Year+8+Science

__Term 1. Geology__
We start the year by looking at the structure of the earth, geological processes that lead to different rock types and mineral deposits, and the role of plate tectonics in shaping the earth's surface through volcanic activity, earthquakes and resulting tsunamis.

One of the things I'd like both classes to do during the course of this unit of work is reflect on what we are studying and ask questions and help to answer each other's questions. To help facilitate this, I've set up a Blog for each class: [|8A Blog] [|8B Blog]

The students are encouraged to investigate a facet of this wide ranging unit of work in greater depth and report back to the class what they have discovered.

This week we've been exploring two phenomena. In igneous rocks the crystals are either very small and hard to see by the naked eye (extrusive rocks such as basalt) or they are large and obvious to see with the naked eye (intrusive rocks such as granite). The students are designing their own experiment to see if the rate of cooling of the rock would lead to the different size of crystals.

Then we are exploring the concept of weathering. How can a hard, large, lump of granite become grains of sand that we call sediment and which in time forms sedimentary rocks. The students are designing their own experiment to see if heating and cooling of the rock could cause this to happen.



__Term 2. Human Body Systems__
During Term 2, we study the Circulation, Respiration, Digestion and Waste Removal systems looking at the structure and function of the various tissues and organs involved, practicising our dissection skills on a range of body parts sourced from the local abbatoir. Then we consider the manner in which our bodies fight disease. As part of the students assessment, they are required to complete a Slam Dunk! inspired by Jamie McKenzie (see FNO.org), comparing five diets - the following four and the CSIRO Well Being Diet Apart from carrying out experiments to catch and then kill bacteria, the students are required to complete an assignment investigating an infectious disease.
 * Digestion and Nutrition**
 * Respiration, Transportation and Waste Removal**
 * Disease**

__Term 3. Chemistry__
This term we will explore the Periodic Table, elements, compounds and mixtures and look at what happens when chemicals are mixed together.

__Term 4. Physics__
Using simple and complex machines the students study energy transfer and transformations.