Scientific InvestigationSCI-1
- 1
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations which8S-SI 1
- a
observations are made involving fine discrimination between similar objects and organisms; 8S-SI 1a
- b
precise and approximate measurements are recorded;8S-SI 1b
- c
scale models are used to estimate distance, volume, and quantity; 8S-SI 1c
- d
hypotheses are stated in ways that identify the independent and dependent variables;8S-SI 1d
- e
a method is devised to test the validity of predictions and inferences; 8S-SI 1e
- f
one variable is manipulated over time, using many repeated trials; 8S-SI 1f
- g
data are collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported using metric measurements and tools;8S-SI 1g
- h
data are analyzed and communicated through graphical representation; 8S-SI 1h
- i
models and simulations are designed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena and systems.8S-SI 1i
- a
- 2
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, andthe nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which8S-SI 2
- a
data are organized into tables showing repeated trials and means;8S-SI 2a
- 8S-SI 2b.
a classification system is developed based on multiple attributes; 8S-SI 2b
- c
triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and probeware are used to gather data;8S-SI 2c
- d
models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain; 8S-SI 2d
- e
sources of experimental error are identified; 8S-SI 2e
- f
dependent variables, independent variables, and constants are identified; 8S-SI 2f
- g
variables are controlled to test hypotheses, and trials are repeated; 8S-SI 2g
- h
data are organized, communicated through graphical representation, interpreted, and used to make predictions; 8S-SI 2h
- i
patterns are identified in data and are interpreted and evaluated. 8S-SI 2i
- a
- 3
The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific reasoning, logic, and the nature of science by planning and conducting investigations in which 8S-SI 3
- a
chemicals and equipment are used safely; 8S-SI 3a
- b
length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately measured; 8S-SI 3b
- 8S-SI 3c .
conversions are made among metric units, applying appropriate prefixes;8S-SI 3c
- d
triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, probeware, and spring scales are used to gather data;8S-SI 3d
- e
numbers are expressed in scientific notation where appropriate; 8S-SI 3e
- f
independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials are identified; 8S-SI 3f
- g
data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived quantities, and the number of trials are constructed and interpreted; 8S-SI 3
- h
data tables for descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central tendency, the range of the data set, and the number of repeated trials are constructed and interpreted; 8S-SI 3h
- i
frequency distributions, scatter plots, line plots, and histograms are constructed and interpreted; 8S-SI 3o
- j
valid conclusions are made after analyzing data; 8S-SI 3j
- k
research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions; 8S-SI 3k
- l
experimental results are presented in appropriate written form; 8S-SI 3l
- m
models and simulations are constructed and used to illustrate and explain phenomena. 8S-SI 3m
- a
Force, Motion, Energy, and MatterSCI-2
- 1
The student will investigate and understand basic sources of energy, their origins, transformations, and uses. Key concepts include 8S-FME 1
- d
potential and kinetic energy; 8S-FME 1d
- e
energy transformations. 8S-FME 1e
- d
- 2
The student will investigate and understand that all matter is made up of atoms. Key concepts include8S-FME 2
- a
atoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons; 8S-FME 2a
- b
atoms of a particular element are alike but are different from atoms of other elements;8S-FME 2b
- c
elements may be represented by chemical symbols; 8S-FME 2c
- d
two or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds);8S-FME 2d
- e
compounds may be represented by chemical formulas; 8S-FME 2e
- f
chemical equations can be used to model chemical changes; 8S-FME 2f
- g
a limited number of elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere.8S-FME 2g
- a
- 3
The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment. Key concepts include8S-FME 3
- a
water as the universal solvent; 8S-FME 3a
- b
the properties of water in all three phases. 8S-FME 3b
- a
- 4
The student will investigate and understand the properties of air and the structure and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere. Key concepts include8S-FME 4
- a
