Louisiana State Standards for Science: Grade 8

LA.SI-M. Science as Inquiry: The students will do science by engaging in partial and full inquiries that are within their developmental capabilities.

SI-M-A1. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: identifying questions that can be used to design a scientific investigation. (1, 2, 3) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A1.

SI-M-A2. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: designing and conducting a scientific investigation. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A2.

SI-M-A3. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: using mathematics and appropriate tools and techniques to gather, analyze, and interpret data. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 7
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A3.

SI-M-A4. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: developing descriptions, explanations, and graphs using data. (1, 2, 3, 4) 6
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A4.

SI-M-A5. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: developing models and predictions using the relationships between data and explanations. (1, 2, 3, 4) 6
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A5.

SI-M-A6. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: comparing alternative explanations and predictions. (1, 3, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A6.

SI-M-A7. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: communicating scientific procedures, information, and explanations. (1, 3) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A7.

SI-M-A8. The Abilities Necessary to do Scientific Inquiry: utilizing safety procedures during scientific investigations. (3, 5) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-A8.

SI-M-B1. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: recognizing that different kinds of questions guide different kinds of scientific investigations. (2, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B1.

SI-M-B2. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: communicating that current scientific knowledge guides scientific investigations. (1, 3, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B2.

SI-M-B3. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: understanding that mathematics, technology, and scientific techniques used in an experiment can limit or enhance the accuracy of scientific knowledge. (3, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B3.

SI-M-B4. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: using data and logical arguments to propose, modify, or elaborate on principles and models. (1, 2, 3, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B4.

SI-M-B5. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: understanding that scientific knowledge is enhanced through peer review, alternative explanations, and constructive criticism. (1, 4, 5) 35
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B5.

SI-M-B6. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: communicating that scientific investigations can result in new ideas, new methods or procedures, and new technologies. (1, 3, 4) 31
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B6.

SI-M-B7. Understanding Scientific Inquiry: understanding that scientific development/technology is driven by societal needs and funding. (4, 5) 31
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SI-M-B7.

LA.PS-M. Physical Science: Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and interrelationships of matter and energy in the physical world.

PS-M-A1. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: investigating, measuring, and communicating the properties of different substances which are independent of the amount of the substance. (1, 2, 3, 4) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A1.

PS-M-A2. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: understanding that all matter is made up of particles called atoms and that atoms of different elements are different. (2, 4) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A2.

PS-M-A3. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: grouping substances according to similar properties and/or behaviors. (4) 5
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A3.

PS-M-A4. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: understanding that atoms and molecules are perpetually in motion. (4) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A4.

PS-M-A5. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: investigating the relationships among temperature, molecular motion, phase changes, and physical properties of matter. (2, 3) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A5.

PS-M-A6. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: investigating chemical reactions between different substances to discover that new substances formed may have new physical properties and do have new chemical properties. (2, 3, 4, 5) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A6.

PS-M-A7. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: understanding that during a chemical reaction in a closed system, the mass of the products is equal to that of the reactants. (2, 3, 4) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A7.

PS-M-A8. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: discovering and recording how factors such as temperature influence chemical reactions. (2) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A8.

PS-M-A9. Properties and Changes of Properties in Matter: identifying elements and compounds found in common foods, clothing, household materials, and automobiles. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 11
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-A9.

PS-M-B1. Motions and Forces: describing and graphing the motions of objects. (1, 2, 3) 10
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-B1.

PS-M-B2. Motions and Forces: recognizing different forces and describing their effects (gravity, electrical, magnetic). (1, 2) 11
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-B2.

PS-M-B3. Motions and Forces: understanding that, when an object is not being subjected to a force, it will continue to move at a constant speed and in a straight line. (2, 3, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-B3.

PS-M-B4. Motions and Forces: describing how forces acting on an object will reinforce or cancel one another, depending upon their direction and magnitude. (1, 2) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-B4.

PS-M-B5. Motions and Forces: understanding that unbalanced forces will cause changes in the speed or direction of an object's motion. (2, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-B5.

PS-M-C1. Transformations of Energy: identifying and comparing the characteristics of different types of energy. (2, 3, 4) 21
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C1.

PS-M-C2. Transformations of Energy: understanding the different kinds of energy transformations and the fact that energy can be neither destroyed nor created. (2, 3, 4) 21
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C2.

PS-M-C3. Transformations of Energy: understanding that the sun is a major source of energy and that energy arrives at the Earth's surface as light with a range of wavelengths. (2, 3, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C3.

