Curriculum Guides
Ministry of Education GUYANA

Level 8 Science

UNIT: LIFE
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
The microscopeObserve

Manipulate apparatus

Record

Draw and label diagrams
The parts of the microscope

The purpose of each part of the microscope.

The purpose of the microscope
Recognize the need for taking care of the microscopeThe microscopeGroup Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Identify the parts of and use the microscope?
Language Reporting
Cells- Building blocks of lifeThe parts of a plant and an animal cell

The function(s) of the nucleus, cell wall cytoplasm, mitochondrion vacuole, cell membrane chloroplast
Explain the importance of cell organelles to their functions in the plant and /or animal cellAppreciate that plant and animal cells are living unitsPlant and animal cellsMake temporary slides of plant and animal cells?

Identify the parts of plant and animal cell from a temporary slide?
Agriculture Science - Plant and animal cells and tissues
The types of plant tissue

Tissues are groups of similar cells working together in unison
How specific tissues functionAnimal and plant tissueIdentify plant and animal tissues from temporary slides?Mathematics - Measuring and drawing to scale
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Storage Organs in plantsManipulate

Observe

Record

Hypothesise

Predict

Communicate

Experiment
The parts of plants that store food

The food nutrients found in specific plant storage organs
A storage organ can be tested for starch

Plants need storage organs
Appreciate that these food storage organs are very important sources of food for humansStorage organs in plantsActivity

Laboratory report

Discussion
Can students: Identify from tests, storage organs that contain starch?Language Reporting

Art Drawing

Agriculture Science Plants
Energy from foodEnergy can be release at different rates: quickly (combustion), slowly (digestion)Explain how to measure release from a sample of foodWillingness to use equipment carefullyEnergy in foodIdentify how much energy is release from a sample of food?Home Economics Food

Agriculture Science Plants

Language Reporting

Mathematics Measuring
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Feeding relationships in the ecosystemObserve

Record

Report

Estimate and calculate
What the term habitat means

Types of habitats
Specific organisms are adapted to live in their habitatWillingness to share ideas and information on preserving habitatsHabitatsField trips

Discussion
Can students : Identify the types of habitat?

Explain how the organism is adapted to the habitat?
Agricultural Science Habitats

Social Studies Relationships
What the term community means

Types of communities
Organisms need to live togetherAppreciate the interdependence of organisms in a communityCommunities:

Terrestrial

Aquatic
Identify a community of organisms?Social Studies Communities

Language Reporting
What the term population means

The population of various types of vegetation can be identified using the quadrat
A quadrat can be used to calculate % population.Willingness to appreciate the importance of knowing the specific species population of an environmentPopulationFind the % population species in a quadrat?Mathematics Calculating

Social Studies Population
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Feeding RelationshipsObserve

Classify

Draw

Record
What the terms: producer, primary secondary and tertiary consumers mean?

The names of the trophic levels.
Feeding relationships occur in various environments

How organisms depend on each other for survival
Appreciate that organisms need each other in order to survive

Willingness to accept that humans are involved in feeding relationships in their environment
Food chains and food websField trips

Discussion
Can the students:

Construct food chains and food webs?

Name an organism and identify its trophic level?

Classify organisms in trophic levels?
Language Reporting

Agriculture Science Organisms

Visual Arts Charts
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
RespirationObserve

Record

Hypothesise

Measure

Draw and label diagrams

Manipulate
What respiration, anaerobic and aerobic respiration and breathing mean

The difference between breathing and respiration

The similarities and differences of aerobic and anaerobic respiration
Respiration is important to living organisms Appreciate the importance of respiration to living organismsRespiration:

Aerobic anaerobic respiration
Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Compare anaerobic and aerobic respiration and write word equations for same?
Language Reporting
The characteristics of respiratory surfacesSurface area to volume ratio is important to living organismsUse the surface area to volume ratio to solve simple problemsRespiratory surfacesSolve problems using surface area to volume ratio?Mathematics Measurements Calculations
The gases involved in the process of gaseous exchangeHow gaseous exchange occurs in: man fish insect plant

Inhaled air differs from exhaled air
Show concern/ interest for issues relating to atmospheric pollutionGaseous exchange in: plants animalsDemonstrate and explain gaseous exchange in man?

