1. 8th Science Homework
  2. Assignments

8th Science Homework Assignments

Instructors
Term
2018-2019 School Year
Department
8th Grade
Description
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Please click on the teacher name to the right, and then click on your class, to see content specific information regarding the class. (This may include important announcements, handouts, readings, videos, etc.)
 
Homework assignments are posted below.
 
Thank you. Have a great day!!! :-)
 
Link to Science Website:  https://n12009d56531.acceleratelearning.com 

Assignment Calendar

Upcoming Assignments RSS Feed

No upcoming assignments.

Past Assignments

Due:

Assignment

  • If you received any Reading Sciences on STEMscopes back, please redo in order to raise your grade.

Due:

Assignment

Study Guide Answers

Vocabulary

  • Gene : Portion of DNA that determines traits
  • Mutations : Structural changes to genes
  • Cell : Basic unit of life
  • Chromosome : Many genes structured together
  • Trait : A feature of an organism
  • Proteins : Large molecules made of amino acids
  • Variation : Occurring in more than one form

How do changes to genes affect the traits of an organism?

They can cause mutations in individuals that can be harmful, beneficial, or neutral. This can affect individual traits or an entire organism.

Describe the relationship between genes, proteins, chromosomes, and cells.

Genes are located in the chromosomes of cells, with each chromosome pair containing two variants of each of many distinct genes. Each distinct gene chiefly controls the production of specific proteins, which in turn affects the traits of the individual.

How can a mutation that causes a change in the structure or function of a protein be beneficial to an organism?

A mutation that alters the structure or function of a protein can be beneficial if it results in a higher reproductive success rate or enhances an organism’s survival.

Which provides the best description of the function of chromosomes?

Controlling the production of specific proteins

How does a genetic mutation occur?

Mutations Environmental factors or an error being made in DNA (e.g., DNA replicating itself) can cause changes in the gene sequence. This is known as a mutation

Do mutations only occur in sexually reproducing organisms? Explain your thoughts.

Since errors can occur when DNA replicates itself, mutations can occur in both asexually and sexually reproducing organisms.

Provide an example of a mutation that has a neutral effect on the organism.

Variations in hair color provide neither a beneficial nor harmful effect to humans.

Due:

Assignment

 
People that were absent on Monday need to take the notes they missed and then come and show me.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Wed. 5/8
ONLY IF YOU DID NOT FINISH IN CLASS
  • IDEAS page that goes with Mutations STEMscopedia
  • Reading Science: Mutations

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Tuesday 5/7
If you did not finish in class, please finish
  • Reading Science: Genes and Proteins
  • Preview and Predict Page that goes with Mutations STEMscopedia

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Monday 5/6
  1. Picture Vocabulary (Genes and Proteins and Mutations - 2 of them) DO THIS IF YOU DID NOT FINISH IN CLASS
  2. Actual HW: Do the Making Predictions Worksheet (predictions part only) and then Read the STEMscopedia (Genes and Proteins) and check your Predictions and finish worksheet

Due:

Assignment

Science Article Due Friday 5/3 by 3:00pm (Worth 50 points- do not rush through it)

 
Choose any article that INTERESTS YOU and read it and watch videos attached if there are any.
 
Now choose a way to summarize it and tell me about it:
  1. Typed Summary including what you thought about the article, what made you choose it, how it relates to you and/ or this class, and more! (1 page minimum)
  2. Artwork (picture, sculpture, any thing else you think of), Poem, Song, etc. Must show what the article was about!!
  3. Powerpoint including what you thought about the article, what made you choose it, how it relates to you and/ or this class, and more! (4 Slide minimum including the Title Page)
  4. Any other interesting way you can think of. Be creative.

