Grade 8, Physics, Force and Motion Unit
Duration: @ 6 weeks
Overview
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Video
Introduction. Energy is all around you. Potential energy is stored and
ready to be released. Kinetic energy is energy that is seen through motion.
In this unit, you will learn how scientists measure these forms of energy.
You will use the
Scientific Process to
predict, test and measure energy in your world. You will
construct your own understanding through an inquiry-based approach.
Activities include open-ended investigations, small-group discussions,
exploratory writing and reflective reading tasks, and long-range projects.
Career Connection: If you find this unit or course
interesting, you may want to consider one of the science and health related
careers. This course fits within the Colorado Health Sciences and Public
Safety Industry Sector.
Read more about Health Science and Public Safety career pathways,
recommended high school courses, education requirements, and job
opportunities.
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Enduring Understandings
- important ideas that students should carry with them years beyond the
instruction received this year.
- Scientists investigate the world around
them and communicate to others through the scientific process.
- The scientific process is the basis of
an integrated approach to understanding our world. (topic/problem,
testable question, hypothesis, procedure)
- Scientists use a plan to carry out an
investigation (variables, control, data, observations, investigations).
- Scientists select, appropriate tools to
collect, organize, and record data using the metric system in tables,
charts, and graphs. Scientists analyze data for reliability
and validity to form a conclusion. Scientists analyze data to infer past
and predict future events.
- Scientists ask questions based on their
investigations and these questions can lead to new investigations.
- Scientists communicate the results of
their investigations in many formats and appropriate ways.
- There are measurable properties of
kinetic and potential energy. Energy cannot be created nor destroyed.
- There are measurable changes as energy
is transferred or transformed.
- New technology continually impacts human
activity.
- Experiments must be controlled and have
reproducible results.
- Scientists identify, determine, compare,
and control variables. Scientists must be objective and bias
free when examining their work. Scientists communicate their results
using various methods.
- Scientists use models to predict change.
- Safety is a primary concern with all
laboratory techniques.
Essential Questions
- most important “big picture” questions students should be able to answer
after completing learning activities.
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What is a
testable question that leads to a proposed hypothesis? How is a
testable question developed?
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How do scientists design
a plan for investigating a testable questions? How is an
investigation organized?
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How do scientists develop and
perform a scientific investigation? What are the independent/manipulated and
dependent/responding variables? What is the standard of control?
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What are the appropriate
tools, technologies, and measurement systems used by scientists?
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How do scientists interpret and
evaluate data? How do scientists infer/predict
past and future events?
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What new questions have arisen based
on unexpected results of the investigation?
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How is scientific information
effectively communicated to specific audiences?
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How do controlled/uncontrolled
variables affect the outcomes of experiments?
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How do you identify, compare, and
control variables in an investigation?
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How does bias, opinion, and evidence
affect the way science is communicated in various media?
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What are some different sources and
methods a scientist uses to collect and record data?
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How can models help us predict
future outcomes.
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What are safe laboratory practices?
Standards
Highest
Frequency Standards
 High
Frequency Standards
 Other
Standards & E-skills
Standard 1: Students understand the processes of
scientific investigations and design, conduct, communicate about, and
evaluate such investigation.
Standard 2: Physical Science: Students know and
understand common properties, forms, and changes in matter and energy.
Students know that matter has characteristic properties which are
related to its composition and structure. Students understand that
energy appears in different forms and can move (be transferred) and
change (be transformed). Students understand that interactions can
produce changes in a system, although the total quantities of matter and
energy remain unchanged.
Standard 5: Students know and understand
interrelationships among science, technology, and human activity and how
they affect the world.
Standard 6: Students understand that science involves a
particular way of knowing and they understand common connections among
scientific disciplines. |
Parents
When parents ask their teenagers what happened at school, they often get very
vague responses. You can demonstrate your support of your child's learning
by asking specific questions like, "What topic are you studying this week in
science? Share the topics you are interested in and why. While driving
together, there are games you can play to foster good communication.
Ask your teen to pick a science topic and quiz you by posing questions for
you to answer. Don't be intimidated if your child outscores you. Teaching
information to someone else is the best way to remember information.
You will be giving your teen an opportunity to demonstrate his or her
understanding of science information, and boost his or her confidence in
learning.
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