Grade 8 Science: how to help at home
What your child learns in Grade 8 science in the New Brunswick Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- Grade focus: Beyond Earth - Human Presence in the Solar System.
- Scientific Literacy: Investigation. Plan investigations to answer questions about relationships between and among variables observed in motion and stability, the Laws of Motion, and space exploration.
- Scientific Literacy: Sensemaking. Analyze and interpret qualitative and quantitative data to construct explanations and conclusions.
- Scientific Literacy: Communication. Communicate procedure, result, and conclusion using a variety of media and working collaboratively.
- Learning and Living Sustainably: Responsible and Sustainable Application. Apply scientific and technological knowledge and an understanding of sustainable practices responsibly with respect to motion and stability, the Laws of Motion, and space exploration.
Easy ways to practise science at home
- Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?”
- Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives.
- Look up how a household machine works, such as a bike gear, a lamp or a fridge.
- Have your child draw and label a diagram of something they just learned.
What each unit covers
Cells & Life Processes
The cell theory, what organelles do in plant and animal cells, how photosynthesis and respiration are connected, osmosis, and how cells form tissues, organs and organ systems.
Particles & Matter
How the movement of particles explains solids, liquids and gases and changes of state, the parts of an atom (including the quarks inside protons and neutrons, and electrons as leptons), elements and compounds, and telling physical from chemical changes.
Viscosity & Flow
What viscosity is, how temperature and other factors change how fluids flow, and how to find a flow rate by dividing volume by time.
Density & Buoyancy
Calculating density from mass and volume, explaining why solids, liquids and gases differ in density using the particle theory, and predicting whether objects float or sink in different fluids.
Pressure & Pascal's Law
Why gases compress easily and liquids do not, how heating or compressing a fluid changes its pressure and volume, and how a hydraulic press uses Pascal's law to multiply a force.
Hydraulics & Pneumatics
How hydraulic systems (liquids) and pneumatic systems (compressed air) work, where each is used, and how valves, pumps and tubes in machines compare with the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
Climate Change: Causes & Action
Practises human causes of climate change, the carbon cycle, effects on coasts and communities, and the difference between mitigation and adaptation. Ties to the Nova Scotia Grade 8 science outcomes on Climate Change.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Working below
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Approaching
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Meeting
- Has it! Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Excelling
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the New Brunswick report card guide.
Common questions
Turn everyday questions into investigations: “Which paper towel holds the most water?” Read a science news story together and ask what evidence it gives. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
The New Brunswick Curriculum Grade 8 science units include cells & life processes, particles & matter, viscosity & flow, density & buoyancy, pressure & pascal's law, hydraulics & pneumatics.
Free printable Grade 8 science practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.