Science 8

All Students at Thoreau Middle School are enrolled in Science 8 Honors. In 8^th grade, students explore the concepts of matter, energy, and motion through a sequence of hands-on, inquiry based labs.  Students will gain an in-depth understanding of these concepts while incorporating Portrait of a Graduate skills to understand the world around us.

Our four units of study are:

Energy, Forces and Their Effects | Matter and Its Properties | Changes in Matter | Interactions of Matter and Energy

To augment the inquiry and project-based investigations, computer technologies and interactive media are used to create a student-centered experience. Science and engineering practices are integrated throughout the course as students carry out investigations, collect and analyze data, and formulate evidence-based conclusions. At the end of the year, students will take the Virginia Standards of Learning Test that covers content from grades 6, 7, and 8. Opportunities to revisit and review concepts taught in grades 6 and 7 will occur throughout the year.

FCPS Middle School Science Site

FCPS Portrait of a Graduate Site

Back to 8th Grade Page