8th Grade Science Pacing Guide
First Nine Weeks
1. Enduring Understanding - Science knowledge is gained using a structured process which
generates knowledge about the natural world.
1a. Essential Question - How and why is scientific knowledge gained and modified?
NS.1.8.1
Justify conclusions based on appropriate and unbiased observations
Evaluate the merits of empirical evidence based on experimental design:
hypothesis
replication
NS.1.8.2
sample size
appropriate use of control
use of standardized independent and dependent variables
NS.1.8.3
Formulate a testable problem using experimental design
NS.1.8.4
Analyze a set of scientific data using mean, median, mode, and range using SI units
Suggest solutions to real world problems by analyzing scientific data in
data tables/charts
histograms
circle graphs
NS.1.8.5
scatter plots
stem and leaf plots
line and double line
graphs by approximating line of best fit
NS.1.8.6
Formulate inferences based on scientific data
NS.1.8.7
Communicate results and conclusions from scientific inquiry following peer review
NS.1.8.8
Develop and implement strategies for long-term, accurate data collection
2. Enduring Understanding -Scientific laws, theories and hypotheses can be tested through the
use of the scientific method.
2a. Essential Question - How are scientific laws, theories and hypotheses created?
NS.1.8.9
Generate questions that can and cannot be answered by science
NS.1.8.10
Explain the role of peer review, evidence, and modification in the development of a theory
NS.1.8.11
Evaluate the merit of hypotheses, laws , and theories
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
3. Enduring Understanding- All organisms are composed of cells- the fundamental unit of life.
Most are single celled others are multicellular.
3a. Essential Question - What is the hierarchical relationship of cells to an organism?
Illustrate the hierarchical relationships of cell s, tissues , organs , organ systems , and organisms
LS.2.8.1
3b. Essential Question - How are protsists and bacteria different from one another?
Identify different types of single-cell ed organisms:
protists
LS.2.8.2
bacteria
LS.2.8.3
Relate the effect of bacteria on oral health
LS.2.8.4
Describe and illustrate single-cell ed organisms found in pond water
LS.2.8.5
Use a dichotomous key to classify organisms found in pond water
3c. Essential Question- What are the identifying characteristics of unicellular and multicellular
organisms?
LS.2.8.6
Compare and contrast characteristics of unicellular organisms and multi-cellular organisms
LS.2.8.7
Classify cell s as eukaryot ic or prokaryotic
LS.2.8.8
Identify and describe similarities and differences among organisms of different, but closely related
taxa (e.g., pine trees, big cats, rodents, ungulates)
3d. Essential Question- What kind of historical breakthroughs relate to the study of organisms?
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to organisms
LS.2.8.9
4. Enduring Understanding - Genetic traits are passed from one generation to the next.
4a. Essential Question- How do organisms inherit traits from parents?
LS.3.8.1
Identify and explain why inherited characteristics of living things depend on genes
LS.3.8.2
Differentiate between dominant and recessive traits
Observe and classify traits as dominant or recessive:
tongue rolling
detached earlobes
LS.3.8.3
widow’s peak
hitchhiker’s thumb
dimples
unibrow
LS.3.8.4
Differentiate among observed inherited traits and acquired traits of plants and animals
LS.3.8.5
Interpret simple gene tic crosses using Punnett Square s
LS.3.8.6
Predict patterns that emerge from simple gene tic crosses
LS.3.8.7
Conduct investigations demonstrating that the phenotype of a gene tic trait is the result of genotype
LS.3.8.8
Explain how genetic variation within a species is a result of dominant traits and recessive trait s
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
Second Nine Weeks
1. Enduring Understanding - Survival is influenced by genetic inheritance and interaction with the
environment.
1a. Essential Question- What factors contribute to the survival or extinction of a species over
time?
LS.3.8.9
Compare and contrast patterns of embryological development for all vertebrates , including humans
LS.3.8.10
Distinguish between characteristics of plants and animals through selective breeding
LS.3.8.11
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to gene tics
LS.3.8.12
Compare the theory of evolution to the characteristics of a scientific theory
Identify basic ideas related to biological evolution:
diversity of species
variations within species
LS.3.8.13
adaptation s
natural selection
extinction of a species
LS.3.8.14
Explain that the fossil record provides evidence of life forms’ appearance, diversification, and
extinction
LS.3.8.15
Explain the process of natural selection
LS.3.8.16
LS.3.8.17
LS.4.8.1
Identify genetic traits that make organisms more likely to survive and reproduce in a particular
environment
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to natural selection and the fossil
record
Analyze the effect of changes in environmental conditions on the survival of individual organisms and
entire species
2. Enduring Understanding - Although weather changes daily, trends can be observed and
predicted.
