Year 8 Science in the Australian Curriculum

AC9S8U01

recognise cells as the basic units of living things, compare plant and animal cells, and describe the functions of specialised cell structures and organelles

AC9S8U02

analyse the relationship between structure and function of cells, tissues and organs in a plant and an animal organ system and explain how these systems enable survival of the individual

AC9S8U03

investigate tectonic activity including the formation of geological features at divergent, convergent and transform plate boundaries and describe the scientific evidence for the theory of plate tectonics

AC9S8U04

describe the key processes of the rock cycle, including the timescales over which they occur, and examine how the properties of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks reflect their formation and influence their use

AC9S8U05

classify different types of energy as kinetic or potential and investigate energy transfer and transformations in simple systems

AC9S8U06

classify matter as elements, compounds or mixtures and compare different representations of these, including 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional models, symbols for elements and formulas for molecules and compounds

AC9S8U07

compare physical and chemical changes and identify indicators of energy change in chemical reactions

AC9S8H01

explain how new evidence or different perspectives can lead to changes in scientific knowledge

AC9S8H02

investigate how cultural perspectives and world views influence the development of scientific knowledge

AC9S8H03

examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations

AC9S8H04

explore the role of science communication in informing individual viewpoints and community policies and regulations

AC9S8I01

develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to explore scientific models, identify patterns and test relationships

AC9S8I02

plan and conduct reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including identifying variables and assumptions and, as appropriate, recognising and managing risks, considering ethical issues and recognising key considerations regarding heritage sites and artefacts on Country/Place

AC9S8I03

select and use equipment to generate and record data with precision, using digital tools as appropriate

AC9S8I04

select and construct appropriate representations, including tables, graphs, models and mathematical relationships, to organise and process data and information

AC9S8I05

analyse data and information to describe patterns, trends and relationships and identify anomalies

AC9S8I06

analyse methods, conclusions and claims for assumptions, possible sources of error, conflicting evidence and unanswered questions

AC9S8I07

construct evidence-based arguments to support conclusions or evaluate claims and consider any ethical issues and cultural protocols associated with using or citing secondary data or information

AC9S8I08

write and create texts to communicate ideas, findings and arguments for specific purposes and audiences, including selection of appropriate language and text features, using digital tools as appropriate