Science
Common Unit
Unit Description
Year 8 Science builds on the foundations established in Year 7, with greater emphasis on conceptual understanding, experimental design, critical and creative thinking, and scientific communication. A balanced combination of explicit teaching and practical inquiry supports students as they work with increasingly complex ideas across Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science.
In Semester 1, students investigate the cellular basis of life, including cell structure, specialisation and the organisation of cells into tissues, organs and body systems. They then move into Chemistry, exploring atomic structure, elements, compounds, the periodic table and electron arrangement.
In Semester 2, students examine physical and chemical change through practical and self-designed investigations. They also explore energy transfers, transformations and efficiency, before applying this knowledge to Earth systems, the processes that shape the planet and applications such as water filtration.
Throughout the course, students refine their scientific literacy and numeracy, strengthen their ability to analyse and interpret data, and communicate findings with increasing clarity. Collaborative learning, individual inquiry, and opportunities for extension and enrichment encourage independence, curiosity and deeper engagement with science
Assessment
Students apply their knowledge and increasingly independent inquiry skills through a balanced program of low-stakes formative assessment and more formal assessment tasks. These may include:
• Topic tests
• Research and inquiry investigations
• Practical skills assessments
• Practical reports
• Data-based analysis tasks
• Scientific and media analysis
• Collaborative investigations
