Enroll in Science 8 with Dolphin STEM Academy
Course Overview
Science is the study of the natural world. It relies on investigations and evidence to
describe the natural events that occur around us. Science 8B is an integrated science
course that covers topics selected from Earth and space science, physical science, and
life science. This course discusses climate change and methods for confronting it, the
physical features of waves and wave technology, and the positive and negative ways
that humans and technology affect the Earth and its ecosystems. In the first unit, you’ll
study the factors that have led to climate change and explore scientific solutions to
address these changes. In the second unit, you’ll learn how waves and interactions
between them can be used to develop new technologies. In the third unit, you’ll broaden
your knowledge of technology-based and human-based threats to the environment and
find ways to reduce their negative impact.
Course Goals
By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Model the greenhouse effect using temperature as a dependent variable.
Explain how current trends in carbon dioxide levels affect Earth’s climate.
Determine the effectiveness of different methods of addressing climate change.
Classify waves based on their characteristics, and use mathematics to model them.
Interpret models of interactions of light and matter.
Assess how light from objects in space provides information about their temperature,
composition, and distance.
Compare and contrast the use of digital and analog signals in communication.
Build a seismograph model, and engineer a model building that can withstand an earthquake.
Analyze data to explain how technology can limit the risk of damage from natural hazards.
Explain how the growing number of humans and their use of natural resources affect Earth’s systems.
Design methods to reduce the negative impact that humans have on the environment.
Understand how changes to the physical or biological components of an ecosystem
affect populations of organisms, and research one effect that humans have on the
ocean’s ecosystem.
Evaluate solutions to maintain biodiversity in an ecosystem, and design a solution to
an environmental problem in an ecosystem.
General Skills
To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Complete basic operations with presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint
or Google Docs presentation.
Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses,
refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at
the beginning of this course.
Credit Value
Science 8B is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
notebook
computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones
Microsoft Word or equivalent
Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent
equipment listed in Appendix B
Course Pacing Guide
This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you stay on schedule with
your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the
specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: Earth’s Changing Climate
Summary
In this unit, you will model the greenhouse effect using temperature as a dependent
variable. You’ll learn about the processes that fuel climate change. Then you’ll study the
evidence of climate change and learn how to pose formal questions to uncover truths
about it. You’ll also investigate commercial and residential methods and technologies
for addressing climate change. In the unit activity, you will explore the effects of climate
change on Earth’s oceans.
Unit 2: Waves
Summary
This unit focuses on the characteristics and applications of waves. In this unit, you’ll
learn the parts of a wave and how to represent waves mathematically. You’ll explain
how visible light, one type of electromagnetic wave, interacts with matter and develop a
model to describe what you see. You will assess how light from objects in space gives
information about their temperature, composition, and distance. Finally, you’ll study a
real-world application of wave technology as you compare and contrast the use of
digital and analog signals in communication.
Unit 3: Technology and Human Impacts on Earth
Summary
This unit focuses on how advancements in technology and human actions can affect
Earth’s systems in positive and negative ways. You’ll build a mock seismograph and
engineer a model building that can withstand an earthquake. Your models will show
how humans can use technology to limit the risk of damage from natural hazards. You’ll
study how the growing number of humans and their use of natural resources affect
Earth’s systems, including our oceans’ ecosystems. Next, you will use evidence to
argue how changes occurring in parts of an ecosystem can affect the populations of
organisms living in the system. You’ll find effective ways to maintain biodiversity in an
ecosystem for the health and welfare of its species. At the end of the unit, you’ll look at
methods to reduce the negative impact that humans have on the environment.
Appendix A: Safety Notes and Disclaimer
Each Course Activity and Unit Activity that includes a lab/experiment component will
highlight key safety guidelines using the safety icon (
), which appears directly in the
activity. In addition to adhering to those guidelines, you must ensure that you follow
these general safety practices:
Work slowly and safely at all times, and abide by the safety notes and icons.
Pay attention and be alert at all times. Limit any distractions.
Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, mouth, and skin. Wash your hands
before and after experiments.
If you don’t understand something, ask a teacher or an adult before proceeding.
Wear the required protective gear.
Adult supervision is required for all activities involving an experiment/lab component.
Do not perform experiments that have not been approved. Follow the procedure.
Follow good housekeeping practices. Keep your work area clean.
Abide by all disposal instructions and icons to protect yourself and our planet.
Report any problems or complications to an adult.
Note: Edmentum assumes no liability for personal injury, death, property damage,
equipment damage, or financial loss resulting from the instruction included in this
course.
