

á       Phase change

á       Freezing point

á       Melting point

á       Boiling point

á       Conduction

á       Convection

á       Radiation

á       Vaporization

á       Condensation

á       Applications of heat transfer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3rd Nine Weeks

 

Investigation of practical problems and questions through research methods; PS.1

 

States and Forms of Energy; PS.6

á       Potential energy

á       Kinetic energy

á       Mechanical energy

á       Chemical energy

á       Electrical energy

á       Light

á       Heat

á       Sound

 

Temperature scales, heat, and heat transfer; PS.7

á       Celsius

á       Kelvin

á       Absolute zero

á       Phase change

á       Freezing point

á       Melting point

á       Boiling point

á       Conduction

á       Convection

á       Radiation

á       Vaporization

á       Condensation

á       Applications of heat transfer

 

Sound Waves; PS.8

á       Sound and sound waves

á       Wave length

á       Frequency

á       Amplitude

á       Speed

á       Resonance

á       The nature of mechanical waves

á       Technological application of sound

 

Nature and technological applications of light; PS.9

á     Reflection

á     Refraction

á     Diffraction

á     Interference

á     Images formed by lenses and mirrors

á     Electromagnetic spectrum

 

Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy; PS.5

á       Physical changes

á       Chemical changes

á       Types of reactions, reactants and products

á       Balanced equations

á       Nuclear reactions (fission, fusion, effect on humans and the environment)

 

 

 

4th Nine Weeks

 

Work, force, motion; PS.10

á       Scientific principles and technological applications of work, force, motion

á       Work

á       Force

á       Mechanical advantage

á       Efficiency

á       Power

á      Speed/velocity/acceleration

á      NewtonÕs three laws of motion

á      Applications (simple and compound machines, powered vehicles, rockets, restraining devices)

 

Electricity and Magnetism; PS.11

á       Static electricity

á       Current electricity

á       Circuits

á       Magnetic fields

á       Electromagnets

á       Motors

á       Generators

 

SOL Test review

 

SOL Test

 

Review of previous units, enrichment activities, investigations and projects based on application of  interest areas in science.

 

 

 

**  The numbers throughout the Benchmarks refer to the Virginia Science Standards of Learning objectives.  For example, ÒPS.4Ó refers to Eighth Grade Physical Science SOL objective number Ò4Ó.