It won't seem like work if you choose an article that YOU find interesting!!!! :)

 

Due:

Assignment

Notes from Class 4/30 (Should have at least the BOLD copied down)

  • Mutations can be inherited from a parent or acquired during a persons lifetime through environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and chemicals in the drinking water.
  • Most traits are determined by many genes combined together. This is why we see such a variety or range of traits in organisms.
    • Examples would be range of hair color amongst a litter of puppies, eye color in siblings, etc. Blood type is one of the few traits that is controlled by a single gene.
  • The word “dominant” does not mean that the trait is the most common in that population. All this means is that the dominant version of the trait is present. Commonness of a trait amongst populations is not related to the dominant versus recessive form of a trait.
  • Most mutations that occur in DNA sequences do not cause harm to the individual. Mutations can be beneficial to an individual.
    • For example, the mutation might make a person more resistant to a disease; this allows them to survive and pass on that mutation to their offspring
  • Mutations can be passed from parent to child if the mutation occurs in the egg or sperm cell; these mutations will be present in virtually every cell of the child’s body. Mutations that occur in other cells of the parent’s body (somatic cells) will not be passed to the child.

Due:

Assignment

Reminder (Study Guide Answers Below)

  • Natural and Artificial Selection TEST is today, Wednesday, April 17th

Natural and Artificial Selection Study Guide

  • Natural selection : The process where organisms best fit for the environment are more likely to survive and reproduce
  • Adaptation : A genetic characteristic that allows an organism to survive and reproduce
  • Trait : A characteristic of an organism
  • Population : Two or more members of the same species living in a habitat
  • Generation : Organisms of the same species at the same level of descent from a common ancestor
  • Artificial selection : The process through which humans breed other animals and plants for particular traits
  • Genetic engineering : The direct manipulation of genetic material in order to alter traits
  • Genes : Basic unit of heredity made of DNA
  • Selective breeding : A form of artificial selection
  • Why have organisms developed physical and behavioral adaptations over time? Give an example. 
      • The traits most suited to an environment are the traits passed down most often, causing them to become adaptations of different organisms. Examples will vary.
  • In a forest, which would be more likely to survive and reproduce: a population of white rabbits or a population of brown rabbits? Explain your reasoning.
      • Brown rabbits would be more likely to survive and reproduce because they will most likely blend into their surroundings, which allows them to better hide from predators and reproduce more often than white rabbits.
  • In order for natural selection to have produced the long necks of giraffes, what must have been true about the evolutionary history of giraffes?
      • In order for natural selection to have produced the long necks of giraffes, the length of giraffe’s necks must have showed variation within the species in every generation.
  • Animals in a moist and humid environment are specifically adapted to that habitat. What contributed to the selection of these adaptations?
      • Some adaptations over time must have offered survival advantages in the moist and humid environment, so the organisms possessing these traits were selected and passed their adaptation to the next generation.
  • Over time, a species of mammals living in cold environments may evolve long fur. Describe how natural selection creates this adaptation.
      • Mammals with slightly longer fur have a survival advantage. Over time, mammals with this trait will be better adapted to survive in colder climates.
  • Explain the four things that are necessary for selective breeding to occur successfully.
      • Four things are required: variation, inheritance, selection, and time. Variations are differences that exist among individuals. Inheritance is the genetic traits that are inherited from parents and passed on to offspring. Selection happens when individuals with favorable traits are bred in the hope that those traits will be passed on to the next generation. Getting the desirable traits does not usually happen in just one try. Often, you have to breed many generations to get a new breed established.
  • What is the difference between a breed and a species? How did the different breeds of dogs come to exist?
      • A breed is a specific group of domestic animals or plants that has similar appearance and behavior. Unlike the original species, breeds have happened as a result of artificial selection in order to achieve desired traits.
  • For centuries, certain animals have been crossed to produce offspring with desirable qualities. What technique is used to produce offspring with specific qualities?
      • Selective breeding is the technique used to produce offspring from organisms with desired qualities.
  • In some cases, humans have chosen to mate certain individual farm animals within a species. For example, large cattle are more desirable than smaller cattle. Describe how humans selectively breed large cattle.
      • By allowing only the largest cattle to reproduce over many generations, strains of large cattle can be produced.

Due:

Assignment

Science:

  • If you have any assignments  on Gradelink that are not graded or marked as absent (AB), you have until Monday, April 15th to make up or turn these assignments in.

