1980s
8th Grade
Moderate Rigor
Eighth Grade Science (1980)
General or physical/life science course with emphasis on scientific literacy. Balance of content knowledge and process skills.
4
Hours/Week
8
Skills Expected
Nation at Risk Era
Era
Historical Context
Post-Sputnik reforms moderated. Science-Technology-Society (STS) approach emerged. Environmental concerns influenced curriculum.
Nation at Risk Era (1980-1989)
Back to basics movement. Standards-based reform emerging. "A Nation at Risk" sparked accountability movement.
Skills Expected
What students were expected to master by the end of 8th grade
- Scientific process skills
- Laboratory investigation
- Understanding of major concepts
- Science-technology-society connections
- Environmental awareness
- Data interpretation
- Scientific communication
- Critical evaluation of claims
Sample Topics & Assignments
Typical problems, readings, or assignments from this era
Typical Resources of the Era
Common textbooks and materials used in 1980s classrooms
- Holt General Science
- Merrill Science textbooks
- Science and Technology Series