Northstar Academy

Science 8

Course name and abbreviation

Science 8 - Sci8

Grade Level:

Grade 8

Summary of course content and activities:

Science 8 includes five units with hands on activities.
  • "Mix and Flow of Matter" is an introductory study of solution chemistry. Students learn about chemical solutions and their properties, including viscosity, density, buoyancy, and pressure
  • "Cells and Systems" studies the relationships between the levels of structure in living things - from the individual cell to body systems.
  • "Light and Optical Systems" examines light and its behaviour Students explore reflection and refraction using lenses and mirrors.
  • "Mechanical Systems" focuses on the study of simple machines and how they work together to form mechanical systems Students examine related forces and how they affect efficiency and effectiveness of machines.
  • "Fresh and Salt Water Systems" studies the relationships of various forms of water on the Earth This unit includes brief studies of glaciers, lakes and rivers, and oceans as well as their relationship in the water cycle.

Who should be taking this course? For whom is this course designed and intended?

Grade 8 students

Philosophy statement for and/or behind teaching this course:

It is important for students to learn about and develop an appreciation for the world that God has created This encourages students to become good stewards of natural resources and provides them with an understanding of Godâs awesome design in the world To accommodate a variety of learning styles, a variety of activities are provided, including opportunities for students to do hands on activities and experiments.

Pre-requisite(s):  

Science 7

Materials and resources provided by NSA, purchased by student, and/or recommended:

Provided by NSA:

    Science Focus 8 textbook

Purchased by student:

    materials for simple machines
    a variety of household materials such as salt, sugar, food coloring, etc.

Forecasted amount of time required to complete each week's lesson:

Students should spend a minimum of 3 hrs per week on the science lessons and activities.

Description of student evaluations, quizzes, and tests:

Students are required to submit a variety of assignments for marking These include research projects, experiment write ups, crossword puzzles, unit tests, etc.

Additional activities:

Students are occasionally given a major project.

NorthStar Academy Canada
#107, 1001 - 20th Avenue, Didsbury, AB
Email: cdninfo@nsaschool.ca
1-403-335-9587
1-877-335-1171 (toll free)
1-403-335-9513 (fax)