  • They will be changed to incomplete and will affect your grade if not turned in.

Due:

Assignment

Natural and Artificial Selection Study Guide
  • Natural selection :
  • Adaptation :
  • Trait :
  • Population :
  • Generation :
  • Artificial selection :
  • Genetic engineering :
  • Genes :
  • Selective breeding :

 

  • Why have organisms developed physical and behavioral adaptations over time? Give an example. 
  • In a forest, which would be more likely to survive and reproduce: a population of white rabbits or a population of brown rabbits? Explain your reasoning.
  • In order for natural selection to have produced the long necks of giraffes, what must have been true about the evolutionary history of giraffes?
  • Animals in a moist and humid environment are specifically adapted to that habitat. What contributed to the selection of these adaptations?
  • Over time, a species of mammals living in cold environments may evolve long fur. Describe how natural selection creates this adaptation.
  • Explain the four things that are necessary for selective breeding to occur successfully.
  • What is the difference between a breed and a species? How did the different breeds of dogs come to exist?
  • For centuries, certain animals have been crossed to produce offspring with desirable qualities. What technique is used to produce offspring with specific qualities?
  • In some cases, humans have chosen to mate certain individual farm animals within a species. For example, large cattle are more desirable than smaller cattle. Describe how humans selectively breed large cattle.

Due:

Assignment

HW for Monday: Due Tuesday 4/9
  • Reading Science and Questions (Artificial Selection)

Due:

Assignment

HW for Wednesday 4/3, Due Monday 4/8:
 
Answer the following in your science notebook. Then look at the attachment and answer that question in your notebook.
 
A group of students is discussing artificial selection. One student claims that artificial selection is only done with plants. The other students respond to this claim.
  • Student 1: Artificial selection is done on humans and this creates mutations.
  • Student 2: Artificial selection has only recently been done by scientists.
  • Student 3: Different breeds of cows have been created through artificial selection.
Which student do you agree with the most and why?

Due:

Assignment

HW for Tuesday 4/2: Due Wednesday 4/3
  • Reading Science (Coral Reefs and Climate Change)
  • Don't forget to turn in!

Due:

Assignment

HW for Monday night: Due Tuesday 4/2
  • If you did not finish reading the Natural Selection STEMscopedia, please read and finish the handout that goes with it.

Due:

Assignment

HW for Wednesday: Due Monday 4/1
  • Picture Vocabulary: Natural Selection and Artificial Selection

Due:

Assignment

Reminder:
  • Embryonic Similarities and Evolutionary History and Relationships Test is today Tuesday, March 25th.

Embryonic Similarities and Evolutionary History and Relationships Study Guide ANSWERS

  1. Comparative anatomy : The study of the similarities and differences of body structures of different species
  2. Embryological development : Development of an embryo from fertilization to the fetus stage
  3. Species : A group of organisms with similar characteristics
  4. Anatomy : The study of animal structures
  5. Evolutionary history : How organisms have changed over time
  6. Fossil record : The remains of ancient organisms and the rock layers in which they are found
  7. Common ancestry : Organisms sharing a common ancestor
  8. Evolution : Changes in allele frequency in a population

You will have to compare pictures of embryos.

You observe that embryos from two different organisms have similar features. What reasonable conclusion can you make?

You could conclude that the organisms had a common ancestor and, for many reasons, have evolved into different organisms. Their similar features could be adaptations that both organisms retained to have a better chance at survival and reproduction.

Organisms that show similar patterns of growth while they are in the embryonic stage have what type of homology?

Organisms that have similar patterns of growth while they are in the embryonic stage have developmental homology.

Comparing the embryos of different animals can show relationships that can’t be seen when comparing the fully formed animals. Why is this the case?

Embryos can have parts that are not present in the fully formed animals.

The embryos of two different organisms are observed to have similar features. What is the most reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from this observation?

These organisms are related by a shared common ancestor.

What anatomical similarities do humans share with apes?