Compare inhaled and exhaled air?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
PollinationClassify

Observe

Investigate

Interpret

Draw

Record

Communicate

Manipulate

Design
Types of pollination (cross and self)

Agents of pollination

The advantages of cross and self pollination
Flowers are adapted to facilitate cross and self pollination Appreciate the role of insects in pollination and the role of pollination in fruit production.Types of pollination (cross and self)Field trip

Group activity

Discussion

Reporting

Presentation
Can students:

Compare cross and self pollinated flowers?

Identify the advantages of cross and self pollination?
Agri. Science

Language

Art
Fertilisation What the term fertilisation means

Where fertilisation occurs

Results of fertilisation
Explain:

(i) how the male sex cells (gametes) move to meet the female sex cells (gametes)

(ii) the process and site of fertilisation
Appreciate the role of fertilisation in food productionFertilisation and development of seeds/fruitsPrepare temporary slides of pollen grains?

Make drawings using hand lens, of the longitudinal section through the ovary of a flower?

Use a chart to explain (i) how the male sex cells (gametes) move to meet the female sex cells (gametes) (ii) the process and site of fertilisation
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Human reproduction Draw

Observe

Communicate
The names of the structures of the male and female reproductive systems

The normal site of fertilisation
The structures of the reproductive system relate to their functionsAppreciate the need to control our sexual drivesHuman reproductive systems: structure and functionGroup activity

Reporting

Discussion
Can students:

Relate the structures of the male and female reproductive systems to their functions?
Health and family life Human reproduction
What the term puberty means

The physical changes that occur at puberty
Physical changes occur at pubertyAppreciate the physical changes which occur at puberty as well as the fact that they occur at different periods in the lives of various individualsPhysical characteristics of puberty Compare the changes in males and females, that occur at puberty?
What the menstrual cycle isThe reasons for the occurrence of the menstrual cycleAppreciate the role of the menstrual cycle in a woman’s reproductive lifeMenstruation Use a diagram to explain the menstrual cycle
UNIT: SIMPLE MECHANICS
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Forces and MotionManipulate

Record

Predict

Hypothesise
The meanings of the terms force and acceleration due to gravity

The SI unit of force

The formula for calculating force (F=mg)
Appreciate that objects move when forces are applied to them

Use the formula F=mg to solve problems
Force and motionActivity

Discussion

Demonstration
Can students:

Solve problem using F=mg?

Compare the force required to move an object along various surfaces?
Language Reporting

Social Studies Forces

Mathematics Equation
Ways of reducing friction

The advantages and disadvantages of friction
Friction can be reduced

Mass can be converted to force
Explain ways of reducing friction?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
MachinesManipulate

Observe

Record

Classify

Predict
Examples of simple and complex machines and their uses

First, second, and third class levers and examples of same

Two different levers in the human body
A hammer could be used as a first, second and third class lever

The incline plain can be compared to a screw

Levers, pulleys and inclined planes make work easier
Appreciate the importance of pulleys in our daily life

Willingness to participate in a group activity
Machines:

i) Levers-First class-Second class -Third class

The incline plane

The Screw

The pulley i) single ii) block and tackle
Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Name examples of simple and complex machines and state their uses?

Explain how a hammer can be used as a first, second and third class lever?

Demonstrate and explain how levers, pulleys, and inclined planes make work easier?
Mathematics Measuring

Agriculture Science Use of Agricultural tools

Industrial Arts Tools and machinery

Physical Education Machinery
UNIT: MATTER
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
The composition of matterManipulate equipment

Observe

Predict

Infer

Design and plan

Investigate

Communicate
What the term matter means.

The particulate theory of matter

The meaning of the terms atom, proton, neutron, electron and molecule.

