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Subject Area - 3:
Science and Technology and Engineering Education
  • Standard Area - 3.3: Earth and Space Sciences
  • Organizing Category - 3.3.A: Earth Structure, Processes and Cycles
  • Grade Level - 3.3.8.A: GRADE 8
Standard - 3.3.8.A7

  • Compare and contrast scientific theories.
  • Know that both direct and indirect observations are used by scientists to study the natural world and universe.
  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations.
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence.
  • Recognize and analyze alternative explanations and models.
  • Explain the importance of accuracy and precision in making valid measurements.

Eligible Content:
14 Total
Assessments
  • Assessment Anchor - S8.A.3

    Systems, Models, and Patterns
    • Anchor Descriptor - S8.A.3.1 Explain the parts of a simple system, their roles, and their relationships to the system as a whole.
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.1 Describe a system (e.g., watershed, circulatory system, heating system, agricultural system) as a group of related parts with specific roles that work together to achieve an observed result.
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.2 Explain the concept of order in a system [e.g., (first to last: manufacturing steps, trophic levels); (simple to complex: cell, tissue, organ, organ system)].
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.3 Distinguish among system inputs, system processes, system outputs, and feedback (e.g., physical, ecological, biological, informational).
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.4 Distinguish between open loop (e.g., energy flow, food web) and closed loop (e.g., materials in the nitrogen and carbon cycles, closed-switch) systems.
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.5 Explain how components of natural and human-made systems play different roles in a working system.
        • Alternate Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.5a Identify the components of a simple human-made system based on function (e.g., electrical system, transportation system).
          Alternate Eligible Content is designed for students assessed using the PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA). Essentialized Example resources assist teachers in designing instruction that reduces content complexity while maintaining alignment to academic standards.
        • Alternate Eligible Content - S8.A.3.1.5b Identify how the components or processes of natural systems affect one another (e.g., water cycle, weather systems, organ systems).
          Alternate Eligible Content is designed for students assessed using the PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA). Essentialized Example resources assist teachers in designing instruction that reduces content complexity while maintaining alignment to academic standards.
    • Anchor Descriptor - S8.A.3.2 Apply knowledge of models to make predictions, draw inferences, or explain technological concepts.
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.2.1 Describe how scientists use models to explore relationships in natural systems (e.g., an ecosystem, river system, the solar system).
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.2.2 Describe how engineers use models to develop new and improved technologies to solve problems.
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.2.3 Given a model showing simple causeand- effect relationships in a natural system, predict results that can be used to test the assumptions in the model (e.g., photosynthesis, water cycle, diffusion, infiltration).
    • Anchor Descriptor - S8.A.3.3 Describe repeated processes or recurring elements in natural, scientific, and technological patterns
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.3.1 Identify and describe patterns as repeated processes or recurring elements in human-made systems (e.g., trusses, hub-and-spoke system in communications and transportation systems, feedback controls in regulated systems).
      • Eligible Content - S8.A.3.3.2 Describe repeating structure patterns in nature (e.g., veins in a leaf, tree rings, crystals, water waves) or periodic patterns (e.g., daily, monthly, annually).
        • Alternate Eligible Content - S8.A.3.3.2a Sequence recurring patterns, cycles or trends found in nature (e.g., water cycle, lunar phases, organ systems).
          Alternate Eligible Content is designed for students assessed using the PA Alternate System of Assessment (PASA). Essentialized Example resources assist teachers in designing instruction that reduces content complexity while maintaining alignment to academic standards.
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