Humans and apes both have five fingers on each of their two hands as well as adapted legs and feet to allow for walking on two legs.

Why do scientists use comparisons between fossils and existing species to classify organisms?

Evolutionary History and Relationships The answers will vary but should include the following key points: a summary of the use of evidence drawn from geology, fossils, and comparative anatomy to form the basis for biological classification systems and the theory of evolution. Similarities among organisms can infer a degree of relatedness. Fossils found in sedimentary rock can be compared to one another and to living organisms to evaluate similarities and differences.

What is an example of how anatomical homologies are used to show evidence of common ancestry among groups of organisms?

An example of how anatomical homologies are used to show evidence of common ancestry among groups of organisms is when these organisms have similar bone structures even if the bones are used for different functions.

Due:

Assignment

Read this article and compare the embryos. 
 

Due:

Assignment

HW for Monday night, due Tuesday 3/19

Complete the study guide in your or on Quizlet, must show me tomorrow

Embryonic Similarities and Evolutionary History and Relationships Study Guide

  1. Comparative anatomy :
  2. Embryological development :
  3. Species :
  4. Anatomy :
  5. Evolutionary history : 
  6. Fossil record : 
  7. Common ancestry : 
  8. Evolution : 

You will have to compare pictures of embryos.

  1. You observe that embryos from two different organisms have similar features. What reasonable conclusion can you make?
  2. Organisms that show similar patterns of growth while they are in the embryonic stage have what type of homology?
  3. Comparing the embryos of different animals can show relationships that can’t be seen when comparing the fully formed animals. Why is this the case?
  4. The embryos of two different organisms are observed to have similar features. What is the most reasonable conclusion that can be drawn from this observation?
  5. What anatomical similarities do humans share with apes?
  6. Why do scientists use comparisons between fossils and existing species to classify organisms?
  7. What is an example of how anatomical homologies are used to show evidence of common ancestry among groups of organisms?

Due:

Assignment

Due Monday 3/18

  • If you turned in on time and would like to raise your grade on either of the two Reading Sciences (Where do bat wings come from? and Biological Systematics), I have returned them to you if you did not receive a 100%. Please resubmit by Monday, March 18th, otherwise your grade will remain your first score.

Due:

Assignment

Wednesday Night HW: Due Monday 3/18 

  • Science Today: See It plus questions

  • Science Today: Read It plus questions

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Tuesday 3/12
  • Complete the TWO Reading Sciences (Embryonic Similarities and Evolutionary History and Relationships) and questions on STEMscopes if you did not complete them in class Monday.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Monday 3/11
  • Read Embryonic Similarities STEMscopedia and complete the Acrostic Poem based on the information that you read.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 3/6
  • Picture Vocabulary for Embryonic Similarities and Evolutionary History and Relationships

Due:

Assignment

Science Work due by Tuesday March 5th
  • If you have any missing work or absent work, you have until Tuesday to turn it in.
  • If you have any reading science returned to you on STEMscopes, you can try again to raise your grade.

Due:

Assignment

Reminder:
  • Geologic History of the Earth Test is today, Monday, 3/4/19

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Wednesday 2/27
 
Complete the simulation on STEMScopes and the Concept Review Game of you did not do so already in class.
 
Study Guide Answers:
  • Fossil : The preserved remains or trace of an organism
  • Rock strata : The sedimentary layers of rock in Earth
  • Geologic time scale : The measurement to describe the timing and relationship of the events that have occurred throughout Earth’s history
  • Fossil record : The mineralized remains of organisms and the rock layers in which they are found
  • Stratigraphy : The study of rock layers

 

What information might a scientist learn when studying Earth’s geological history?

  • A scientist might learn how landforms were made, patterns of animal movement, plant life, presence of water, volcanic activity, etc.

If you were to create a model of fossil layers, what would you want to include to make your model accurate?

  • You would want to include several distinguishable layers with different items to show the different organisms in each layer.

When examining rock layers, where do you find the oldest material? Why is this the case?

  • The oldest material is found at the bottom. Newer rock and minerals are piled on top of the older layers creating distinct rock layers over time.