Examples of atoms and molecules

The meanings of the terms element and compound
How the parts of the atom are arranged

Atoms differ from molecules

An element differs from a compound
Willingness to question the particulate theory

Show an interest in atoms and moleculesShow curiosity in elements and compounds
The particulate theory of matter(Dalton’s Theory)Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Explain the particulate theory of matter?

Draw and describe the structure of an atom?

Differentiate between a molecule and an atom?

Make models of named compounds and elements?-differentiate between an element and a compound?
What a mixture is

The names of elements in a mixture and a compound

Chemical reactions either give off or take in heat

Word equations can be written for chemical reactions
There are differences in the physical properties of a mixture and a compound

Make oxides in the laboratory
Willingness to work in a clean and orderly mannerMixtures and compoundsCompare the physical properties of a mixture with those of a compound and state reasons for the differences?

Write word equations for a reaction between two or more elements?

Make oxides in the laboratory
Home Ec. Food preparation

Agri Science Animal feeds Agri. Chemicals
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
The composition of matterResearch

Communicate

Interpret

observations

Draw conclusions
The kinetic theory of matterThe kinetic theory can be related to the physical properties of the three states of matterWillingness to share ideasThe kinetic theory of matterActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Use the kinetic theory to explain the three states of matter?

Relate the kinetic theory to the physical properties of the three states of matter?
Home Ec. The three phases of matter
The meaning of the terms electrolysis, electrolyte, anode and cathodeThe products of electrolysis of
(i) water in sulphuric acid
(ii) salt solution
(iii) copper sulphate solution can be compared
Concern for the personal safety as well as that of othersElectrolysis Set up and carry out the electrolysis of a salt solution and identify the products?
UNIT: ACIDS AND BASES
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Measuring acidity and alkalinityObserve

Manipulate

Record

Draw

Predict

Communicate
The meaning of the terms indicator, universal indicator

Litmus changes colour in acids/alkalis
To extract an indicator from flowers and use itWillingness to cooperate with othersIndicatorsActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Extract an indicator from a flower and use it to test substances for acidity/alkalinity?
Home Ec. Food preparations
Acidity and alkalinity are measured on a pH scale (0-14)To compare the strengths of acids/alkalis using the pH scale Willingness to be critical of results obtainedpH scaleIdentify the pH levels of various acids and alkalis?Home Ec Foods

Agri Sc. Soils
The meaning of the terms alkali and base

Examples of alkalis

(i) at home

(ii) in the lab.
Why a named alkali is used in the homeWillingness to share and question ideasAlkalis Name house-hold alkalis and state what they are used for and why?Home Ec. Chemicals in the home
The meaning of the terms acid

Examples of acid

(i) at home

(ii) in the lab.
Why a named acid is used in the homeAcids Name house-hold acids and state what they are used for and why?
What the term neutralisation reaction means

Acids can be neutralised by metals, alkalis/bases or carbonates

Word equations for neutralisation reactions
The products of neutralisation reactions can be comparedNeutralisation reactions Name and compare the products of neutralisation reactions?

Write and explain word equations for neutralisation reactions?
The names of chemicals, materials and equipment necessary to test for CO2, O2, and H2,How to identify:CO2, (g)O2 (g)H2 (g)Show curiosity about gases

Concern for safety
Tests for CO2, O2, and H2Collect and identify the following gases:CO2, O2, and H2,
UNIT: DETECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
The eyeDraw

Manipulate equipment

Observe

Record
The parts of the mammalian eye and their function

The principle involved in seeing objects.
How the parts of the eye function

The eye can be compared with a camera
Appreciate that the eyes are very important to organisms.

Be willing to handle equipment carefully

Appreciate that a series of processes are involved in being able to see objects

Appreciate that the camera functions similarly to the eye.
The mammalian eyeDiscussion

Activity

Demonstration
Can students:

Identify the parts of the eye and describe their function?

Dissect a mammalian eye?

