Grade 8 Science Activities

By eighth grade, students are finishing middle school science study and preparing for the rigors of high school science. During this stage of scientific exploration, students begin to look not only at how science works but also at how it impacts their daily lives, and at the ethical implications of engaging in scientific exploration. Teachers can capture their eighth grade students' attention by giving activities that promote exploration and enhance understanding.

Heavenly Bodies

Give students the opportunity to explore the depths of space by engaging them in a heavenly body research project. Ask each student to select an object from space. Allow them freedom in selecting any object they desire, to ensure that they are interested in the topic at hand. Have students research their selected body and create a poster that imparts information about the object. Encourage students to use images as well as text to convey the information they gathered. Place the finished posters around the classroom to add some educational decoration to your learning space.

Cloning Study

Begin this activity by exploring the practice of cloning. Read articles that detail the science behind cloning or discuss Dolly the cloned sheep. After teaching the basics of cloning, engage students in a debate. Ask each student to consult print or online resources and compose a list of five reasons why cloning is bad and five reasons why it is good. Divide the class in half, assigning one half the pro stance and the other the con. Allow the students to argue their points and attempt to reach a concensus on whether cloning is a good or bad thing

Offer your students the option to earn some extra credit at the conclusion of this activity by allowing them to read a fictional book featuring cloning, such as "Double Identity" by Margaret Petterson Haddox or "House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer.

Periodic Table

Encourage your students to delve deeper into the elements that populate the periodic table by composing periodic table reports. Assign each student an element from the periodic table. Ask each student to compose a five paragraph report on her assigned element, describing the characteristics of the element, providing information such as the element's location on the periodic table and discussing how the element is used. Allow students to present their completed reports to the class. Place the reports on the classroom wall around the periodic table so others can read over them at a later date.