Why is the geologic time scale helpful for describing Earth’s history?

  • The Earth is very old (4.6 billion years old), so a timeline of the history of the Earth would be very large (too large) if presented at the same scale as the timeline of the history of a person. In order to have a manageable timeline, the geologic time scale was created.

How does rock strata tell us about the past?

  • Rock strata can tell us about the past through what the layer is made of and what kind of fossils are found there. The deeper you go, the older the layers are. Each layer is made of a different type of stone. These stones tell us what the environment was like during the different time periods. The fossils found in each layer also give us clues to the past. 

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Tuesday 2/26
  • Finish Reading Science plus questions and Science Today plus questions if you did not finish in class.

Due:

Assignment

Study Guide
  • Fossil :
  • Rock strata :
  • Geologic time scale :
  • Fossil record :
  • Stratigraphy :
  • What information might a scientist learn when studying Earth’s geological history?
  • If you were to create a model of fossil layers, what would you want to include to make your model accurate?
  • When examining rock layers, where do you find the oldest material? Why is this the case?
  • Why is the geologic time scale helpful for describing Earth’s history?
  • How does rock strata tell us about the past?

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Wednesday, 2/20
  • Complete the worksheet that was handed out in class if you did not already complete it. You may use your STEMscopedia to answer it.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Tuesday 2/19
  • Read Geologic Time Scale STEMscopedia and complete the "Methods to Mapping the Past" Worksheet that was handed out in class.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Wednesday, 2/6/19
  • Picture Vocabulary for Geologic History of the Earth

Due:

Assignment

Reminder
  • Motion of the Galaxies and the Solar System Test is today, Monday, Feb. 4th.
  • Reread both STEMscopedias, complete the Concept Review Games, and look over the independent practice worksheets we did in class.
  • Also, here is the study guide for the test that was posted last week:
  • Powerpoint for Galaxies and Solar System and Study Guide for Test

Due:

Assignment

Powerpoint for Galaxies and Solar System and Study Guide for Test

Due:

Assignment

SCIENCE FAIR IS TODAY!!!!

  • All display boards MUST be in the gym by 7:55am

  • All Lab Reports MUST be turned in by 8:00am or they will be considered late.

Due:

Assignment

HW: DUE Tuesday 1/22
  • Complete the Solar System Simulation and then turn it in on STEMscopes.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Wed. 1/16
  • Finish Wordle WS if you did not finish in class.
  • Read Science Today on STEMscopes and answer the questions. Turn it in.
  • DUE by next Tuesday 1/22: Complete the Solar System Simulation and then turn it in.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 1/14
  • Read Solar System STEMscopedia and complete the word frequency chart worksheet that was handed out in class. (glue in notebook)

  • MUST READ STEMscopedia, there will be a quiz on Monday on the Reading.

Due:

Assignment

  • You should be done with your Science Fair Project at this point and should start working on your lab report and your display board.

  • All parts of the Science Fair Project are due Friday, January 25th

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Tuesday 12/18
  • Read Science Today on STEMScopes and answer the questions. Don't forget to turn it in.

Due:

Assignment

HW: due Monday 12/17
  • Reading Science (Formation and Motion of Galaxies)

Due:

Assignment

HW:
  • Read the Formation and Motion of Galaxies STEMscopedia and complete the worksheet that was handed out in class.

Due:

Assignment

  • If you did the Reading Science (Earth, Moon, Sun) on time (due Tuesday, 12/4), you have the opportunity to redo it and turn it in to raise your grade. I have returned them to you if you did not receive 100%. Please resubmit no later than Tuesday 12/11.

Due:

Assignment

Science Reminder for ALL Grades:

  • Any ABSENT work on Gradelink is due DECEMBER 11th, or the grade will change to INCOMPLETE. It is your responsibility to come and turn it in to me. I WILL NOT track you down.