Explain the principle by which parts of the eye function?

Experiment with lenses of varying thickness to explain accommodation?

Make a model of the eye?

Compare the eye with the camera?
Agri. Science

Visual Arts

Language

Math

Art and Craft
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Hearing SoundsDraw and label diagram

Manipulate equipment

Observe

Record
The parts of the ear and their functionsHow the parts of the ear function Appreciate the need to care for the earThe EarDemonstration

Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Make a model ear?

Explain how the parts of the ear function?
Art and Craft

Language
Sound travels in waves

Appliances that use sound
Microphone
Stethoscope
How sound is producedThe ear detects sound How the microphone and stethoscope functionExhibit an awareness of the importance of sound Sounds Demonstrate the transmission of sound through various media?Music
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
The NoseObserve

Draw and label diagram

Communicate
How smell is detectedAppreciate that the nose must be cared for.The olfactory organsActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Explain how smell is detected?

Describe smells?
Food and Nutrition

Social Studies

Language
The TongueThe areas of the tongue which detect sweet, sour, salty and bitter tastesExplain how tastes are detected Appreciate importance of the tongueThe tongueExplain taste is detected?

Identify the areas of the tongue that detect various tastes?

Describe tastes
Food and Nutrition

Visual Arts
The Skin The functions of the skinSensitivity varies in parts of the skin.

The skin aids in regulating body temperature

How to care for our skin.
Willingness to care for the skinThe mammalian skinLabel parts and state the function of the skin?
UNIT: SOIL THE BASIS OF AGRICULTURE
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Soil Composition Manipulate equipment

Experiment Observe

Record
The organic and inorganic components of soil

The names of some soil organisms
How (i) soil organisms can be collected (ii) to test for the presence of air and water in soilAppreciate the importance of soil to our daily lives

Show interest in promoting soil conservation
The composition of soil

The physical properties of soil
Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Perform experiments to observe soil structure?

Perform experiments to observe organic and inorganic components of soil?
Agri.Science

Social Studies

Math
The properties that are important to plant growthHumus influences plant growthThe importance of soil properties to plantsPerform experiments to explain the effects of humus on plant growth?
Soil TypesThe three main types of soil

The main physical properties of the three main soil types
Types of soil:Sand, clay, silt/loam

The physical properties of the three main soil types
Collect, name and identify the three main types of soil?

Describe samples of soil in relation to their particle sizes?

Identify and compare the physical properties of sand, silt and clay?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Comparing Soils: Sand, Clay, LoamManipulate equipment

Experiment

Observe

Record

Draw
The physical properties of sand, clay and loamThe capillarity, permeability, air space and humus content, in sand, clay and loam can be compared Appreciate that it is important to know about the properties of soils.Comparing soils: sand, clay and loamActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Perform experiments to compare capillarity, permeability, air space and humus content, in sand, clay and loam?
Agri.Science

Social Studies

Language

Visual Arts

Math
The soil that is most fertileLoam is considered the most fertile soilPromote public awareness of the effects of soil degradationDetermine which soil type is most suitable for the plant growth?

Design a chart to show the comparison of the three main soil types?
Improving the pH of soilThe pH at which plants grow best.Soil samples are prepared for testing their pH valuesAppreciate that knowledge of soil pH helps farmersTesting soil samples for pH valuesPrepare 1cm3 of each sample of soil for testing and determine their pH values?

Compare soil samples with the colour on the universal indicator?
Soil pH can be improvedAppreciate that soil pH can be altered to improve their fertilityImproving soil pHAdd chemicals to soils to alter their pH?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Improving clayey soils Research

Manipulate equipment

Observe

Record
Ways of improving clayey soils

The effects of lime on clayey soils
Explain the effects of the addition of the following on clayey soils: sand, lime, ashAppreciate the importance of humus in soil fertility

Willingness to work co-operatively in groups to improve clayey soil
Improving clayey soil for increased productionResearch

Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Grow garden crops on original clayey soil and on improved clayey soil?

