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Energy Transfer in Matter
Students learn that thermal energy always flows from warmer to cooler objects, explore the three methods of heat transfer (conduction, convection, and radiation), and apply these concepts to everyday phenomena from cooking to clothing choices.
Natural Selection
Students learn how natural selection works through Darwin's four principles (overproduction, variation, selection, inheritance), explore the sources of genetic variation, study three real-world case studies (peppered moths, antibiotic resistance, Darwin's finches), and address common misconceptions about evolution.
Matter and Its Interactions Practice
A practice exercise covering properties of matter, states of matter and phase changes, and energy transfer. Students review key concepts and apply their understanding through a variety of question types.
Unit Test - Matter and Its Interactions
A 50-question summative unit test covering atomic structure, classification of matter (elements, compounds, mixtures), periodic table organization, physical and chemical properties, physical and chemical changes, evidence of chemical reactions, endothermic and exothermic reactions, the Law of Conservation of Mass, balanced equations, open and closed systems, and photosynthesis as a real-world chemical reaction. Aligned to NC Standard Course of Study PS.8.1.
Matter and Its Interactions - Remix
A fast-paced review of the first three lessons covering atoms and subatomic particles, phases and properties of matter, and elements and the periodic table. Designed to get students caught up and re-oriented after absences.
Adaptation and Speciation
Students explore the three types of adaptations (structural, behavioral, physiological), learn how directional, stabilizing, and disruptive selection shape populations differently, trace the steps of speciation through geographic isolation, and survey adaptations across Earth's major biomes.
Biological Evolution Practice
A practice assessment covering three core topics from the Biological Evolution unit: reading the rock record (Law of Superposition, dating methods, index fossils, geologic time scale), natural selection (Darwin's four principles, genetic variation, fitness), and adaptation and speciation (three adaptation types, selection patterns, geographic isolation).
Magnetism and Electricity
Students explore the properties of magnets and magnetic fields, learn how electric current creates magnetism (Oersted's discovery), understand how electromagnets work and their advantages over permanent magnets, and discover real-world applications from electric motors to MRI machines.
Forces and Interactions Practice
A 15-question practice covering graphing motion, forces and Newton's laws, and magnetism and electricity. Designed to reinforce key concepts from Lessons 2 through 4 of the Forces and Interactions unit.
S8 - Q4 - Unit 1 Test
Unit test covering the rock record, natural selection, adaptation and speciation, taxonomy, and logical fallacies.
S7 - Q4 - Unit 1 Test
Unit test covering graphing motion, forces and Newton's Laws, magnetism and electricity, and logical fallacies.
S8 - Q4 - Unit 1 Review
Comprehensive review for the Q4 Unit 1 test covering the rock record, natural selection, adaptation and speciation, taxonomy, and logical fallacies.
S6 - Q4 - Unit 1 Test
Unit test covering properties of matter, states of matter and phase changes, energy transfer, and logical fallacies.
S7 - Q4 - Unit 1 Review
Comprehensive review for the Q4 Unit 1 test covering graphing motion, forces and Newton's Laws, magnetism and electricity, and logical fallacies.
S6 - Q4 - Unit 1 Review
Comprehensive review for the Q4 Unit 1 test covering properties of matter, states of matter and phase changes, energy transfer, and logical fallacies.
Taxonomy of Living Things
Students learn the modern system of biological classification (taxonomy), master the eight-level hierarchy from domain to species, explore the three-domain system, and use the OneZoom Tree of Life Explorer to investigate evolutionary relationships and answer 20 exploration questions that deepen their understanding of how all living things are connected.
The Great Technological Expansion: Breakthroughs, Evidence, and Imagination
A comprehensive 60-minute lesson for 8th grade students examining ten transformative technologies through the dual lenses of scientific evidence and creative speculation. Students learn to distinguish between demonstrated achievements, active research, and aspirational visions while connecting each technology to the underlying physics, biology, and chemistry. Designed to inspire wonder while building critical scientific literacy.
Agents of Disease: Viruses, Bacteria, Fungi, and Parasites
A dense, visual introduction to the four major categories of disease-causing agents. Students compare the basic characteristics, spread mechanisms, treatment options, and prevention strategies for viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, and distinguish between epidemics and pandemics.