Course Name:

Eighth Grade Science

Course Information

Eighth Grade Science is a full‑semester course designed to strengthen scientific reasoning, deepen conceptual understanding, and prepare students for high‑school level science. Students will explore advanced physical, life, and Earth science concepts through investigation, modeling, engineering design, and real‑world problem‑solving.

Each unit emphasizes critical thinking, data interpretation, and scientific communication. Through digital labs, hands‑on projects, and inquiry‑based learning, students will build confidence applying science to everyday life, technology, and global challenges.

Course Delivery Method

Online

Contacting Your Instructor

You may contact your instructor through the Learndash messaging system. Technical support is available 24/7.

Course Objectives

After completing this course, students should be able to:

• Apply scientific inquiry to design, test, and refine investigations.
• Analyze matter, chemical reactions, and energy transfer at particle and system levels.
• Explain forces, motion, and interactions using Newtonian principles.
• Investigate waves, electromagnetic radiation, and technological applications.
• Describe Earth’s systems, climate processes, and geologic changes.
• Evaluate human impacts on Earth’s resources and environmental stability.
• Understand genetics, heredity, and biological evolution.
• Communicate scientific findings using graphs, models, and evidence‑based reasoning.
• Apply engineering design to solve scientific and environmental problems.

Textbook and Materials

No required textbook. All materials are provided digitally through EduMonitor. Optional: household items for experiments (listed per unit).

Technical Requirements

• Internet access (high speed recommended)
• Email
• Word processing software (Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
• Presentation software (PowerPoint or Google Slides)
• Adobe Reader
• Audio and video capabilities
• PDF app (free options available)

Technical Skill Requirements

Be comfortable with:

• Using a word processor
• Internet search engines and browsers
• Creating PDFs
• Uploading assignments and projects

Course Organization

This course consists of 15 units, each with 3–4 topics, one project per unit, one quiz per unit, a mid‑term exam, and a final exam.

Each unit includes:

• Introduction and Instructions
• Learning Objectives and Standards
• Learning Activities
• Assignments and Projects

Course Outline

Course Credit

• 60% Coursework Average
• 40% Summative Assessment Average (Mid‑Term + Final Exam)
• Passing grade: 60% or higher

Grades: A: 90–100% B: 80–89% C: 70–79% D: 60–69% F: Below 60%

Coursework

Each unit includes a project that applies the concept to real life.

Examples:

• Unit 1: Design a multi‑variable experiment.
• Unit 4: Conduct a safe endothermic/exothermic reaction.
• Unit 6: Build a wave demonstration using string or slinky.
• Unit 12: Create a Punnett Square heredity chart.
• Unit 15: Develop a global environmental solutions poster.

Summative Assessments

• Mid‑Term Exam: Covers Units 1–7
• Final Exam: Covers Units 1–15
• Capstone Project: “Science in My World” — students choose one scientific concept and explain how it applies to everyday life.

Summative assessments may be proctored using Proctorio.

Course Completion

• Minimum completion time: 30 days
• Course expires six months after enrollment

Academic Integrity

Students must submit original work. Cheating, plagiarism, or falsifying data will result in disciplinary action according to EduMonitor’s K‑12 Student Handbook.

Student Expectations

Students must:

• Log in regularly
• Follow online netiquette
• Use respectful language
• Avoid spamming, hacking, or inappropriate content
• Maintain academic honesty

Communication

Instructor replies within 2 business days. Use Learndash Course Messages for all communication.

Submitting Assignments

Submit all assignments and projects through the Learndash Assignment Tool.

Technical Difficulties

If you experience issues, contact EduMonitor K‑12 Support. Always keep backup copies of your work.