Science 8

Unit 1: Cells and Living Things

Big Idea: life processes are performed at the cellular level. All living things share common characteristics, are made of one or more cells, carry out life processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration, and interact with micro-organisms in ways that can help or harm them — including how the immune system, vaccination, and antibiotics protect us, and how outbreaks affect populations.

• The characteristics of life

• Cell theory
• Types of cells

• Photosynthesis
• Cellular respiration

• How micro-organisms interact with living things

• The immune system

• Vaccination

• Antibiotics

• Epidemics

• Pandemics

Unit 2: Atomic Theory and Matter

Big Idea: the behaviour of matter can be explained by the kinetic molecular theory and atomic theory. Kinetic molecular theory explains how the tiny moving particles that make up matter behave, and atomic theory and its models explain what those particles are made of, right down to protons, neutrons, quarks, electrons, and leptons.

• Kinetic molecular theory

• Atomic theory
• Models of the atom

• Protons, neutrons, and quarks

• Electrons and leptons

Unit 3: Electromagnetic Radiation and Light

Big Idea: energy can be transferred as both a particle and a wave. The electromagnetic spectrum includes many types of radiation with different effects, and light is one part of that spectrum with its own properties, behaviours, and ways living things and technology sense it.

• Types of electromagnetic radiation
• Effects of electromagnetic radiation

• Properties of light
• Behaviours of light
• Ways of sensing light

Unit 4: Plate Tectonics and Earth's Structure

Big Idea: the theory of plate tectonics is the unifying theory that explains Earth's geological processes. The movement of Earth's tectonic plates explains major geological events, Earth is made of distinct layers, and First Peoples hold knowledge of local geological formations and events passed down through generations.

• Plate tectonic movement

• Major geological events of local significance

• First Peoples knowledge of local geological formations and events

• Earth's layers