Minnesota State Standards for Science: Grade 8

MN.I.A. History and Nature of Science: Scientific World View: The student will understand that science is a way of knowing about the world that is characterized by empirical criteria, logical argument and skeptical review.

I.A.1. The student will explain and give examples of how science can be used to make informed ethical decisions by identifying likely consequences of particular actions. 5
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.A.1.

I.A.2. The student will explain the development, usefulness and limitations of scientific models in the explanation and prediction of natural phenomena. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.A.2.

MN.I.B. History and Nature of Science: Scientific Inquiry: The student will understand that scientific inquiry is used by scientists to investigate the natural world in systematic ways.

I.B.1. The student will know that scientific investigations involve the common elements of systematic observations, the careful collection of relevant evidence, logical reasoning and innovation in developing hypotheses and explanations. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.B.1.

I.B.2. The student will describe how scientists can conduct investigations in a simple system and make generalizations to more complex systems. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.B.2.

MN.I.B. History and Nature of Science: Scientific Inquiry: The student will use multiple skills to design and conduct scientific investigations.

I.B.1. The student will specify variables to be changed, controlled and measured. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.B.1.

I.B.2. The student will use sufficient trials and adequate sample size to ensure reliable data. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.B.2.

I.B.3. The student will use appropriate technology and mathematics skills to access, gather, store, retrieve and organize data. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.B.3.

MN.I.C. History and Nature of Science: Scientific Enterprise: The student will know that science and technology are human efforts that both influence and are influenced by civilizations and cultures worldwide.

I.C.1. The student will evaluate the credibility and validity of scientific and technological information from various sources. 3
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.C.1.

MN.I.D. History and Nature of Science: Historic Perspectives: The student will understand how scientific discovery, culture, societal norms and technology have influence done another in different time periods.

I.D.1. The student will relate personal experiences in scientific investigation to the experiences of scientists throughout history. 29
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.D.1.

I.D.2. The student will cite examples of how science and technology contributed to changes in agriculture, manufacturing, sanitation, medicine, warfare, transportation, information processing or communication. 29
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard I.D.2.

MN.III.A. Earth and Space Science: Earth Structure and Processes: The student will identify Earth's composition, structure and processes.

III.A.1. The student will explain how earthquakes, volcanoes, sea-floor spreading and mountain building are evidence of the movement of crustal plates. 1
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.1.

III.A.2. The student will describe how features on the Earth's surface are created and constantly changing through a combination of slow and rapid processes of weathering, erosion, sediment deposition, landslides, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. 1
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.2.

III.A.3. The student will describe the various processes and interactions of the rock cycle. 5
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.3.

III.A.4. The student will interpret successive layers of sedimentary rocks and their fossils to document the age and history of the Earth. 2
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.4.

III.A.5. The student will recognize that constructive and destructive Earth processes can affect the evidence of Earth's history. 4
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.5.

III.A.6. The student will classify and identify rocks and minerals using characteristics including but not limited to density, hardness and streak. 1
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.6.

MN.III.A. Earth and Space Science: Earth Structure and Processes: The student will investigate the impact humans have on the environment.

III.A.1. The student will identify and research an environmental issue and evaluate its impact. 67
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.A.1.

MN.III.B. Earth and Space Science: The Water Cycle, Weather and Climate: The student will investigate how the atmosphere interacts with the Earth system.

III.B.1. The student will define radiation, conduction and convection and explain their effects on weather and climate. 13
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.1.

III.B.2. The student will identify the forces that create currents and layers in the Earth's atmosphere and water systems. 10
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.2.

III.B.3. The student will describe the effect of Earth's rotation on the winds and ocean currents. 6
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.3.

III.B.4. The student will collect and use data to predict the weather. 29
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.4.

III.B.5. The student will identify the composition and structures of the atmosphere. 6
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.5.

III.B.6. The student will describe climate changes that have occurred over time. 36
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.B.6.

MN.III.C. Earth and Space Science: The Universe: The student will compare objects in the solar system and explain their interactions with the Earth.

III.C.1. The student will recognize that the sun is the principal energy source for the solar system and that this energy is transferred in the form of radiation. 4
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.C.1.

III.C.2. The student will explain how the combination of the Earth's tilted axis and revolution around the sun causes the progression of seasons and weather patterns. 2
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.C.2.

III.C.3. The student will compare and contrast the planets, taking into account their composition, mass and distance from the sun and recognize the conditions that have allowed life to flourish on Earth. 8
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.C.3.

III.C.4. The student will use the predictability of the motions of the Earth, and sun to explain the length of day, length of year, phases of the moon, eclipses, tides and shadows. 6
Suggested Titles for Minnesota Science State Standard III.C.4.