Physical Science (Science 8)

The grade 8 Physical Science standards focus on developing deeper understanding of the nature and structure of matter and the characteristics of energy. Major areas include the particle nature of matter; the organization and use of the periodic table; physical and chemical changes; energy transfer and transformations; properties of longitudinal and transverse waves; electricity and magnetism; and work, force, and motion. Mathematics, computational thinking, and experiences in the engineering design process gain importance as students advance their scientific thinking. This course builds foundational knowledge toward high school Chemistry and Physics courses. At the end of this course, students take the Grade 8 Science Standards of Learning assessment that includes all three years of middle school science curricula.