Grade 08 Science - EC: S8.A.3.3.2

Continuum of Activities

The list below represents a continuum of activities: resources categorized by Standard/Eligible Content that teachers may use to move students toward proficiency. Using LEA curriculum and available materials and resources, teachers can customize the activity statements/questions for classroom use.

This continuum of activities offers:

Instructional activities designed to be integrated into planned lessons
Questions/activities that grow in complexity
Opportunities for differentiation for each student’s level of performance

Grade Levels

8th Grade

Course, Subject

Science

Related Academic Standards / Eligible Content

S8.A.3.3.2 S8.A.3.3.2

Describe repeating structure patterns in nature (e.g., veins in a leaf, tree rings, crystals, water waves) or periodic patterns (e.g., daily, monthly, annually).

Activities

List 3 patterns that you find in nature.

When water freezes, the molecules arrange themselves in a crystalline pattern. How is the structure of ice similar to the structure of liquid water? How is it different?
Summarize the lunar cycle.

Ariana told you that the Earth’s seasons are caused due to the distance between the Sun and the Earth. Do you agree with her? Use evidence to support your thinking.

Answer Key/Rubric

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Tree rings
- Lunar cycle
- Veins in a leaf
- Water waves
- Tides
- Seasons
- Lifecycle
- Patterns on butterfly wings

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- H₂O molecules
- Molecules are polar
- Definite volume
- Ice has a definite shape. Water does not.
- Water molecules do not have a crystalline structure.
- Structure of molecules in ice is very rigid.
Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Lasts about 28 days
- Occurs as Earth travels around Sun and moon travels around Earth
- Caused by the amount of light that reflects off the side of the moon that is facing Earth and Sun
- Cycle is as follows: new moon, waxing crescent, 1^st quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, 3^rd quarter, waning crescent

Acceptable responses may include, but are not limited to:
- The Earth’s seasons are not caused because of the distance between the Sun and Earth.
- The Earth’s axis is tilted at approximately 26°.
- When the Northern Hemisphere is leaning towards the Sun, it experiences summer.
- This means that the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and experiences winter.
- When the Southern Hemisphere is leaning towards the Sun, it experiences summer.
- This means that the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and experiences winter.
- During summer, the Sun’s rays hit half of the Earth at a more direct angle than the other half. This creates more heat (summer).