Grade 8 Science and Technology
Overview of Grade 8 Science and Technology
The Grade 8 Science and Technology curriculum in Ontario is divided into five strands: STEM Skills and Connections, Life Systems: Cells, Matter and Energy: Fluids, Structures and Mechanisms: Systems in Action, and Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems. Students are laid a strong foundation for these core topics early on to smoothen the transition from Grade 8 Science and Technology to Grades 9 Science (SNC1D) & Grade 10 Science (SNC2D).
It is important to appreciate the fact that a great deal of the Grade 8 Science and Technology curriculum in Ontario does not reflect what students will learn in high school science and beyond. While our tutors do actively ensure that students understand the Grade 8 content, equal priority is placed upon accelerating students ahead into the high school Science material so that they can devote their mental faculties to understanding the higher level concepts to come.
Sources:
https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/science-technology/grades/grade-8/home
Grade 8 Science and Technology Ontario Curriculum Breakdown
- Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess developments in cell biology and their impact on individuals, society, and the environment
- Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structure and function of plant and animal cells and cell processes
Cells are the smallest unit of life, and each cell is a system nested within a system. In Grade 8, students will continue to develop their knowledge of organisms by focusing on the structure and function of cells in plants and animals.
- Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess the social and environmental impacts of various systems, and evaluate improvements to the systems or alternative ways of meeting the same needs
- Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of different types of systems and the factors that contribute to their safe and efficient operation
Whether large or small, human, mechanical, or natural, all systems consist of many components that can be studied and improved. Students will learn to calculate the mechanical advantage of mechanical systems, and will learn about the overall safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of a variety of systems.
- Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Analyse uses of various technologies that rely on the properties of fluids, and assess the impact of these technologies on society and the environment
- Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of basic fluid mechanics, including the properties and uses of fluids
To learn about the properties of fluids, students will experiment with and investigate the viscosity and density of different liquids and ways in which these properties affect objects placed in those liquids. Students will explore the implications of Archimedes’ principle by investigating and measuring the buoyant forces on different objects.
- Relating Science and Technology to Our Changing World: Assess the impact of human activities and technologies on the sustainability of water resources
- Exploring and Understanding Concepts: Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of Earth’s water systems and of factors that affect these systems
More than 70 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered with water, and most of this water is found in the oceans. In learning about the earth’s water systems, students will develop an understanding of the important role that water systems play in global ecosystems. They will evaluate the role media play in portraying controversial water issues and research recent technological innovations related to Earth’s water systems
York Region Tutoring Provides
If a student is approaching a forthcoming test, we can provide them with a previous test to be completed at home before their upcoming session. Subsequently, during their next class, just before the exam, they can review the test with their tutor. These tests are exclusively sourced from high schools in York Region and other areas in Ontario, serving as the definitive benchmark for students to assess their readiness.
York Region Tutors and are equipped with drawing tablets making collaboration simple, efficient and effective. We also offer drawing tablets at a discount for purchase to students who really take to the functionality of the product.
At the parents’ request, following each tutoring session, our tutors can assign homework tailored to address weaknesses and reinforce strengths in students. Additionally, we incorporate homework questions directly extracted from previous tests and quizzes administered by YRDSB school teachers, allowing students to familiarize themselves with potential test questions.