Grade 8
Science

What your teen is learning

From machines that use energy, to the transport of solutions, to the functioning of the eye, your teen will see first-hand how science affects their daily life, their career and their future. They will investigate the structure of living things, from the smallest cells to the more complex systems in the human body. Your teen will also examine the interactions among water, land and climate to better understand the distribution and health of living things, and they’ll learn to appreciate how the knowledge and skills they are applying in class have led to advances in medical and mechanical technologies. For more about Grade 8 Science, refer to the program of studies.

Knowledge and Employability Science
Students explore the properties of fluids and why fluids are important in living things, in the environment and in technological devices. They learn about the role of cells, organs, tissues and organ systems, and how to keep the human body healthy. They also investigate light and its behaviour in different materials and optical devices, like microscopes and telescopes. By working with simple machines, students discover how machines make work easier or faster. They also interpret interactions among water, land and climate to examine the distribution and health of aquatic species. For more about Grade 8 Knowledge and Employability Science, refer to the program of studies.

How your teen is assessed

Your teen’s learning is assessed using a variety of tools and strategies within the classroom. Ask your teen’s teacher what methods they are using. The different assessment methods tell you and your teen’s teacher about your teen’s strengths, the areas in which they might grow and how well your teen is doing throughout the course. The teacher can then change or refine their teaching plans to ensure that learning activities better meet the needs of your teen. At the end of the course, your teen is assessed and their achievement is reported so that you know if they have achieved the expected learning outcomes for their grade.

Resources to help your teen

A variety of digital and print resources, developed by publishers, Alberta Education or Alberta teachers, are available to help students learn. Teachers may select, and bring into the classroom, numerous innovative and creative resources to create rich learning experiences for your teen. Visit LearnAlberta.ca to learn more about the resources your teen may encounter.

Relevant Resources:

• Science 8 Tools4Teachers
• Knowledge and Employability Studio

• What if my child needs more support to be successful?