They investigate the composition of the atmosphere and the transfer of energy between air, land, and water. The unit ends with students tracking hurricanes in a culminating interdisciplinary project. Heredity Students are introduced to the study of genetics and its importance to both the continuity and change of living things. They investigate how traits are passed from one generation to the next with an emphasis on probability. Body Systems Exploration of the structure and function of the human machine at both the microscopic and macroscopic levels is presented in this unit.
Students investigate the effects of disease on the human body and the community.
During eighth grade, students will complete the remaining MCPS sixth through eighth grade science objectives. The design and organization of the spiral curriculum allows time for a special unit on space studies. The study of the chemical structure and properties of the Earth's rocks and minerals is included in this unit. Students learn the vital role the Earth's natural resources plays in our society and the importance of proper stewardship of those resources. The unit concludes with students actively participating in a discussion of plate tectonics and how their movement causes volcanoes and earthquakes.