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Skills available for Alberta grade 8 science curriculum

Objectives are in black and IXL science skills are in dark green. Hold your mouse over the name of a skill to view a sample question. Click on the name of a skill to practise that skill.

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Alberta Program of Studies: Cells and Systems Alberta Program of Studies: Cells and Systems
Alberta Program of Studies: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems Alberta Program of Studies: Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
Alberta Program of Studies: Light and Optical Systems Alberta Program of Studies: Light and Optical Systems
Alberta Program of Studies: Mechanical Systems Alberta Program of Studies: Mechanical Systems
Alberta Program of Studies: Mix and Flow of Matter Alberta Program of Studies: Mix and Flow of Matter

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D Mechanical Systems

D.STS-K Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge
- D.STS-K.1 Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and interpreting mechanical devices that have been improved over time
  - D.STS-K.1.a investigate and provide examples of mechanical devices used in the past to meet particular needs (e.g., describe and interpret devices developed to move water or be moved by water, such as the Persian wheel, Archimedes' screw, mill wheel)
  - D.STS-K.1.b illustrate how a common need has been met in different ways over time (e.g., development of different kinds of lifting devices)
  - D.STS-K.1.c illustrate how trial and error and scientific knowledge both play a role in technological development (e.g., development of aircraft)
    - Explore the engineering-design process: going to the Moon! (8-C.4)
    - Collisions and car safety features (8-E.5)
- D.STS-K.2 Analyze machines by describing the structures and functions of the overall system, the subsystems and the component parts
  - D.STS-K.2.a analyze a mechanical device, by: describing the overall function of the device; describing the contribution of individual components or subsystems to the overall function of the device; and identifying components that operate as simple machines
  - D.STS-K.2.b identify the source of energy for some familiar mechanical devices
  - D.STS-K.2.c identify linkages and power transmissions in a mechanical device, and describe their general function (e.g., identify the purpose and general function of belt drives and gear systems within a mechanical device)
- D.STS-K.3 Investigate and describe the transmission of force and energy between parts of a mechanical system
  - D.STS-K.3.a analyze mechanical devices to determine speed ratios and force ratios
  - D.STS-K.3.b build or modify a model mechanical system to provide for different turning ratios between a driving and driven shaft, or to achieve a given force ratio
  - D.STS-K.3.c compare theoretical and actual values of force ratios, and propose explanations for discrepancies (e.g., identify frictional forces, and estimate their effect on efficiency)
  - D.STS-K.3.d identify work input and work output in joules for a simple machine or mechanical system (e.g., use a device to lift a measured mass an identified distance, then calculate the work output)
  - D.STS-K.3.e describe fluid pressure qualitatively and quantitatively, by: explaining how forces are transferred in all directions; and describing pressure in units of force per unit area
  - D.STS-K.3.f describe how hydraulic pressure can be used to create a mechanical advantage in a simple hydraulic jack (e.g., describe the relationship among force, piston size and distance moved, using different sized syringes linked by tubing)
  - D.STS-K.3.g describe and interpret technologies based on hydraulics and pneumatics (e.g., applications in hydraulic lifts and air-driven tools)
- D.STS-K.4 Analyze the social and environmental contexts of science and technology, as they apply to the development of mechanical devices
  - D.STS-K.4.a evaluate the design and function of a mechanical device in relation to its efficiency and effectiveness, and identify its impacts on humans and the environment
  - D.STS-K.4.b develop and apply a set of criteria for evaluating a given mechanical device, and defend those criteria in terms of relevance to social and environmental needs
  - D.STS-K.4.c illustrate how technological development is influenced by advances in science, and by changes in society and the environment
D.S Skill Outcomes
- D.S.1 Initiating and Planning: Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions
  - D.S.1.a identify practical problems (e.g., identify problems related to the effectiveness or efficiency of a mechanical device)
  - D.S.1.b identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems (e.g., "What is the efficiency of this device?")
    - Identify the experimental question (8-B.3)
    - Identify questions that can be investigated with a set of materials (8-B.4)
  - D.S.1.c propose alternative solutions to a practical problem, select one, and develop a plan
  - D.S.1.d select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data to solve problems (e.g., develop or apply appropriate methods for measuring speed ratios and force ratios; plan and conduct a search, using a wide variety of electronic sources)
    - Identify laboratory tools (8-A.2)
    - Laboratory safety equipment (8-A.3)
  - D.S.1.e formulate operational definitions of major variables and other aspects of their investigations (e.g., define "frictional force" by identifying a method to be used for measuring it)
    - Identify control and experimental groups (8-B.1)
    - Identify independent and dependent variables (8-B.2)
- D.S.2 Performing and Recording: Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
  - D.S.2.a research information relevant to a given problem
  - D.S.2.b select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source
  - D.S.2.c construct and test prototype designs and systems
    - Identify parts of the engineering-design process (8-C.1)
  - D.S.2.d carry out procedures, controlling the major variables (e.g., ensure that materials to be tested are of the same size and are tested under identical conditions)
  - D.S.2.e organize data, using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment
  - D.S.2.f use tools and apparatus safely
    - Identify laboratory tools (8-A.2)
    - Laboratory safety equipment (8-A.3)
- D.S.3 Analyzing and Interpreting: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations
  - D.S.3.a identify and correct practical problems in the way a prototype or constructed device functions
    - Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions (8-C.2)
    - Use data from tests to compare engineering-design solutions (8-C.3)
  - D.S.3.b evaluate designs and prototypes in terms of function, reliability, safety, efficiency, use of materials and impact on the environment (e.g., test and evaluate the efficiency and reliability of a prototype device to lift a given mass from the floor to a tabletop)
    - Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions (8-C.2)
    - Use data from tests to compare engineering-design solutions (8-C.3)
  - D.S.3.c identify and evaluate potential applications of findings (e.g., identify possible applications of a simple machine or mechanical system they have studied)
    - Evaluate tests of engineering-design solutions (8-C.2)
    - Use data from tests to compare engineering-design solutions (8-C.3)
- D.S.4 Communication and Teamwork: Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results
  - D.S.4.a use specific language that is scientifically and technologically appropriate (e.g., use such terms as "system," "subsystem," "component" and "function" in describing a mechanical system)
  - D.S.4.b communicate practical problems, plans and results in a variety of ways, using written and oral language, data tables, graphs, drawings and other means (e.g., describe, using pictures and words, the transmission of a force through a mechanical system)
  - D.S.4.c work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise

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D Mechanical Systems

D.STS-K Outcomes for Science, Technology and Society (STS) and Knowledge

D.STS-K.1 Illustrate the development of science and technology by describing, comparing and interpreting mechanical devices that have been improved over time

D.STS-K.1.a investigate and provide examples of mechanical devices used in the past to meet particular needs (e.g., describe and interpret devices developed to move water or be moved by water, such as the Persian wheel, Archimedes' screw, mill wheel)

D.STS-K.1.b illustrate how a common need has been met in different ways over time (e.g., development of different kinds of lifting devices)

D.STS-K.1.c illustrate how trial and error and scientific knowledge both play a role in technological development (e.g., development of aircraft)

D.STS-K.2 Analyze machines by describing the structures and functions of the overall system, the subsystems and the component parts

D.STS-K.2.a analyze a mechanical device, by: describing the overall function of the device; describing the contribution of individual components or subsystems to the overall function of the device; and identifying components that operate as simple machines

D.STS-K.2.b identify the source of energy for some familiar mechanical devices

D.STS-K.2.c identify linkages and power transmissions in a mechanical device, and describe their general function (e.g., identify the purpose and general function of belt drives and gear systems within a mechanical device)

D.STS-K.3 Investigate and describe the transmission of force and energy between parts of a mechanical system

D.STS-K.3.a analyze mechanical devices to determine speed ratios and force ratios

D.STS-K.3.b build or modify a model mechanical system to provide for different turning ratios between a driving and driven shaft, or to achieve a given force ratio

D.STS-K.3.c compare theoretical and actual values of force ratios, and propose explanations for discrepancies (e.g., identify frictional forces, and estimate their effect on efficiency)

D.STS-K.3.d identify work input and work output in joules for a simple machine or mechanical system (e.g., use a device to lift a measured mass an identified distance, then calculate the work output)

D.STS-K.3.e describe fluid pressure qualitatively and quantitatively, by: explaining how forces are transferred in all directions; and describing pressure in units of force per unit area

D.STS-K.3.f describe how hydraulic pressure can be used to create a mechanical advantage in a simple hydraulic jack (e.g., describe the relationship among force, piston size and distance moved, using different sized syringes linked by tubing)

D.STS-K.3.g describe and interpret technologies based on hydraulics and pneumatics (e.g., applications in hydraulic lifts and air-driven tools)

D.STS-K.4 Analyze the social and environmental contexts of science and technology, as they apply to the development of mechanical devices

D.STS-K.4.a evaluate the design and function of a mechanical device in relation to its efficiency and effectiveness, and identify its impacts on humans and the environment

D.STS-K.4.b develop and apply a set of criteria for evaluating a given mechanical device, and defend those criteria in terms of relevance to social and environmental needs

D.STS-K.4.c illustrate how technological development is influenced by advances in science, and by changes in society and the environment

D.S Skill Outcomes

D.S.1 Initiating and Planning: Ask questions about the relationships between and among observable variables, and plan investigations to address those questions

D.S.1.a identify practical problems (e.g., identify problems related to the effectiveness or efficiency of a mechanical device)

D.S.1.b identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems (e.g., "What is the efficiency of this device?")

D.S.1.c propose alternative solutions to a practical problem, select one, and develop a plan

D.S.1.d select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data to solve problems (e.g., develop or apply appropriate methods for measuring speed ratios and force ratios; plan and conduct a search, using a wide variety of electronic sources)

D.S.1.e formulate operational definitions of major variables and other aspects of their investigations (e.g., define "frictional force" by identifying a method to be used for measuring it)

D.S.2 Performing and Recording: Conduct investigations into the relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

D.S.2.a research information relevant to a given problem

D.S.2.b select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source

D.S.2.c construct and test prototype designs and systems

D.S.2.d carry out procedures, controlling the major variables (e.g., ensure that materials to be tested are of the same size and are tested under identical conditions)

D.S.2.e organize data, using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment

D.S.2.f use tools and apparatus safely

D.S.3 Analyzing and Interpreting: Analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and develop and assess possible explanations

D.S.3.a identify and correct practical problems in the way a prototype or constructed device functions

D.S.3.b evaluate designs and prototypes in terms of function, reliability, safety, efficiency, use of materials and impact on the environment (e.g., test and evaluate the efficiency and reliability of a prototype device to lift a given mass from the floor to a tabletop)

D.S.3.c identify and evaluate potential applications of findings (e.g., identify possible applications of a simple machine or mechanical system they have studied)

D.S.4 Communication and Teamwork: Work collaboratively on problems; and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures and results

D.S.4.a use specific language that is scientifically and technologically appropriate (e.g., use such terms as "system," "subsystem," "component" and "function" in describing a mechanical system)

D.S.4.b communicate practical problems, plans and results in a variety of ways, using written and oral language, data tables, graphs, drawings and other means (e.g., describe, using pictures and words, the transmission of a force through a mechanical system)

D.S.4.c work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise