Grade Eight Science
Students will develop an understanding of five general units: Mix and Flow of Matter, Cells and Systems, Light and Optical Systems, Mechanical Systems, and Freshwater and Saltwater Systems.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your science class to introduce scientists of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new scientist of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation.
7 - 12 Scientists of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Mix and Flow of Matter
Meet Katsuko Saruhashi, a resilient geochemist who detected nuclear fallout in the Pacific
Article about the Japanese geochemist, Katsuko Saruhashi, who conducted groundbreaking research. She developed the first method to measure carbon dioxide levels in seawater.
Meet Katsuko Saruhashi, a resilient geochemist who detected nuclear fallout in the Pacific
Article about the Japanese geochemist, Katsuko Saruhashi, who conducted groundbreaking research. She developed the first method to measure carbon dioxide levels in seawater.
- Curriculum connection:
- 1.4: Identify, interpret and apply technologies based on properties of fluids - Suggested use:
- Use article as a jumping point to have a discussion about gas composition/affect on liquids - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Cells and Systems
Velma Scantlebury
Dr. Velma Scantlebury GCM also Velma Scantlebury-White (born 6 October 1955) is a Barbadian-born American transplant surgeon. She was the first African-American woman transplant surgeon of the United States.
Velma Scantlebury
Dr. Velma Scantlebury GCM also Velma Scantlebury-White (born 6 October 1955) is a Barbadian-born American transplant surgeon. She was the first African-American woman transplant surgeon of the United States.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.4: Describe areas of scientific investigation leading to new knowledge about body systems and to new medical applications - Suggested use:
- Discussion on transplants: history, the success and failures, the future of transplants - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available
Carlos J. Finlay
Carlos J. Finlay was a Cuban epidemiologist, whose groundbreaking research determined that yellow fever was transmitted through mosquitoes.
Carlos J. Finlay was a Cuban epidemiologist, whose groundbreaking research determined that yellow fever was transmitted through mosquitoes.
- Curriculum connection:
- 2.4: Describe areas of scientific investigation leading to new knowledge about body systems and to new medical applications - Suggested use:
- Discussion on viral infection and transmission
- Introduction on vaccine development - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Light and Optical Systems
Science in a Golden Age - Optics: The True Nature of Light
Playing a vital role in our everyday lives, technologies based on light are in use all around us. From art and science to modern technology, the study of light and how it behaves and interacts with matter has intrigued scientists for over a century.
Science in a Golden Age - Optics: The True Nature of Light
Playing a vital role in our everyday lives, technologies based on light are in use all around us. From art and science to modern technology, the study of light and how it behaves and interacts with matter has intrigued scientists for over a century.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.3: Investigate and explain the science of image formation and vision, and interpret related technologies - Suggested use:
- After viewing the resource have students read sections/research from the original book of optics: How much has the information changed? How much has not?
- Compare Ibn al-Haytham's views with others at the time including Plato and Euclid - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
The Science of Skin Color
A short TED-Ed video on how different skin colours have come to be. This video explains how ultra-violent light created a range of beautiful skin tones and how skin tones are a result of different exposures to this light.
A short TED-Ed video on how different skin colours have come to be. This video explains how ultra-violent light created a range of beautiful skin tones and how skin tones are a result of different exposures to this light.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.2: Investigate the transmission of light, and describe its behaviour using a geometric ray model - Suggested use:
- View light as an introductory to ultra violet light, and the effects of exposure - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Ibn Haitham (Alhazen) the First true Scientist
Alhazen was the first person to document that light enters the eye rather than leaving it.
Alhazen was the first person to document that light enters the eye rather than leaving it.
- Curriculum connection:
- 3.1: Investigate the nature of light and vision; and describe the role of invention, explanation and inquiry in developing our current knowledge - Suggested use:
- View video as a class before holding a discussion on vision and the viewing of light, discuss what was the original theories for sight - Accessibility:
- Auto-generated captions
Mechanical Systems
Medieval robots? They were just one of this Muslim inventor's creations
Ismail al-Jazari is a Turkish polymath who created marvellous inventions in the 12th-century and laid the groundwork for modern engineering, hydraulics and even robotics.
Medieval robots? They were just one of this Muslim inventor's creations
Ismail al-Jazari is a Turkish polymath who created marvellous inventions in the 12th-century and laid the groundwork for modern engineering, hydraulics and even robotics.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.1: Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and interpreting mechanical devices that have been improved over time - Suggested use:
- Middle eastern representation of STEM
- Introduction of early mechanics and hydraulics
- Introductory discussion on robotics
- Research project on early technology - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Banu Musa Brothers
The Banu Musa brothers laid the foundations for modern mechanics. Their work influenced a wide variety of scientists across the ancient world. They are credited with writing The Book of Ingenious Devices which influenced engineers such as al-Jazari. Some of their inventions include the automatic crank and conical valves.
The Banu Musa brothers laid the foundations for modern mechanics. Their work influenced a wide variety of scientists across the ancient world. They are credited with writing The Book of Ingenious Devices which influenced engineers such as al-Jazari. Some of their inventions include the automatic crank and conical valves.
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.1: Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and interpreting mechanical devices that have been improved over time - Suggested use:
- Discussion on the birth of mechanics
- Research project of different mechanical discoveries over different cultures - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Elham Mirzaei
Elham Mirzaei, 29, works in Berlin as Robotics Engineer. "I am usually the only woman in a lot of robotics conferences and even in the work space. It can be a bit intimidating, but I'm strong enough to overcome my doubts and fears and earn the initial trust that men have by default".
Elham Mirzaei, 29, works in Berlin as Robotics Engineer. "I am usually the only woman in a lot of robotics conferences and even in the work space. It can be a bit intimidating, but I'm strong enough to overcome my doubts and fears and earn the initial trust that men have by default".
- Curriculum connection:
- 4.4: Analyze the social and environmental contexts of science and technology, as they apply to the development of mechanical devices - Suggested use:
- Have class build basic robots/mechanical systems
- Introduction into the future and past of robotics
- Discussion on the mechanical workings in the systems that cause the robot to function - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available
Miscellaneous
Dr. Jedidah Isler on bringing more women of color into STEM
Jedidah C. Isler is an American astrophysicist and educator. She conducts research on blazars and examines the jet streams emanating from them. She is currently an Assistant professor of Astrophysics at Dartmouth College.
Dr. Jedidah Isler on bringing more women of color into STEM
Jedidah C. Isler is an American astrophysicist and educator. She conducts research on blazars and examines the jet streams emanating from them. She is currently an Assistant professor of Astrophysics at Dartmouth College.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women and careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Ten Black Scientists that Teachers Should Know About
A list of some of the top Black scientists, engineers, inventors and mathematicians, along with media resources to help you bring their work—and stories—into your classroom.
A list of some of the top Black scientists, engineers, inventors and mathematicians, along with media resources to help you bring their work—and stories—into your classroom.
- Suggested use:
- Introduction and representation of various notable Black engineers - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
The Birth of a Planet
Astronomer Catherine Espaillat travels to Flagstaff Arizona to investigate the formation of planets at the Discovery Channel Telescope. She is currently the Interim Director of the Institute for Astrophysical Research
Astronomer Catherine Espaillat travels to Flagstaff Arizona to investigate the formation of planets at the Discovery Channel Telescope. She is currently the Interim Director of the Institute for Astrophysical Research
- Suggested use:
- Can use to talk about careers in science - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Women and People of Colour in Science
This website has a lot of good learning content, as well as a simple lesson plan with questions. It specifically highlights how even with less opportunities, these women and people of colour were able to make significant contributions toward science
This website has a lot of good learning content, as well as a simple lesson plan with questions. It specifically highlights how even with less opportunities, these women and people of colour were able to make significant contributions toward science
- Suggested use:
- Includes lesson plans and activities - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Sujatha Ramdorai and her tale of numbers
Meet Sujatha Ramdorai, professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia. A recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, she is also the first Indian to win the Ramanujan Prize. Watch as she shares her story on being a women in STEM and excelling in mathematics.
Meet Sujatha Ramdorai, professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of British Columbia. A recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, she is also the first Indian to win the Ramanujan Prize. Watch as she shares her story on being a women in STEM and excelling in mathematics.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight women and careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Closed captioning available on video
- Accessible for hard of hearing and nonverbal
- No descriptive captioning available for visually impaired students
Black History Month - Black Scientists and Inventors Scientists
A 10-minute kid-friendly, animated video on the lives and legacies of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Garrett A. Morgan, and Mae Jemison.
A 10-minute kid-friendly, animated video on the lives and legacies of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, George Washington Carver, Madam C.J. Walker, Garrett A. Morgan, and Mae Jemison.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
10 Filipino Inventors and Their Inventions
A 9-minute video about Filipino inventors and their contributions as inventors.
A 9-minute video about Filipino inventors and their contributions as inventors.
- Suggested use:
- Use to highlight careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Ottoman Scientists: Piri Reis
Piri Reis is a well known Ottoman-Turkish admiral, geographer and cartographer from the 16th century. His famous world map compiled in 1513 and discovered in 1929 at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is the oldest known Turkish map showing the New World, and one of the oldest maps of America still in existence.
Piri Reis is a well known Ottoman-Turkish admiral, geographer and cartographer from the 16th century. His famous world map compiled in 1513 and discovered in 1929 at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is the oldest known Turkish map showing the New World, and one of the oldest maps of America still in existence.
- Suggested use:
- Can tie in with Social Studies mapping - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Ottoman Scientists: Taqi al-Din Ibn Ma’ruf
This article is a bio-bibliographical essay on the life and works of Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Ma'ruf, a scholar of 16th-century Istanbul, one of the most prolific and original scientists of the Ottoman period of Islamic science. After a biographical sketch, a comprehensive compilation lists most of his writings from manuscript sources.
