SCIENCE 8 (SC 8) - Course Outline 2016-2017

TEACHERS: Ms. Allen, Mr. Chang, Ms Catia, Mr. Quarrie

COURSE DESCRIPTOR:
The scientific method is studied with special emphasis on laboratory techniques,
graphing, and lab safety. The provincial curriculum includes a Life Science Unit, in
which students study of the characteristics of living things, and the nature of cells and
body systems. The Physical Sciences covers the behaviour of waves, the properties of
light, an understanding of human vision, and studies on force, the kinetic molecular
theory, density and viscosity. The Water Systems on Earth Unit includes the water cycle,
salinity and temperature in the worlds oceans, the effect of water and ice on land,
continental drainage systems and the productivity and species distribution in marine
environments. Science processes, experimental design and laboratory skills are
emphasized and reviewed throughout the course.
COURSE CREDIT: 4 credits
PREREQUISITE: Science 7

LENGTH OF COURSE: Full-year

RESOURCES:
General:
Binder with paper and laptop
Pen, Pencil, Ruler
Scientific calculator

Texts:
BC Science 8 textbook
BC Science 8 workbook

ASSESSMENT OUTLINE:
Course Work grades are based on:
Tests
Labs and Assignments

50%
50%

At the end of the year the school mark will be derived as follows:
Course Work Mark
80%
June Exam
20%

COURSE CONTENT OVERVIEW

Scientific Method and Lab Safety
These concepts are incorporated throughout the course.
Students will learn how to:
(i) perform experiments using the scientific method
(ii) represent and interpret information
(iii) demonstrate scientific literacy
(iv) demonstrate ethical, responsible, cooperative behavior
Life Science
Students will learn how to:
(i) demonstrate knowledge of the characteristics of living things
(ii) relate the main features and properties of cells to their functions
(iii) explain the functioning of the immune system, and the roles of the primary,
secondary, and tertiary defence systems
Physical Science
It is expected that students will:
(i) demonstrate knowledge of the behaviour of waves
(ii) explain the properties of visible light
(iii) compare visible light to other types of electromagnetic radiation
(iv) explain how human vision works
(v) explain the concept of force
(vi) describe the relationship between solids, liquids, and gases, using the
kinetic molecular theory
Chemical Science
It is expected that students will:
(i) demonstrate understanding of the structure of the atom by examining the
history of atomic theory and models
(ii) demonstrate an understanding of the composition of subatomic particles
including protons, neutrons, and quarks, electrons and leptons
Plate Tectonic
It is expected that students will:
(i) demonstrate understanding of how the movement of Earths tectonic plates
causes observable change and effects
(ii) demonstrate understanding of how plate tectonic movement affects us
locally
(iii) demonstrate understanding of First Peoples knowledge of local geological
formations