PS-M-C4. Transformations of Energy: observing and describing the interactions of light and matter (reflection, refraction, absorption, transmission, scattering). (1, 2, 3, 4) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C4.

PS-M-C5. Transformations of Energy: investigating and describing the movement of heat and the effects of heat in objects and systems. (2, 3, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C5.

PS-M-C6. Transformations of Energy: describing the types of energy that can be involved, converted, or released in electrical circuits. (2, 3, 4) 11
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C6.

PS-M-C7. Transformations of Energy: understanding that energy is involved in chemical reactions. (2, 4) 44
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C7.

PS-M-C8. Transformations of Energy: comparing the uses of different energy resources and their effects upon the environment. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 81
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard PS-M-C8.

LA.LS-M. Life Science: The students will become aware of the characteristics and life cycles of organisms and understand their relationships to each other and to their environment.

LS-M-A1. Structure and function In Living Systems: describing the observable components and functions of a cell, such as the cell membrane, nucleus, and movement of molecules into and out of cells. (1) 31
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A1.

LS-M-A2. Structure and function In Living Systems: comparing and contrasting the basic structures and functions of different plant and animal cells. (1, 2, 3, 4) 31
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A2.

LS-M-A3. Structure and function In Living Systems: observing and analyzing the growth and development of selected organisms, including a seed plant, an insect with complete metamorphosis, and an amphibian. (1, 2, 3, 4) 32
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A3.

LS-M-A4. Structure and function In Living Systems: describing the basic processes of photosynthesis and respiration and their importance to life. (1, 4, 5) 41
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A4.

LS-M-A5. Structure and function In Living Systems: investigating human body systems and their functions (including circulatory, digestive, skeletal, respiratory). (1, 3, 4) 30
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A5.

LS-M-A6. Structure and function In Living Systems: describing how the human body changes with age and listing factors that affect the length and quality of life. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 181
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A6.

LS-M-A7. Structure and function In Living Systems: describing communicable and noncommunicable diseases. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 81
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-A7.

LS-M-B1. Reproduction and Heredity: describing the importance of body cell division (mitosis) and sex cell production (meiosis). (1, 4) 81
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-B1.

LS-M-B2. Reproduction and Heredity: describing the role of chromosomes and genes in heredity. (1, 4) 28
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-B2.

LS-M-B3. Reproduction and Heredity: describing how heredity allows parents to pass certain traits to offspring. (1, 4) 28
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-B3.

LS-M-C1. Populations and Ecosystems: constructing and using classification systems based on the structure of organisms. (1, 2, 3, 4) 6
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-C1.

LS-M-C2. Populations and Ecosystems: modeling and interpreting food chains and food webs. (1, 2, 3, 4) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-C2.

LS-M-C3. Populations and Ecosystems: investigating major ecosystems and recognizing physical properties and organisms within each. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-C3.

LS-M-C4. Populations and Ecosystems: explaining the interaction and interdependence of nonliving and living components within ecosystems. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 5
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-C4.

LS-M-D1. Adaptations of Organisms: describing the importance of plant and animal adaptation, including local examples. (1, 3, 4, 5) 25
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-D1.

LS-M-D2. Adaptations of Organisms: explaining how some members of a species survive under changed environmental conditions. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 26
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard LS-M-D2.

LA.ESS-M. Earth and Space Science: The students will develop an understanding of the properties of earth materials, the structure of the Earth system, the Earth's history, and the Earth's place in the universe.

ESS-M-A1. Structure of the Earth: understanding that the Earth is layered by density with an inner and outer core, a mantle, and a thin outer crust. (1) 11
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A1.

ESS-M-A2. Structure of the Earth: understanding that the Earth's crust and solid upper mantle are dividing plates that move in response to convection currents (energy transfers) in the mantle. (1) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A2.

ESS-M-A3. Structure of the Earth: investigating the characteristics of earthquakes and volcano's and identifying zones where they may occur. (2, 3, 4) 8
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A3.

ESS-M-A4. Structure of the Earth: investigating how soils are formed from weathered rock and decomposed organic material. (2, 3, 4) 7
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A4.

ESS-M-A5. Structure of the Earth: identifying the characteristics and uses of minerals and rocks and recognizing that rocks are mixtures of minerals. (2, 3, 4) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A5.

ESS-M-A6. Structure of the Earth: explaining the processes involved in the rock cycle. (1, 4) 12
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A6.