air as a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds. 8S-FME 4a
- a
- 5
The student will investigate and understand the nature of matter. Key concepts include8S-FME 5
- a
the particle theory of matter; 8S-FME 5a
- b
elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and salts; 8S-FME 5b
- c
solids, liquids, and gases; 8S-FME 5
- d
physical properties; 8S-FME 5
- e
chemical properties; 8S-FME 5e
- f
characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties. 8S-FME 5f
- a
Life SystemsSCI-3
- 1
The student will investigate and understand that all living things are composed of cells. Key concepts include8S-LS 1
- a
cell structure and organelles; 8S-LS 1a
- b
similarities and differences between plant and animal cells; 8S-LS 1b
- c
development of cell theory; 8S-LS 1c
- d
cell division. 8S-LS 1d
- a
- 2
The student will investigate and understand that living things show patterns of cellular organization. Key concepts include8S-LS 2
- a
cells, tissues, organs, and systems; 8S-LS 2a
- b
patterns of cell organization and their relationship to life processes in living things. 8S-LS 2b
- a
- 3
The student will investigate and understand how organisms can be classified. Key concepts include 8S-LS 3
- a
the distinguishing characteristics of domains of organisms; 8S-LS 3a
- b
the distinguishing characteristics of kingdoms of organisms; 8S-LS 3b
- c
the distinguishing characteristics of major animal phyla and plant divisions; 8S-LS 3c
- d
the characteristics that define a species.8S-LS 3d
- a
- 4
The student will investigate and understand the basic physical and chemical processes of photosynthesis and its importance to plant and animal life. Key concepts include8S-LS 4
- a
energy transfer between sunlight and chlorophyll; 8S-LS 4a
- b
transformation of water and carbon dioxide into sugar and oxygen; 8S-LS 4b
- c
photosynthesis as the foundation of virtually all food webs. 8S-LS 4c
- a
- 5
The student will investigate and understand that organisms reproduce and transmit genetic information to new generations. Key concepts include8S-LS 5
- a
the structure and role of DNA; 8S-LS 5a
- b
the function of genes and chromosomes; 8S-LS 5b
- c
genotypes and phenotypes; 8S-LS 5c
- d
characteristics that can and cannot be inherited; 8S-LS 5d
- e
genetic engineering and its applications; 8S-LS 5e
- f
historical contributions and significance of discoveries related to genetics. 8S-LS 5f
- a
- 6
The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms change over time. Key concepts include8S-LS 6
- a
the relationships of mutation, adaptation, natural selection, and extinction.8S-LS 6a
- a
EcosystemsSCI-4
- 1
The student will investigate and understand the natural processes and human interactions that affect watershed systems. Key concepts include8S-ECO 1
- a
the health of ecosystems and the abiotic factors of a watershed; 8S-ECO 1a
- b
the location and structure of Virginia’s regional watershed systems; 8S-ECO 1b
- c
divides, tributaries, river systems, and river and stream processes; 8S-ECO 1c
- d
wetlands; 8S-ECO 1d
- e
estuaries; 8S-ECO 1e
- f
major conservation, health, and safety issues associated with watersheds; 8S-ECO 1f
- g
water monitoring and analysis using field equipment including hand-held technology. 8S-ECO 1g
- a
- 2
The student will investigate and understand that organisms within an ecosystem are dependent on one another and on nonliving components of the environment. Key concepts include 8S-ECO 2
- a
the carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles; 8S-ECO 2a
- b
interactions resulting in a flow of energy and matter throughout the system; 8S-ECO 2b
- c
complex relationships within terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems; 8S-ECO 2c
- d
energy flow in food webs and energy pyramids. 8S-ECO 2d
- a
- 3
The student will investigate and understand that interactions exist among members of a population. Key concepts include 8S-ECO 3
- a
competition, cooperation, social hierarchy, territorial imperative; 8S-ECO 3a
- b
influence of behavior on a population. 8S-ECO 3b
- a
- 4
The student will investigate and understand interactions among populations in a biological community. Key concepts include 8S-ECO 4
- a
the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers in food webs; 8S-ECO 4a
- b
the relationship between predators and prey; 8S-ECO 4b
- 8S-ECO 4c .
competition and cooperation; 8S-ECO 4c
- d
symbiotic relationships; 8S-ECO 4d
- e
niches. 8S-ECO 4e
- a
- 5
The student will investigate and understand how organisms adapt to biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem. Key concepts include8S-ECO 5
- a
differences between ecosystems and biomes; 8S-ECO 5a
- 8S-ECO 5b.