Draw graphs to show comparison of plants’ growth rate on original clayey soil and on improved clayey soil?
Language

Math

Agri. Science
Improving sandy soilsWays of improving sandy soils

The effects of lime on sandy soils
Explain the effects of the addition of the following on sandy soils: clay, humus, fertilizers Appreciate that soil fertility can be improved to improve production

Willingness to work co-operatively in groups to improve sandy soil
Improving sandy soil for increased productionGrow garden crops on original sandy soil and on improved sandy soil?

Draw graphs to show comparison of plants’ growth rate on original sandy soil and on improved sandy soil?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Conserving and renewing soil fertility Research

Manipulate equipment

Observe

Record

Draw and label
The methods used to improve and conserve soil fertilitySoil fertility can be conserved and renewed using various methods

It is important to conserve and renew soil fertility.
Appreciate that techniques in soil conservation and renewal are very useful in making soil a permanent resourceRenewing soil fertilityResearch

Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Describe the methods used to conserve and renew soil fertility?

Compile in a booklet information on renewing and conserving soil fertility?
Language

Math

Agri. Science
Making compostThe components of compostHow compost is madePromote public awareness of the importance of making compost in relation to waste managementMaking compost Make compost from suitable waste materials and remains from plants and animals?
UNIT: ENERGY
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Simple circuitsDraw

Manipulate equipment

Observe

Predict

Communicate
The components of a simple electric circuitWhy the lamp lights in the circuitAppreciate the importance of electricity in our daily livesSimple circuitsActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Construct a simple circuit and use the appropriate symbols to draw a circuit diagram?
Language

Visual Arts

Math
Series and parallel circuitsWhat the terms series, parallel circuits, cell, battery, ammeter mean How a series and a parallel circuit differ

How a cell and a battery differ

The brightness of the bulbs and ammeter readings differ for the series and parallel circuits
Appreciate the need to connect household electrical appliances in parallelSeries and parallel circuitsConstruct series and parallel circuits?

Draw series and parallel circuits using symbols?

Compare the brightness of the bulbs and ammeter readings for the series and parallel circuits?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Making electricityManipulate equipment

Observe

Record

Draw and label

Hypothesise

Predict
Methods by which electricity is produced

Some sources of electrical energy
Electricity can be produced by various methods e.g. electromagnetic induction

Energy can be converted

Electricity is used in every day activities
Appreciate the need to conserve resources that are used to produce electricityElectricity productionActivity

Discussion
Can students:

Construct a simple voltaic cell?

Name some sources of electricity?

Produce electricity by employing various methods? e.g. chemical action, electromagnetic induction, friction
Home Ec. Electricity in the home

Industrial Arts
The parts of a dry cellHow the parts of a dry cell functionBe willing to handle dangerous chemicals with due careThe dry cellOpen a dry cell, identify the parts and explain how the parts function?
Electricity in the homeThe safety devices that are used in electrical appliances in the home

What to do in a electrical emergency

Some conductors and insulators that are found in the home
Electricity can be dangerous to humans

Cables/wires are designed to ensure electrical safety
Appreciate the need to follow all precautions when handling wires, plugs and electrical appliancesElectricity in the home.Wire a two pin fused / three pin plug according to the correct colour code?
TopicLearning ObjectivesContentActivities Materials StrategiesEvaluationAreas of Integration
SkillsKnowledgeUnderstandingAttitudes
Electricity in the homeManipulate equipment

Predict

Observe

Record
What a fuse/circuit breaker is

What a fuse looks like and where to find one in an electrical appliance

Electricity can produce a heating effect that may be harmful or beneficial to man
A short circuit can be dangerous to humans

Fuses or circuit breakers are useful in electrical safety
Willingness to exercise the necessary precautions when handling electrical appliancesFuses Activity

Discussion
Can students:

Demonstrate the heating effect of electricity? e.g. using steel wool in a circuit
Home Ec. Electricity in the home

Industrial Arts