ESS-M-A7. Structure of the Earth: modeling how landforms result from the interaction of constructive and destructive forces. (1, 2, 3, 4) 13
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A7.

ESS-M-A8. Structure of the Earth: identifying the man-made and natural causes of coastal erosion and the steps taken to combat it. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 48
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A8.

ESS-M-A9. Structure of the Earth: compare and contrast topographic features of the ocean floor to those formed above sea level. (2, 3, 4) 24
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A9.

ESS-M-A10. Structure of the Earth: explaining (illustrating) how water circulates -- on and through the crust, in the oceans, and in the atmosphere -- in the water cycle. (1, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A10.

ESS-M-A11. Structure of the Earth: understanding that the atmosphere interacts with the hydrosphere to affect weather and climate conditions. (1, 4) 14
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A11.

ESS-M-A12. Structure of the Earth: predicting weather patterns through use of a weather map. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 14
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-A12.

ESS-M-B1. Earth History: investigating how fossils show the development of life over time. (2, 3, 4) 21
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-B1.

ESS-M-B2. Earth History: devising a model that demonstrates supporting evidence that the Earth has existed for a vast period of time. (1, 2, 3, 4) 14
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-B2.

ESS-M-B3. Earth History: understanding that earth processes such as erosion and weathering affect the Earth today and are similar to those which occurred in the past. (1, 2, 3, 4) 13
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-B3.

ESS-M-C1. Earth in the Solar System: identifying the characteristics of the sun and other stars. (1, 2, 3, 4) 10
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C1.

ESS-M-C2. Earth in the Solar System: comparing and contrasting the celestial bodies in our solar system. (2, 4) 31
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C2.

ESS-M-C3. Earth in the Solar System: investigating the force of gravity and the ways gravity governs motion in the solar system and objects on Earth. (2, 3, 4) 9
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C3.

ESS-M-C4. Earth in the Solar System: modeling the motions of the Earth-moon-sun system to explain day and night, a year, eclipses, moon phases, and tides. (1, 2, 3, 4) 23
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C4.

ESS-M-C5. Earth in the Solar System: modeling the position of the Earth in relationship to other objects in the solar system. (1, 2, 3, 4) 15
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C5.

ESS-M-C6. Earth in the Solar System: modeling and describing how radiant energy from the sun affects phenomena on the Earth's surface, such as winds, ocean currents, and the water cycle. (1, 2, 3, 4) 10
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C6.

ESS-M-C7. Earth in the Solar System: modeling and explaining how seasons result from variations in amount of the sun's energy hitting the surface due to the tilt of Earth's rotation on its axis and the length of the day. (1, 2, 3, 4) 120
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C7.

ESS-M-C8. Earth in the Solar System: understanding that space exploration is an active area of scientific and technological research and development. (1, 5) 16
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard ESS-M-C8.

LA.SE-M. Science and the Environment: In learning environmental science, students will develop an appreciation of the natural environment, learn the importance of environmental quality, and acquire a sense of stewardship. As consumers and citizens, they will be able to recognize how our personal, professional, and political actions affect the natural world.

SE-M-A1. Demonstrating knowledge that an ecosystem includes living and nonliving factors and that humans are an integral part of ecosystems. (1, 3, 4, 5) 22
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A1.

SE-M-A2. Demonstrating an understanding of how carrying capacity and limiting factors affect plant and animal populations. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 22
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A2.

SE-M-A3. Defining the concept of pollutant and describing the effects of various pollutants on ecosystems. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 120
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A3.

SE-M-A4. Understanding that human actions can create risks and consequences in the environment. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 60
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A4.

SE-M-A5. Tracing the flow of energy through an ecosystem and demonstrating a knowledge of the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in the ecosystem. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 4
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A5.

SE-E-A6. Distinguishing between renewable and nonrenewable resources and understanding that nonrenewable natural resources are not replenished through the natural cycles and thus are strictly limited in quantity. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 88
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-E-A6.

SE-M-A7. Demonstrating knowledge of the natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle, and oxygen cycle. (1, 2, 4) 6
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A7.

SE-M-A8. Investigating and analyzing how technology affects the physical, chemical, and biological factors in an ecosystem. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 90
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A8.

SE-M-A9. Demonstrating relationships of characteristics of soil types to agricultural practices and productivity. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 36
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A9.

SE-M-A10. Identifying types of soil erosion and preventive measures. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 6
Suggested Titles for Louisiana Science State Standard SE-M-A10.