2a. Essential Question - How does movement of water in the hydrosphere illustrate equlibrium in
nature?
Investigate how global patterns of water currents influence local weather:
Gulf Stream
ESS.8.8.2
Atlantic Currents
California Current
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
3. Enduring Understanding - Heat energy is in constant motion.
3a. Essential Question - In what ways does human activity help and hinder the earths natural
balance?
Analyze the causes and predict the consequences of global warming on the following:
weather
ESS.8.8.1
temperature
ocean water levels
4.
Enduring Understanding - Earth is in constant change.
4a. Essential Question - What forces cause the Earth to change?
Model how motion and force s change Earth’s surface:
compression
PS.6.8.1
tension
weathering
erosion
PS.6.8.2
Conduct investigations demonstrating the field force (lines of force ) in magnetic fields
PS.6.8.5
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to motion and force s that change
Earth’s surface
Conduct investigations to compare and contrast different landforms found on Earth:
mountains
ESS.8.8.3
plateaus
plains
4b. Essential Question - How does earth today compare with earth of millions of years ago?
Synthesize and model the result of both constructive and destructive force s on land forms:
deposition
ESS.8.8.4
erosion
weathering
crustal deformation
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
Compare and contrast the different landforms caused by Earth’s external force s:
plains
canyons
ESS.8.8.5
deltas
valleys
swamps
ESS.8.8.7
Use topographic maps to identify surface features of Earth
Demonstrate an understanding of the agents of erosion:
gravity
water
ESS.8.8.8
ice
wind
animals, including humans
ESS.8.8.9
Using models of rivers, predict changes when variables , such as load, slope, amount of water, or the
composition of a stream bed, are changed through erosion or deposition
ESS.8.8.10
Explain how weathering and erosion affect the oceans’ salinity
ESS.8.8.11
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to external force s that change the
Earth
ESS.8.8.12
Investigate the types of weathering involved in the breakdown of organic and inorganic components
of Earth’s surface
ESS.9.8.1
Explain processes that have changed Earth’s surface that have resulted from sudden events (e.g.,
earthquake s and volcanoes) and gradual changes (e.g., uplift, erosion , and weathering )
Analyze how rock sequences may be disturbed by the following:
erosion
deposition
ESS.9.8.2
igneous intrusion
folding
faulting
uplifting
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
Third Nine Weeks
1. Enduring Understanding - Earth is in constant change.
1a. Essential Question - What natural forces are responsible for creating the natural divisions of
Arkansas?
Research local, regional, and state landforms created by external force s on Earth:
Gulf Coastal Plain
ESS.8.8.6
Arkansas River Valley
Mississippi Alluvial Plain, including the delta region
Crowley’s Ridge
2. Enduring Understanding - Soil contains a complex mixture of different components.
2a. Essential Question - How can the properties of soil be determined through investigation?
ESS.8.8.13
Illustrate soil profile s
ESS.8.8.14
Apply knowledge of soil profile s to local soil samples
ESS.8.8.15
Investigate the formation of soil types
ESS.8.8.16
Identify components of soil as inorganic or organic through investigations
ESS.8.8.18
Identify ways plants use organic and inorganic components in the soil
ESS.8.8.19
Investigate and analyze the composition of a variety of soils
ESS.8.8.20
Conduct investigations on soil permeability
2b. Essential Question - What major components of soil are needed to sustain plant life?
Identify the basic nutrients needed by plants that are present in soils:
nitrogen
ESS.8.8.17
phosphorous
potassium
3. Enduring Understanding - Scientists determine the relative age of rocks by the laws of
superposition and cross-cutting.
3a. Essential Question - How do scientist go about determining the relative age of fossils?
