8th+Grade+for+Parents

a. Distinguish between atoms and molecules. b. Describe the difference between pure substances (elements and compounds) and mixtures. c. Describe the movement of particles in solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas states. d. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as physical (i.e., density, melting point, boiling point) or chemical (i.e., reactivity, combustibility). e. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (i.e., physical change) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of precipitate, and change in color). f. Recognize that there are more than 100 elements and some have similar properties as shown on the Periodic Table of Elements. g. Identify and demonstrate the Law of Conservation of Matter. a. Explain energy transformation in terms of the Law of Conservation of Energy. b. Explain the relationship between potential and kinetic energy. c. Compare and contrast the different forms of energy (heat, light, electricity, mechanical motion, sound) and their characteristics. d. Describe how heat can be transferred through matter by the collisions of atoms (conduction) or through space (radiation). In a liquid or gas, currents will facilitate the transfer of heat (convection). a. Determine the relationship between velocity and acceleration. b. Demonstrate the effect of balanced and unbalanced forces on an object in terms of gravity, inertia, and friction. c. Demonstrate the effect of simple machines (lever, inclined plane, pulley, wedge, screw, and wheel and axle) on work. a. Identify the characteristics of electromagnetic and mechanical waves. b. Describe how the behavior of light waves is manipulated causing reflection, refraction diffraction, and absorption. c. Explain how the human eye sees objects and colors in terms of wavelengths. d. Describe how the behavior of waves is affected by medium (such as air, water, solids). e. Relate the properties of sound to everyday experiences. f. Diagram the parts of the wave and explain how the parts are affected by changes in amplitude and pitch. a. Recognize that every object exerts gravitational force on every other object and that the force exerted depends on how much mass the objects have and how far apart they are. b. Demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of series and parallel circuits and how they transfer energy. c. Investigate and explain that electric currents and magnets can exert force on each other. =Things to discuss with your student: = =1. What is a pure substance? Anything that **cannot** be broken down by physical means (elements and compounds) = =2. Why is a mixture NOT a pure substance? Because it is combined physically and **can** be broken down physically.3. Compare and contrast elements and compounds. Elements are made up of only one kind of atom. Compounds are made up of two or more atoms that are CHEMICALLY combined. = =4. Describe the movement of particles in: Solids (tightly packed and vibrate), liquids (spread apart and slide past one another), gases (spread apart and move around freely while bumping into one another), plasma ( ionized gas. Found on sun. makes up 99% of our universe). = =5. Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter as physical (density, melting point, boiling point, color, size, shape) or chemical (reactivity, combustibility, flammability). Please discuss with your child… COLOR is a physical property, but a change in color due to a reaction (like an apple turning brown), is a chemical change. = =6. Distinguish between changes in matter as physical (change in state of matter… melting, freezing, boiling. Change in shape) or chemical (development of a gas, formation of precipitate, fire, and change in color). = =7. What does it mean that mass cannot be created nor destroyed? What are ways mass is transferred in different chemical reactions? = =8. Compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy. Give examples. Potential energy is energy based on an object’s position. Kinetic energy is the energy of movement. A roller coaster sitting still has potential energy. When it moves, kinetic. = =9. What happens to the gravitation force between two objects if the distance between them decreases? Gravity increases. = =10. Which statement about sound waves is correct? They generally travel faster through solids than through gases. = =11. How is the color of light determined? Wavelength.12. Give an example of refraction. Light slows down when it moves from a gas (air) to a liquid (water). = =13. What happens as the frequency of a sound wave increases? The pitch becomes higher. = =14. What happens as the amplitude of a sound wave increases? The sound becomes louder. = =15. What is an advantage of a parallel circuit? If one light bulb goes out, the rest will remain lit. =
 * __ 8th Grade Science for Parents __**
 * S8P1. Students will examine the scientific view of the nature of matter. **
 * S8P2. Students will be familiar with the forms and transformations of energy. **
 * S8P3. Students will investigate relationship between force, mass, and the motion of objects. **
 * S8P4. Students will explore the wave nature of sound and electromagnetic radiation. **
 * S8P5. Students will recognize characteristics of gravity, electricity, and magnetism as major kinds of forces acting in nature. **