characteristics of land, marine, and freshwater ecosystems; 8S-ECO 5b
- c
adaptations that enable organisms to survive within a specific ecosystem. 8S-ECO 5c
- a
- 6
The student will investigate and understand that ecosystems, communities, populations, and organisms are dynamic, change over time, and respond to daily, seasonal, and long-term changes in their environment. Key concepts include 8S-ECO 6
- a
phototropism, hibernation, and dormancy; 8S-ECO 6a
- b
factors that increase or decrease population size; 8S-ECO 6b
- c
eutrophication, climate changes, and catastrophic disturbances. 8S-ECO 6c
- a
- 7
The student will investigate and understand the relationships between ecosystem dynamics and human activity. Key concepts include 8S-ECO 7
- a
food production and harvest; 8S-ECO 7a
- b
change in habitat size, quality, or structure; 8S-ECO 7b
- 8S-ECO 7c.
change in species competition; 8S-ECO 7c
- 8S-ECO 7d.
population disturbances and factors that threaten or enhance species survival; 8S-ECO 7d
- e
environmental issues. 8S-ECO 7e
- a
Earth and Space SystemsSCI-5
- 1
The student will investigate and understand basic sources of energy, their origins, transformations, and uses. Key concepts include8S-ESS 1
- b
the role of the sun in the formation of most energy sources on Earth; 8S-ESS 1b
- c
nonrenewable energy sources; 8S-ESS 1c
- d
renewable energy sources. 8S-ESS 1d
- b
- 2
The student will investigate and understand the role of solar energy in driving most natural processes within the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, and on Earth’s surface. Key concepts include8S-ESS 2
- a
Earth’s energy budget; 8S-ESS 2a
- b
the role of radiation and convection in the distribution of energy; 8S-ESS 2b
- c
the motion of the atmosphere and the oceans; 8S-ESS 2c
- d
cloud formation; 8S-ESS 2d
- e
the role of thermal energy in weather-related phenomena including thunderstorms and hurricanes. 8S-ESS 2e
- a
- 3
The student will investigate and understand the unique properties and characteristics of water and its roles in the natural and human-made environment. Key concepts include8S-ESS 3
- c
the action of water in physical and chemical weathering; 8S-ESS 3c
- d
the ability of large bodies of water to store thermal energy and moderate climate; 8S-ESS 3d
- e
the importance of water for agriculture, power generation, and public health; 8S-ESS 3e
- f
the importance of protecting and maintaining water resources. 8S-ESS 3f
- c
- 4
The student will investigate and understand the properties of air and the structure and dynamics of Earth’s atmosphere. Key concepts include 8S-ESS 4
- b
pressure, temperature, and humidity; 8S-ESS 4b
- c
atmospheric changes with altitude; 8S-ESS 4c
- d
natural and human-caused changes to the atmosphere and the importance of protecting and maintaining air quality; 8S-ESS 4d
- e
the relationship of atmospheric measures and weather conditions; 8S-ESS 4e
- f
basic information from weather maps including fronts, systems, and basic measurements.8S-ESS 4f
- b
- 5
The student will investigate and understand the organization of the solar system and the interactions among the various bodies that comprise it. Key concepts include8S-ESS 5
- a
the sun, moon, Earth, other planets and their moons, dwarf planets, meteors, asteroids, and comets;8S-ESS 5a
- b
relative size of and distance between planets; 8S-ESS 5b
- c
the role of gravity; 8S-ESS 5c
- d
revolution and rotation; 8S-ESS 5d
- e
the mechanics of day and night and the phases of the moon; 8S-ESS 5e
- f
the unique properties of Earth as a planet; 8S-ESS 5f
- g
the relationship of Earth’s tilt and the seasons; 8S-ESS 5g
- h
the cause of tides; 8S-ESS 5h
- i
the history and technology of space exploration. 8S-ESS 5i
- a
- 6
The student will investigate and understand public policy decisions relating to the environment. Key concepts include8S-ESS 6
- a
management of renewable resources; 8S-ESS 6a
- b
management of nonrenewable resources; 8S-ESS 6b
- c
the mitigation of land-use and environmental hazards through preventive measures; 8S-ESS 6c
- 8S-ESS 6d .
cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies. 8S-ESS 6d
- a
- 7
The student will investigate and understand that populations of organisms change over time. Key concepts include 8S-ESS 7
- b
evidence of evolution of different species in the fossil record; 8S-ESS 7b
- c
how environmental influences, as well as genetic variation, can lead to diversity of organisms.8S-ESS 7c
- b
Frequently asked questions
- What grade levels do these standards cover?
- Grade 8
- Where can I read the official document?
- VAAP Aligned Standards of Learning 2020-2021
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