1

Scientific Investigation and Reasoning – Safe Practices

8.1A(8.1A) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards.

2

Safety Equipment

8.4B(8.4B) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher.

3

Conservation of Resources

8.1B(8.1B) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student, for at least 40% of instructional time, conducts laboratory and field investigations following safety procedures and environmentally appropriate and ethical practices. The student is expected to practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials.

4

Planning Comparative and Descriptive Investigations

8.2A(8.2A) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

5

Planning Comparative and Experimental Investigations

8.2B(8.2B) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

6

Tools and Technology

8.4A(8.4A) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and safety equipment to conduct science inquiry. The student is expected to use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum.
8.2A(8.2A) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.
8.2B(8.2B) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

7

Measurement

8.2C(8.2C) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers.

8

Data Organization

8.2D(8.2D) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns.

9

Data Analysis

8.2E(8.2E) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific inquiry methods during laboratory and field investigations. The student is expected to analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends.

10

Scientific Explanations

8.3A(8.3A) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to, in all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.

11

Models

8.3B(8.3B) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature.
8.3C(8.3C) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials.

12

Contribution of Scientists

8.3D(8.3D) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem solving to make informed decisions and knows the contributions of relevant scientists. The student is expected to relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content.

1

Atomic Structure

8.5A(8.5A) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to describe the structure of atoms, including the masses, electrical charges, and locations, of protons and neutrons in the nucleus and electrons in the electron cloud.

2

Elements vs. Compounds

6.5A(6.5A) Matter and Energy. The student knows the differences between elements and compounds. The student is expected to know that an element is a pure substance represented by chemical symbols.
6.5C(6.5C) Matter and Energy. The student knows the differences between elements and compounds. The student is expected to differentiate between elements and compounds on the most basic level.

3

Elemental Properties

8.5B(8.5B) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to identify that protons determine an element's identity and valence electrons determine its chemical properties, including reactivity.

4

Metals, Nonmetals and Metalloids

6.6A(6.6A) Matter and Energy. The student knows matter has physical properties that can be used for classification. The student is expected to compare metals, nonmetals, and metalloids using physical properties such as luster, conductivity, or malleability.

5

Periodic Table

8.5C(8.5C) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to interpret the arrangement of the Periodic Table, including groups and periods, to explain how properties are used to classify elements.

6

Chemical Formulas

8.5D(8.5D) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to recognize that chemical formulas are used to identify substances and determine the number of atoms of each element in chemical formulas containing subscripts.

7

Chemical Reactions

8.5E(8.5E) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to investigate how evidence of chemical reactions indicate that new substances with different properties are formed.
6.5D(6.5D) Matter and Energy. The student knows the differences between elements and compounds. The student is expected to identify the formation of a new substance by using the evidence of a possible chemical change such as production of a gas, change in temperature, production of a precipitate, or color change.

8

Chemical Equations

8.5F(8.5F) Matter and Energy. The student knows that matter is composed of atoms and has chemical and physical properties. The student is expected to recognize whether a chemical equation containing coefficients is balanced or not and how that relates to the law of conservation of mass.

9

Density

6.6B(6.6B) Matter and Energy. The student knows matter has physical properties that can be used for classification. The student is expected to calculate density to identify an unknown substance.

1

Potential and Kinetic Energy

6.8A(6.8A) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to compare and contrast potential and kinetic energy.

2

Energy Transformations

6.9C(6.9C) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that the Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, it just changes form. The student is expected to demonstrate energy transformations such as energy in a flashlight battery changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy.

3

Speed, Velocity and Acceleration

8.6B(8.6B) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to differentiate between speed, velocity, and acceleration.

4

Average Speed

6.8C(6.8C) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to calculate average speed using distance and time measurements.

5

Changes in Motion

6.8D(6.8D) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to measure and graph changes in motion.

6

Changes in Speed and Direction

6.8B(6.8B) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows force and motion are related to potential and kinetic energy. The student is expected to identify and describe the changes in position, direction, and speed of an object when acted upon by unbalanced forces.
8.6A(8.6A) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to demonstrate and calculate how unbalanced forces change the speed or direction of an object's motion.

7

Work and Force

7.7A(7.7A) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship among force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to contrast situations where work is done with different amounts of force to situations where no work is done such as moving a box with a ramp and without a ramp, or standing still.

8

Newton's Laws-Inertia

8.6C(8.6C) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to investigate and describe applications of Newton's law of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and law of action-reaction such as in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth's tectonic activities, and rocket launches.

9

Newton's Laws-Force and Acceleration

8.6C(8.6C) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to investigate and describe applications of Newton's law of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and law of action-reaction such as in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth's tectonic activities, and rocket launches.

