Science 6-8 Benchmarks

East Central Ohio Area Media Center

Resources for Science 6-8 Benchmarks

Earth and Space Sciences

A. Describe how the positions and motions of the objects in the universe cause predictable and cyclic events.

B. Explain that the universe is composed of vast amounts of matter, most of which is at incomprehensible distances and held together by gravitational force. Describe how the universe is studied by the use of equipment such as telescopes, probes, satellites and spacecraft.

C. Describe interactions of matter and energy throughout the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere (e.g., water cycle, weather and pollution).

D. Identify that the lithosphere contains rocks and minerals and that minerals make up rocks. Describe how rocks and minerals are formed and/or classified.

E. Describe the processes that contribute to the continuous changing of Earthąs surface (e.g., earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, erosion, mountain building and lithospheric plate movements).

Life Sciences

A. Explain that the basic functions of organisms are carried out in cells and groups of specialized cells form tissues and organs; the combination of these cells make up multicellular organisms that have a variety of body plans and internal structures.

B. Describe the characteristics of an organism in terms of a combination of inherited traits and recognize reproduction as a characteristic of living organisms essential to the continuation of the species.

C. Explain how energy entering ecosystems as sunlight supports the life of organisms through photosyntheis and the transfer of energy through the interations of organisms and the environment.

D. Explain how extinction of a species occurs when the environment changes and its adaptive characteristics are insufficient to allow survival (as seen in evidence of the fossil record).

Physical Sciences

A. Relate uses, properties and chemical processes to the behavior and/or arrangement of the small particles that compose matter.

B. In simple cases, describe the motion of objects and conceptually describe the effects of forces on an object.

C. Describe renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy (e.g. solar, wind, fossil fuels, biomass, hydroelectricity, geothermal and nuclear energy) and the management of these sources.

D. Describe that energy takes many forms, some forms represent kinetic energy and some forms represent potential energy; and during energy transformations the total amount of energy remains constant.

Science and Technology

A. Give examples of how technological advances, influenced by scientific knowledge, affect the quality of life.

B. Design a solution or product taking into account needs and constraints (e.g., cost, time, trade-offs, properties of materials, safety and aesthetics).

Scientific Inquiry

A. Explain that there are differing sets of procedures for guiding scientific investigations and procedures are determined by the nature of the investigation, safety considerations and appropriate tools.

B. Analyze and interpret data from scientific investigations using appropriate mathematical skills in order to draw valid conclusions.

Scientific Ways of Knowing

A. Use skills of scientific inquiry processes (e.g., hypothesis, record keeping, description and explanation).

B. Explain the importance of reproducibility and reduction of bias in scientific methods.

C. Give examples of how thinking scientifically is helpful in daily life.

Other Science Grade Level Benchmarks

Grades K-2 Science Benchmarks

Grades 3-5 Science Benchmarks

Grades 9-10 Science Benchmarks

Grades 11-12 Science Benchmarks

Other Academic Content Standards

English Language Arts

Foreign Language