SCIENCE 8: YEAR IN REVIEW

1. SCIENCE 8: YEAR IN REVIEW • The following is to be used as a guide to help you study. • It covers most of the topics covered this year.

2. Unit 1: Intro to Science • Explain the role of a Scientist. • Name 3 main branches of Science. • Explain the terms: fact, theory and law. • Know and explain all steps of the scientific method. • Define and explain the difference between an experimental control and variable. • Know the general safety rules of the lab.

3. Unit 1: Measurement • Know the prefixes of the metric system (milli, deci). • Know how to convert units of the metric system. • Know and explain how to calculate the volume of both regular and irregularly shaped objects. • Know how to calculate mass directly, indirectly and by difference. • Know the different tools used for measuring mass, volume and temperature. • Know how to calculate mass, volume or density using, D = M/V. • Explain the term meniscus and describe how to measure volume of liquids properly.

4. Unit 2: Investigating Matter • Know the different states of matter. • Use the particle model and Kinetic molecular theory to describe the states of matter. • Explain the different phase changes: evaporation, sublimation etc. • Classify matter as: Pure substance (element or compound) a Mixture (solutions, mechanical, suspension). • Explain the difference between physical and chemical changes. Identify the different characteristics of each. • Explain the difference between qualitative and quantitative properties. • Explain the difference between atoms, molecules and compounds. • Know the symbols for the common elements (Cu, Fe etc.).

5. Unit 3: Life Science • Explain the terms bioshpere, ecosystem, habitat and microenvironment. • Describe the difference between abiotic and biotic factors and give examples. • Construct simple food webs and identify the various levels, producers up to higher order consumers. • Explain why fewer organisms exist at top of food web (how it relates to energy available at each level). • Define photosynthesis, write the equation and state where it occurs. • Define terms, population, community and niche. • Know how to measure populations of a species, line transect, and random sampling.

6. Unit 4: Energy • Define energy. • Describe the various forms of energy. • Explain the energy transformations occurring when a device is used. • Know the terms of Thermal energy. Radiant, convection and conduction. • Know key points of Sound and Light energy.

7. Unit 5: Earth Science • Explain the difference between rocks and minerals. • Describe the different characteristics used to classify rocks. • State the main categories of Rocks and give examples of each. • Explain how rate at which rocks cool affect the crystal formation. • Explain the rock cycle and the processes by which rocks change from one form to another. • Describe ways in which the landscape changes. • Explain the different types of weathering. • Describe difference between weathering and erosion. List three parts of erosion. • Describe key points of glaciers and their effects on changing the landscape. • Outline key points of Acid rain, causes, effects and solutions.