Virginia 8th Grade Science Standards in Physical Science

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PS Physical Science

• PS.2 The student will investigate and understand that matter is composed of atoms. Key ideas include:
  • PS.2.a our understanding of atoms has developed over time
  • PS.2.b the periodic table can be used to predict the chemical and physical properties of matter
  • PS.2.c the kinetic molecular theory is used to predict and explain matter interactions
• PS.3 The student will investigate and understand that matter has properties and is conserved in chemical and physical processes. Key ideas include:
  • PS.3.a pure substances can be identified based on their chemical and physical properties
  • PS.3.b pure substances can undergo physical and chemical changes that may result in a change of properties
  • PS.3.c compounds form through ionic and covalent bonding
  • PS.3.d balanced chemical equations model the conservation of matter
• PS.4 The student will investigate and understand that the periodic table is a model used to organize elements based on their atomic structure. Key uses include:
  • PS.4.a symbols, atomic numbers, atomic mass, chemical groups (families), and periods are identified on the periodic table
  • PS.4.b elements are classified as metals, metalloids, and nonmetals
• PS.5 The student will investigate and understand that energy is conserved. Key ideas include:
  • PS.5.a energy can be stored in different ways
  • PS.5.b energy is transferred and transformed
  • PS.5.c energy can be transformed to meet societal needs
• PS.6 The student will investigate and understand that waves are important in the movement of energy. Key ideas include:
  • PS.6.a energy may be transferred in the form of longitudinal and transverse waves
  • PS.6.b mechanical waves need a medium to transfer energy
  • PS.6.c waves can interact
  • PS.6.d energy associated with waves has many applications
• PS.7 The student will investigate and understand that electromagnetic radiation has characteristics. Key ideas include:
  • PS.7.a electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, has wave characteristics and behavior
  • PS.7.b regions of the electromagnetic spectrum have specific characteristics and uses
• PS.8 The student will investigate and understand that work, force, and motion are related. Key ideas include:
  • PS.8.a motion can be described using position and time
  • PS.8.b motion is described by Newton’s laws
• PS.9 The student will investigate and understand that there are basic principles of electricity and magnetism. Key ideas include:
  • PS.9.a an imbalance of charge generates static electricity
  • PS.9.b materials have different conductive properties
  • PS.9.c electric circuits transfer energy
  • PS.9.d magnetic fields model the magnetic effects of certain materials
  • PS.9.e electric current and magnetic fields are related
  • PS.9.f many technologies use electricity and magnetism