Grade 8 Science and Technology

In Grade 8 Science and Technology, our students will develop their knowledge of organisms by focusing on the structure and function of cells in plants and animals. They will explore fluids and the diverse applications involved in fluid mechanics while exploring the impact of fluids on industrial processes. The smooth functioning of society depends on a number and variety of systems and students will learn about how the needs of society influences the evolution of systems. In addition, our students will learn about the water systems on earth and the important role that water systems play in global ecosystems. This course is designed to be 50-75 instructional hours.

Curriculum Information: Science and Technology (2022)

Developed by: D2L

Development Date: 2021 (Revised 2022)

Please note that elementary courses do not have prerequisites, and Ontario schools do not issue transcript credits at the elementary level. All courses are available in the facilitated and independent pathways.

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Independent

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Note: The new Science and Technology curriculum includes a coding component. As we develop these resources, there will be a placeholder for this unit at the end of the course. However, as the coding content requires the knowledge and skills learned in the other units, students will complete the current content first, and will be prepared when the coding content is implemented.

Course Outline

STEM Skills and Connections

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.

Cells

In the Cells Unit, students will continue to develop their knowledge of organisms by focusing on the structure and function of plants and animal cells and cell processes. Students will also be introduced to the use of microscopes and be able to describe processes that occur inside cells. Students will explore cells and cell-related technologies in order to understand how cells can be part of complex organisms and how they can be used for various purposes.

Fluids

In the Fluids Unit, students will learn that fluids are essential to many industrial processes and form the basis of hydraulic and pneumatic devices. Students will learn about different liquids and gases, why they have different properties, and how these properties affect their behaviour in different situations. Using this knowledge, students will investigate how fluids are used in real-world applications such as construction and transportation. Students will also assess the environmental, social, and economic impacts of technologies that are based on the properties of fluids and fluid spills on various communities.

Systems In Action

In the Systems in Action Unit, students will explore different types of systems along with their purpose and processes. Through investigation, students will learn about the overall safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of systems and build a system. Students will learn how different systems increase productivity and efficiency, why productive and efficient systems are important, and how some systems can impact society, the economy, and the environment.

Water Systems

In the Water Systems Unit, students will learn about where all the water comes from on Earth and how the water systems play an important role in global ecosystems. Students will learn about different water-related technological innovations and build a water system. Students will also learn about water systems on Earth, and identify and explain why they are important and how they function.

Coding

In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.

This course is entirely online and does not require nor rely on any textbook. Students will require the following resources:

  • A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten or hand-drawn work
  • A device to record audio
  • A printer
  • A physical binder, folder, or notebook for offline activities
  • Scissors, stapler, ruler, glue, baking soda, salt, dish soap, food colouring, vinegar, cardboard, a plastic bottle
  • Centimetre grid paper
  • Various household items to complete offline activities

Through a balance of investigations, inquiry-based lessons, and direct instruction, students develop a strong foundation of scientific processes, knowledge, and skills to apply in real-world contexts. Students will learn and start to use the scientific inquiry process, scientific research, and appropriate lab skills. In addition to this, the exploration of key STEM topics is integrated throughout the learning. The course engages multiple learning styles by utilizing a combination of technology and offline activities that provide opportunities to develop an understanding of skills and concepts in interactive and concrete ways. The lessons feature a variety of intriguing storylines, videos, graphics, and interactive games to reinforce students’ learning. The activities also build a foundation of scientific models and strategies that students will use throughout the elementary grades.

The course relies on the assistance of a learning coach to support young students moving through the content. The learning coach will be involved in facilitating technical aspects of the course (e.g. printing and scanning printable activities) and in participating in discussion-based activities to assist students in developing communication skills.

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