This article is a bio-bibliographical essay on the life and works of Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Ma'ruf, a scholar of 16th-century Istanbul, one of the most prolific and original scientists of the Ottoman period of Islamic science. After a biographical sketch, a comprehensive compilation lists most of his writings from manuscript sources.
- Suggested use:
- Research project - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Celebrating an Ottoman Intellectual: 2009 Year of Kâtip Çelebi
Kâtip Çelebi was arguably the most important Ottoman intellectual figure of the 17th century. Being the author of many works in the fields of bio-bibliography, geography, history and economics, he held reformist opinions and cultivated knowledge of both the classical Islamic tradition in science and culture as well as a relative familiarity with the European literature of his time.
Kâtip Çelebi was arguably the most important Ottoman intellectual figure of the 17th century. Being the author of many works in the fields of bio-bibliography, geography, history and economics, he held reformist opinions and cultivated knowledge of both the classical Islamic tradition in science and culture as well as a relative familiarity with the European literature of his time.
- Suggested use:
- Research project - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
Water the Sacred Relationship
Lesson plans and videos examining Western and Indigenous world views on wetlands and ecosystems, and interactions between human and animals on the wetland.
Water the Sacred Relationship
Lesson plans and videos examining Western and Indigenous world views on wetlands and ecosystems, and interactions between human and animals on the wetland.
- Curriculum connection:
- 5.1: Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and other living things
- 5.4: Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and technology in addressing related questions, problems and issues - Suggested use:
- Provides two lesson plans with video and worksheet to use and adapt in the classroom
- Can use to introduce water investigation on the rights of water and the accessibility of water in Canada - Accessibility:
- Autogenerated captions available on video
Miscellaneous
Inventions You Probably Didn’t Know Came From Latin America
A 4-minute video about various Latin American scientists and inventions we use in our everyday lives.
Inventions You Probably Didn’t Know Came From Latin America
A 4-minute video about various Latin American scientists and inventions we use in our everyday lives.
- Suggested use:
- Careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
10 Surprising Iranian Discoveries and Inventions
Video of 10 discoveries and inventions by persians: animation, battery (parthian), human rights (Cyrus Cylinder), postal service, refrigeration (yakhchal), algebra, sulfuric acid, alphabets, guitar, water supply systam (qanat).
Video of 10 discoveries and inventions by persians: animation, battery (parthian), human rights (Cyrus Cylinder), postal service, refrigeration (yakhchal), algebra, sulfuric acid, alphabets, guitar, water supply systam (qanat).
- Suggested use:
- Careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
10 Surprising Muslim Discoveries and Inventions
Video of 10 Muslim discoveries and inventions: Hospitals, toothbrush, magnify lens/ glasses, camera (light reflection), clocks, surgical instruments, flying machines, coffee, Algebra, modern standing army.
Part two: university, crankshaft, pointed arches, windmill, vaccinations, rockets and torpedos, pay cheques, shampoo, world maps, astronomical computers.
Video of 10 Muslim discoveries and inventions: Hospitals, toothbrush, magnify lens/ glasses, camera (light reflection), clocks, surgical instruments, flying machines, coffee, Algebra, modern standing army.
Part two: university, crankshaft, pointed arches, windmill, vaccinations, rockets and torpedos, pay cheques, shampoo, world maps, astronomical computers.
- Suggested use:
- Careers in STEM - Accessibility:
- Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
- Additional accommodations may be required for visually impaired students
The Seven Lessons of the Medicine Wheel
Website that describes the significance of the Indigenous medicine wheel. The website is split up in to the seven main lessons of the medicine wheel and how it relates to healing of various parts of the body.
Website that describes the significance of the Indigenous medicine wheel. The website is split up in to the seven main lessons of the medicine wheel and how it relates to healing of various parts of the body.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
Implementing meaningful STEM Education with Indigenous Students & Families
There are a set of strategies teachers can use to intentionally incorporate indigenous ways of knowing into STEM learning environments—both in and out of school and in relation to family and community.
There are a set of strategies teachers can use to intentionally incorporate indigenous ways of knowing into STEM learning environments—both in and out of school and in relation to family and community.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
Steps to create an Anti-Racist Science Lesson
Choosing a meaningful and culturally responsive phenomenon is the cornerstone to teaching an equitable, anti-racist science lesson.
Choosing a meaningful and culturally responsive phenomenon is the cornerstone to teaching an equitable, anti-racist science lesson.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
Science in a Golden Age - Al-Razi, Ibn Sina and the Canon of Medicine
Explore the links between medical research in the Golden Age of Science and the modern practice of medicine today. Standing in one of the largest neo-natal units in the world at Hamad Hospital in Qatar, you would not immediately be able to draw a link between the pioneering medical research being conducted and the work of physicists from the 9th century.
Explore the links between medical research in the Golden Age of Science and the modern practice of medicine today. Standing in one of the largest neo-natal units in the world at Hamad Hospital in Qatar, you would not immediately be able to draw a link between the pioneering medical research being conducted and the work of physicists from the 9th century.
- Suggested use:
- Use this document along with the Alberta Science Program of Study to create meaningful lessons
