- Grade 8
Availability: Blyth Academy Online
The Ontario Curriculum: Science and Technology
Course Overview
Grade 8 Science and Technology is designed to help students strengthen their scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills in order to solidify connections to the scientific method. Students will investigate and form connections between life systems and cells, matter and energy, structures and mechanisms, and Earth and space systems. Students will apply their scientific and technological literacy skills to explore how these four topics showcase the importance of systems to the world around us.
COURSE OUTLINE
Below is a course outline for the online Grade 8 Science and Technology course offered by Blyth Academy. As the Ontario curriculum is set by the Ontario Ministry of Education, the course and skills learned remain the same whether you take it in person or online.
UNIT ONE
Life Systems and Cells
In this unit, students begin by exploring how a microscope can be used to gain insight into the building blocks of life. Students will then develop an understanding of cell theory while comparing plant and animal cells. Students will also explore specialized cells to understand the complexity of the human body.
UNIT TWO
Understanding Matter and Energy
In this unit, students will deepen their understanding of the particle theory of matter by exploring the concepts of viscosity, temperature, density, buoyancy, and pressure in fluids. Students will also explore fluid systems and Pascal’s Law and make connections to real-world applications of fluid systems.
UNIT THREE
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms
In this unit, students will deepen their understanding of forces by examining examples of forces in the real world. Students will also learn about the concepts of work and energy using examples from their daily lives. Lastly, students will learn to calculate mechanical advantage and efficiency in order to understand efficient systems and mechanisms.
UNIT FOUR
Earth and Space Systems
In this unit, students will investigate the reasons why water is so important to our planet. Students will also explore the three states of water by making connections to the particle theory of matter. Lastly, students will explore the impact changes to the water table have, as well as causes and treatments for water contamination.
ASSESSMENT
The final grade a student achieves will represent the quality of their overall achievement of expectations for the course. The final grade will be determined by evaluations conducted throughout the duration of the course.
