GRADE 8 Science Standards and Benchmark Proficiencies Focus ...

GRADE 8
Science Standards and Benchmark Proficiencies
Focus on Physical Science

I. MOTION
The velocity of an object is the rate of change of its position.

II. FORCES
Unbalanced forces cause changes in velocity.

III. STRUCTURE OF MATTER
Each of the more than 100 elements of matter has distinct properties and a
distinct atomic structure. All forms of matter are composed of one or more of
the elements.

IV. EARTH IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM (Earth Science)
The structure and composition of the universe can be learned from studying
stars and galaxies and their evolution.

V. REACTIONS
Chemical reactions are processes in which atoms are rearranged into
different combinations of molecules.

VI. CHEMISTRY OF LIVING SYSTEMS (Life Science)

Principles of chemistry underlie the functioning of biological systems.

VII. PERIODIC TABLE
The organization of the periodic table is based on the properties of the
elements and reflects the structure of atoms.

VIII. DENSITY AND BUOYANCY
All objects experience a buoyant force when immersed in a fluid.

IX. INVESTIGATION AND EXPERIMENTATION
Scientific progress is made by asking meaningful questions and conducting
careful investigations.
Science Standards and Benchmark Proficiencies Grade 8 p.1
L.A. Archdiocese – Fall 2003 

Aligning the Instructional Program with the
Grade Level Standards and Benchmarks

In order to align the instructional program with the prescribed content standards ...