Middle M/J Comprehensive Science 3 - Grade 8

SEGMENT 1

Module 01—Matter

• Examples and Nonexamples of science
• Pseudoscientific Ideas
• Steps of the Scientific Method
• Units of Measurements
• Weight Versus Mass
• Volume and Density
• Physical Properties of Matter

 

Module 02—Changes in Matter

• States of Matter
• Physical and Chemical Changes
• Conservation of Mass
• Thermal Energy and Chemical Change
• Scientific Models

 

Module 03—Elements and Compounds

• Atomic Theory
• The Periodic Table
• Valence Electrons
• Compounds
• Acids, Bases, and Salts
• Mixtures and Pure Substances
• Advanced Predicting Severe Weather

 

SEGMENT 2

Module 04—Cycles and Conservation

• Science and Society
• Photosynthesis
• Cellular Respiration
• The Carbon Cycle
• Scientific Modeling

 

Module 05—The Universe

• Space and the Universe
• Galaxies
• Stars
• Solar Properties
• Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Space Weather
• Space Technology

 

Module 06—Our Solar System

• Gravity
• Our Solar System
• Properties of Planets
• Seasons
• Tides
• Eclipses
• Moon Phases 

 

 

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.  

To achieve success, students are expected to submit work in each course weekly. Students can learn at their own pace; however, “any pace” still means that students must make progress in the course every week. To measure learning, students complete self-checks, practice lessons, multiple choice questions, projects, discussion-based assessments, and discussions. Students are expected to maintain regular contact with teachers; the minimum requirement is monthly. When teachers, students, and parents work together, students are successful.