Due:

Assignment

HW: due Tuesday 12/11
  • Picture Vocabulary for Formation of Galaxies and The Solar System

Due:

Assignment

SCIENCE FAIR REMINDER:
  • Science Fair PART 2a is due Friday, December 7th (must be done by 8:00am).
    • This includes the Project Introduction, the Research, and the Hypothesis.
    • Your Science Fair Lab Report can be found on Google Classroom.
      • When you write on it, it automatically saves, so I can check your progress.
 

Due:

Assignment

Reminder:

Due:

Assignment

HW: due Tuesday 12/4
  • Reading Science A and questions
  • Finish any worksheets from class if you did not finish.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Monday, December 3rd
  • Finish Reading the STEMscopedia on STEMscopes (We ended at the LOOK OUT Part, start of the detailed Lunar Phases and read until the TRY NOW) Do not go past the try now.
  • Fill out the 2nd page in your notebook that we glued in. (facts about what your read)

Due:

Assignment

HW: due Wednesday 11/28

Due:

Assignment

CHECK GOOGLE CLASSROOM FOR MORE COMMENTS ABOUT SCIENCE FAIR APPROVALS. IF YOURS IS NOT APPROVED PLEASE WRITE BACK!!!!!!

Due:

Assignment

Reminder:
  • Kinetic and Potential Energy Test is Today, Wednesday 11/7
  • SUB Packet due today as well.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Monday 11/5
  • Read the Potential Energy STEMscopedia and complete the Previewing Vocabulary page in your packet. (The Sub will check this on Monday)

Due:

Assignment

Science Fair Approval Form Due Today, Friday, November 2nd

Form is on Google Classroom.

 

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due Monday 10/29
  • Read the Kinetic Energy STEMScopedia
    • Complete the attached worksheet in your notebook. (YOU DO NOT NEED TO PRINT IT OUT, JUST COPY THE BOXES INTO YOUR NOTEBOOK AND FILL OUT)

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 10/23
  • Picture Vocabulary: Write the words and definitions in your notebook for both Potential and Kinetic Energy units

Due:

Assignment

Reminder:

  • Gravitational Forces Test is Today, Wednesday, October 17th

Due:

Assignment

Individual Packet and writing assignment due Today Monday, Oct. 15th. 

Due:

Assignment

Reminder
  • Partner Packet work with SUB is Due today, Wednesday, Oct. 10th
  • Individual Packet and writing assignment due on Monday, Oct. 15th. 

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 10/3
  • Get Test signed 
  • Complete the Picture Vocabulary in your notebooks.

Due:

Assignment

Reminder: Changes in Force and Motion Test today, October 1st

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 10/1

  • If you received the Reading Science back, you have the opportunity to raise the score you got the first time. (Check your grade on Gradelink)

  • You have until Monday to redo it to receive a higher grade.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 9/25
  • Reading Science and questions

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 9/24
  • Read STEMscopedia (Changes in Motion, Force, and Direction) and answer the questions. (2 questions, plus fill in the chart- finding speed)

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 9/19
  • Picture Vocabulary for Changes in Force, Motion, and Direction. Write words and definitions in your notebook.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 9/18
  • If you received the Reading Science back, you have the opportunity to raise the score you got the first time. (Check your grade on Gradelink)
  • You have until Tuesday to redo it to receive a higher grade.

Due:

Assignment

HW: Due 9/17
  • Watch Content Connection Video and answer the 2 questions.
  • STUDY for the Newton's Third Law of Motion Test
  • If you didn't finish in class, also do the Concept Review Game and Play with the gravity simulation.
Newton's Third Law of Motion Test Today, September 17th.

Due:

Assignment

HW:
  • Reading Science and questions

Due:

Assignment

DUE Monday 9/10:
  • Read the STEMscopedia on Newton's Third Law of Motion (on STEMscopes) and complete the attached worksheet (copy in your notebook or print out, up to you)
  • Remember to date and put a title.

Due:

Assignment

DUE 9/5
  • Please write the picture vocabulary in your notebook (located on STEMscopes)
  • Do the PRE- reading worksheet (attached) in your notebooks.
  • Clearly put the date and a title above each in your notebook.