Virginia State Standards for Science: Grade 8

VA.PS.1. Physical Science: The student will plan and conduct investigations in which a) chemicals and equipment are used safely; b) length, mass, volume, density, temperature, weight, and force are accurately measured and reported using the International System of Units (SI - metric); c) conversions are made among metric units applying appropriate prefixes; d) triple beam and electronic balances, thermometers, metric rulers, graduated cylinders, and spring scales are used to gather data; e) numbers are expressed in scientific notation where appropriate; f) research skills are utilized using a variety of resources; g) independent and dependent variables, constants, controls, and repeated trials are identified; h) data tables showing the independent and dependent variables, derived quantities, and the number of trials are constructed and interpreted; i) data tables for descriptive statistics showing specific measures of central tendency, the range of the data set, and the number of repeated trials are constructed and interpreted; j) frequency distributions, scattergrams, line plots, and histograms are constructed and interpreted; k) valid conclusions are made after analyzing data; l) research methods are used to investigate practical problems and questions; m) experimental results are presented in appropriate written form; and n) an understanding of the nature of science is developed and reinforced. 7
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.1.

VA.PS.2. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand the basic nature of matter. Key concepts include a) the particle theory of matter; b) elements, compounds, mixtures, acids, bases, and salts; c) solids, liquids, and gases; d) characteristics of types of matter based on physical and chemical properties; e) physical properties (shape, density, solubility, odor, melting point, boiling point, color); f) chemical properties (acidity, basicity, combustibility, reactivity). 25
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.2.

VA.PS.3. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand the modern and historical models of atomic structure. Key concepts include a) the contributions of Dalton, Thomson, Rutherford, and Bohr in understanding the atom; b) the modern model of atomic structure. 16
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.3.

VA.PS.4. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand the organization and use of the periodic table of elements to obtain information. Key concepts include a) symbols, atomic number, atomic mass, chemical families (groups), and periods; b) classification of elements as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals; c) simple compounds (formulas and nature of bonding). 9
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.4.

VA.PS.5. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand changes in matter and the relationship of these changes to the Law of Conservation of Matter and Energy. Key concepts include a) physical changes; b) nuclear reactions (products of fusion and fission and their effects on human beings and the environment); c) chemical changes (types of reactions, reactants and products, and balanced equations). 9
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.5.

VA.PS.6. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand states and forms of energy and how energy is transferred and transformed. Key concepts include a) potential and kinetic energy; b) mechanical, chemical, and electrical energy; c) heat, light, and sound. 13
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.6.

VA.PS.7. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand temperature scales, heat, and heat transfer. Key concepts include a) Celsius and Kelvin temperature scales and absolute zero; b) phase change, freezing point, melting point, boiling point, vaporization, and condensation; c) conduction, convection, radiation; d) applications of heat transfer (heat engines, thermostats, refrigeration, and heat pumps). 5
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.7.

VA.PS.8. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand characteristics of sound and technological applications of sound waves. Key concepts include a) wavelength, frequency, speed, and amplitude; b) resonance; c) the nature of mechanical waves; d) technological applications of sound. 5
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.8.

VA.PS.9. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand the nature and technological applications of light. Key concepts include a) the wave behavior of light (reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference); b) images formed by lenses and mirrors; c) the electromagnetic spectrum. 9
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.9.

VA.PS.10. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand scientific principles and technological applications of work, force, and motion. Key concepts include a) speed, velocity, and acceleration; b) Newton's laws of motion; c) work, force, mechanical advantage, efficiency, and power; d) applications (simple machines, compound machines, powered vehicles, rockets, and restraining devices). 14
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.10.

VA.PS.11. Physical Science: The student will investigate and understand basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key concepts include a) static, current, circuits; b) magnetic fields and electromagnets; c) motors and generators. 12
Suggested Titles for Virginia Science State Standard VA.PS.11.