Eighth Grade BSD Learning Targets 2015-2016

Here are the 8th grade learning targets as updated by the science articulation team. All ALT.1 targets are inquiry
supporting targets, all ALT.2 are engineering supporting targets, and all ALT.3 are informational text learning
targets. Informational text includes reading text, data tables, and graphs to get information about a science topic.
The NGSS Performance expectation codes are shown in parenthesis.
8TH GRADE SCIENCE 2015-2016
SCIENTIFIC PRACTICES
Academic Learning Targets
ALT 1 SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
I can design and conduct a scientific
investigation that uses appropriate o
tools, techniques, independent and
dependent variables, and controls to
collect relevant data.
o
o

o
ALT 2 ENGINEERING DESIGN
I can design, construct, test and
evaluate a simple solution to a
defined problem using appropriate o
tools and materials.
o

Supporting Targets
o
AST 1.1 I can propose a testable question and
hypothesis that can be scientifically investigated using data,
identifying controls, independent and dependent variables.
AST 1.2 I can design a logical and safe experiment that uses
appropriate tools and techniques. I can clearly communicate my
procedure so that others can follow it.
AST 1.3 I can communicate relevant data through organized displays
such as tables and graphs
AST 1.4 I can analyze data and/or observations and give evidence
based explanations, identifying possible sources of error. I can
communicate my results, suggest improvements, and propose new
investigations based on the analysis of results.
AST 2.1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with
sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account
relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the
natural environment that may limit possible solutions. (MS-ETSI-1)
AST 2.2 I can evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic
process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of
the problem. (MS-ETSI-2)
AST 2.3 I can analyze data from tests to determine similarities and
differences among several design solutions to identify the best
characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better
meet the criteria for success. (MS-ETSI-3)
AST 2.4 I can develop a model to generate data for iterative testing
and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an
optimal design can be achieved. (MS-ETSI-4)

CHEMISTRY
Academic Learning Targets
ALT 3 - MATTER
I can explain how atomic and
molecular interactions determine the
properties of matter that we see and
feel.

ALT 4 - CHEMICAL REACTIONS

I can compare and contrast physical
and chemical changes and describe
how the law of conservation of
mass applies to these changes.

Supporting Targets
o

AST 3.1 Inquiry: I can analyze and interpret data to make

conclusions about the structure and properties of matter.

AST 3.2 Engineering: I can design, construct, test and evaluate a

simple solution to a defined problem using appropriate tools and
materials.

AST 3.3 Informational Text: I can read and use informational

text about matter to answer relevant questions.

AST 3.4 I can develop models to describe the atomic composition

of simple molecules and extended structures. (MS-PS1-1)

AST 3.5 I can develop a model that predicts and describes

changes in particle motion, temperature, and state of a pure
substance when thermal energy is added or removed. (MS-PS1-4)

AST 3.6 I can gather and make sense of information to describe

that synthetic materials come from natural resources and impact
society. (MS-PS1-3)

AST 4.1 Inquiry: I can analyze and interpret data on the

properties of substances before and after the substances interact to
determine if a chemical reaction has occurred. (MS-PS1-2)

AST 4.2 Engineering: I can undertake a design project to

construct, test, and modify a device that either releases or absorbs
thermal energy by chemical processes. (MS-PS1-6)

AST 4.3 Informational Text: I can read and use informational

text about chemical reactions to answer relevant questions.

AST 4.4 I can develop and use a model to describe how the total
number of atoms does not change in a chemical reaction and thus
mass is conserved. (MS-PS1-5)

SPACE SYSTEMS
Academic Learning Target
ALT 5 EARTH IN SPACE
I can explain the Earth/Sun/Moon
system and the role of gravity in the
Universe.

Supporting Targets
o

AST 5.1 Inquiry: I can analyze and interpret data to determine

scale properties of objects in the solar system. (MS-ESS1-3)

AST 5.2 Engineering: I can design, construct, test and evaluate

a simple solution to a defined problem using appropriate tools and
materials.

AST 5.3 Informational Text: I can read and use informational

text about earth in space to answer relevant questions.

AST 5.4 I can develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon

system to describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of
the sun, moon, and seasons. (MS-ESS1-1)

AST 5.5 I can develop and use a model to describe the role of
gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. (MSESS1-2)

AST 5.6 Construct and present arguments using evidence to

support the claim that gravitational interactions are attractive and
depend on the masses of interacting objects. (MS-PS2-4)

EVOLUTION
Academic Learning Targets
ALT 6 CHANGE OVER TIME
I can show evidence for changes in
Earth's organisms over time.

Supporting Targets
o

o
o
o
o
o

ALT 7 NATURAL SELECTION

I can explain how organisms change
over time in response to changes in
the environment.

o
o

o
o

AST 6.1 Inquiry: I can analyze and interpret data for patterns in the
fossil record that document the existence, diversity, extinction, and
change of life forms throughout the history of life on Earth under the
assumption that natural laws operate today as in the past. (MS-LS4-1)
AST 6.2 Engineering: I can design, construct, test and evaluate a
simple solution to a defined problem using appropriate tools and
materials.
AST 6.3 Informational Text: I can read and use informational text
about evolution to answer relevant questions.
AST 6.4 I can construct a scientific explanation based on evidence
from rock strata for how the geologic time scale is used to organize
Earths 4.6 billion year old history. (MS-ESS1-4)
AST 6.5 I can construct an argument supported by evidence for how
increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural
resources impact Earths systems. (MS-ESS3-4)
AST 6.6 I can apply scientific ideas to construct an explanation for the
anatomical similarities and differences among modern organisms and
between modern and fossil organisms to infer evolutionary relationships.
(MS-LS4-2)
AST 7.1 Inquiry: I can analyze and interpret data to make conclusions
about the principles of natural selection.
AST 7.2 Engineering: I can design, construct, test and evaluate a
simple solution to a defined problem using appropriate tools and
materials.
AST 7.3 Informational Text: I can read and use informational text
about natural selection to answer relevant questions.
AST 7.4 I can develop and use a model to describe why structural
changes to genes (mutations) located on chromosomes may affect
proteins and may result in harmful, beneficial, or neutral effects to the
structure and function of the organism. (MS-LS3-1)
AST 7.5 I can use mathematical representations to support
explanations of how natural selection may lead to increases and
decreases of specific traits in populations over time. (MS-LS4-6)
AST 7.6 I can construct an explanation based on evidence that
describes how genetic variations of traits in a population increase some
individuals probability of surviving and reproducing in a specific
environment. (MS-LS4-4)
AST 7.7 I can construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for
how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of
organisms. (MS-LS1-5)
AST 7.8 I can analyze displays of pictorial data to compare patterns of
similarities in the embryological development across multiple species to
identify relationships not evident in the fully formed anatomy. (MS-LS43)
AST 7.9 I can gather and synthesize information about the
technologies that have changed the way humans influence the
inheritance of desired traits in organisms. (MS-LS4-5)