Explain how scientists determine the relative ages of fossil s found in layers of sedimentary rock:
ESS.9.8.3
law of superposition
law of cross-cutting
ESS.9.8.4
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
Apply geologic laws of superposition and cross-cutting to determine the relative age of rock in a cross
section
8th Grade Science
5-07
4. Enduring Understanding - The motion of celestial bodies result in patterns of observable
phenomena.
4a. Essential Question - How does the relative position of the sun to the earth impact astronomical
events and daily occurences?
ESS.10.8.1
Summarize the effects of gravity on bodies in space
Identify variables that affect the amount of gravitational force between two objects:
ESS.10.8.2
mass of the objects
distance between the objects
ESS.10.8.3
Relate the effects of the moon’s gravitational force on Earth’s ocean tides
Identify the causes of the following:
high tides
ESS.10.8.4
low tides
spring tide s
neap tide s
5. Enduring Understanding - Galaxies contain billions of objects that can not be seen by naked
eye due to their great distance from earth.
5a. Essential Question - How are galaxies and other celestial bodies studied?
ESS.10.8.5
Define the terms galaxy and universe
Illustrate the appearance of galaxies as seen through a telescope:
ESS.10.8.6
clarity
shape
ESS.10.8.7
Compare and contrast the Milky Way Galaxy to other galaxies
ESS.10.8.8
Illustrate the position of our solar system within the Milky Way Galaxy
ESS.10.8.9
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to gravity , galaxies , and the
universe
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
Fourth Nine Weeks
1. Enduring Understanding - Matter is composed of particles which combine in predictable ways.
1a. Essential Question - How has the atomic theory changed over time?
PS.5.8.1
Compare the atomic theory to the characteristics of a scientific theory
PS.5.8.5
Investigate scientists, careers, and historical breakthroughs related to the atomic theory
1b. Essential Question - What components make up an atom?
PS.5.8.2
Explain the structure of atom s
PS.5.8.3
Determine the number of protons , neutrons, and electrons in an atom
PS.5.8.4
Create atom ic models of common elements
2. Enduring Understanding - Electrical currents produce magnetic fields . Changing magnetic
fields produce electric currents.
2a. Essential Question - How does an electrical current produce a magnet?
PS.6.8.4
Analyze and compare the relationship between electricity and magnetism
3b. Essential Question - How does a magnet produce an electrical current?
PS.6.8.3
Design and conduct investigations applying variables affecting the strength of an electromagnet
4. Enduring Understanding - Electrical currents provide a means of transferring electrical energy.
4a. Essential Question - When would parallel circuits be more appopriate than series circuits?
Construct open and closed electrical circuits:
PS.7.8.1
series circuits
parallel circuits
PS.7.8.2
Describe and diagram open and closed series and parallel circuits
PS.7.8.3
Compare and contrast open and closed series circuits and parallel circuits
5. Enduring Understanding - Waves transfer energy, have measureableproperties and behave in
predictable ways.
5a. Essential Question - How does a change in energy affect the characteristics of a wave?
Conduct investigations demonstrating the characteristics of a wave:
wavelength
PS.7.8.4
frequency
speed
amplitude
PS.7.8.5
Conduct investigations of longitudinal and transverse wave s to determine how they are different
Explain how energy is transferred through waves:
seismic waves
PS.7.8.6
sound waves
water waves
electromagnet ic waves
PS.7.8.7
Describe how waves travel through different kinds of media
PS.7.8.8
Differentiate among reflection , refraction , and absorption of various types of waves
6. Enduring Understanding - Energy can not be either created or destroyed but can be changed
from one form to another. The different forms of energy can be identified by their properties.
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
8th Grade Science
5-07
6a. Essential Question - What are some energy transformations that occur in daily life?
PS.7.8.9
Describe and diagram the electromagnet ic spectrum
PS.7.8.10
Analyze the electromagnet ic spectrum
PS.7.8.11
Investigate examples of real world uses of the electromagnet ic spectrum
PS.7.8.12
Conduct investigations demonstrating the separation of white light into its spectrum using refraction
Compare ways to transfer information:
sound
PS.7.8.13
light
radio
microwave energy
PS.7.8.14
Cabot Public Schools
Pacing Guide
Investigate careers, scientists, and historical breakthroughs related to waves and the electromagnet ic
spectrum
8th Grade Science
5-07