10

Newton's Laws- Action-Reaction

8.6C(8.6C) Force, Motion, and Energy. The student knows that there is a relationship between force, motion, and energy. The student is expected to investigate and describe applications of Newton's law of inertia, law of force and acceleration, and law of action-reaction such as in vehicle restraints, sports activities, amusement park rides, Earth's tectonic activities, and rocket launches.

1

Earth Rotation and Revolution

8.7A(8.7A) Earth and Space. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The student is expected to model and illustrate how the tilted Earth rotates on its axis, causing day and night, and revolves around the Sun causing changes in seasons.

2

Gravity

6.11B(6.11B) Earth and Space. The student understands the organization of our solar system and the relationships among the various bodies that comprise it. The student is expected to understand that gravity is the force that governs the motion of our solar system.

3

The Moon: Lunar Cycle and Tides

8.7B(8.7B) Earth and Space. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The student is expected to demonstrate and predict the sequence of events in the lunar cycle.
8.7C(8.7C) Earth and Space. The student knows the effects resulting from cyclical movements of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. The student is expected to relate the position of the Moon and Sun to their effect on ocean tides.

4

Components of the Universe

8.8A(8.8A) Earth and Space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as the Herztsprung-Russell diagram for classification.
8.8B(8.8B) Earth and Space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to recognize that the Sun is a medium-sized star near the edge of a discshaped galaxy of stars and that the Sun is many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star.

5

Electromagnetic Spectrum Introduction

8.8C(8.8C) Earth and Space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information about distances and properties of components in the universe.

6

Electromagnetic Spectrum and Components of the Universe

8.8C(8.8C) Earth and Space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information about distances and properties of components in the universe.

7

Light Year

8.8D(8.8D) Earth and Space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected to model and describe how light years are used to measure distances and sizes in the universe.

8

Plate Tectonics

6.10A-D(6.10A-D) Earth and Space. The student understands the structure of Earth, the rock cycle, and plate tectonics. The student is expected to: (A) build a model to illustrate the structural layers of Earth, including the inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, asthenosphere, and lithosphere; (B) classify rocks as metamorphic, igneous, or sedimentary by the processes of their formation; (C) identify the major tectonic plates, including Eurasian, African, Indo-Australian, Pacific, North American, and South American; and (D) describe how plate tectonics causes major geological events such as ocean basins, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and mountain building.
8.9A(8.9A) Earth and Space. The student knows that natural events can impact Earth systems. The student is expected to describe the historical development of evidence that supports plate tectonic theory.
8.9B(8.9B) Earth and Space. The student knows that natural events can impact Earth systems. The student is expected to relate plate tectonics to the formation of crustal features.

9

Maps and Satellite Imagery

8.9C(8.9C) Earth and Space. The student knows that natural events can impact Earth systems. The student is expected to interpret topographic maps and satellite views to identify land and erosional features and predict how these features may be reshaped by weathering.

10

The Sun and Convection Currents

8.10A(8.10A) Earth and Space. The student knows that climatic interactions exist among Earth, ocean, and weather systems. The student is expected to recognize that the Sun provides the energy that drives convection within the atmosphere and oceans, producing winds and ocean currents.

11

Atmospheric Movement

8.10B(8.10B) Earth and Space. The student knows that climatic interactions exist among Earth, ocean, and weather systems. The student is expected to identify how global patterns of atmospheric movement influence local weather using weather maps that show high and low pressures and fronts.

12

Oceans and Weather Systems

8.10C(8.10C) Earth and Space. The student knows that climatic interactions exist among Earth, ocean, and weather systems. The student is expected to identify the role of the oceans in the formation of weather systems such as hurricanes.

1

Organisms Interactions

8.11A(8.11A) Organisms and Environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems. The student is expected to describe producer/consumer, predator/prey, and parasite/host relationships as they occur in food webs within marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.

2

Competition for Abiotic and Biotic Factors

8.11B(8.11B) Organisms and Environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems. The student is expected to investigate how organisms and populations in an ecosystem depend on and may compete for biotic and abiotic factors such as quantity of light, water, range of temperatures, or soil composition.

3

Environmental Changes

8.11C(8.11C) Organisms and Environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems. The student is expected to explore how short- and long-term environmental changes affect organisms and traits in subsequent populations.

4

Human and Ocean Systems

8.11D(8.11D) Organisms and Environments. The student knows that interdependence occurs among living systems and the environment and that human activities can affect these systems. The student is expected to recognize human dependence on ocean systems and explain how human activities such as runoff, artificial reefs, or use of resources have modified these systems.