Mrs. Cruz - 8th Grade Science 2023-2024
Hello! My name is Cassidy Cruz and I have been teaching 8th grade science in Texas for ten years and in Louisiana for four years. I am excited for the new school year!!!
Linked to the left you will find information about classes, schedules, curriculum and more. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. I am looking forward to a great year!
This page will be updated regularly!
Unit 8.1: Weather
In this unit we will discuss convection, weather maps, and hurricanes. Attached are the TEK tutorials for this unit.
Unit 8.2: Plate Tectonics
In this unit we will begin discussing the theory of Continental Drift. Students will then study the historical development that led to the current theory of plate tectonics. After learning about plate boundaries, students will study satellite images and topographic maps predicting how weathering and erosion will change land over time. Attached are the TEK tutorials for this unit.
Unit 8.3: Earth, Moon and Sun
In this unit we will discuss the relationship between the sun, earth, and moon. This includes rotation and revolution of Earth, lunar phases and tides. 8.7A and 8.7B are heavily tested on the STAAR. Attached are TEK tutorials that cover the material.
Unit 8.4: Components of the Universe
In this unit, students will learn about components of the universe. This includes our sun, galaxies, nebulae, universe, the big bang theory, timeline of the universe, electromagnetic spectrum, and spectroscopy. Attached are TEK tutorials that cover some material.
Unit 8.5: Organisms and the Environment
In this unit we will cover the relationship between organisms and their environments. This unit is heavily tested on the STAAR. Attached are TEK tutorials that cover the material.
Unit 8.6: Energy and Motion
In this unit we will begin our journey through physics! We will discuss different types of energy (potential and kinetic), energy transformations, motion graphs, and calculating speed! Attached are the TEK tutorials for this unit.
Unit 8.7: Newton's Laws
In this unit we will discuss unbalanced and balanced forces. Students will also apply Newton's Three Laws of Motion to a variety of scenarios. Attached are the TEK tutorials for this unit.
Unit 8.8: Atomic Structure, the Periodic Table, and Chemical Formulas
In this unit we will be covering atoms, the organization of the Periodic Table and how to read chemical formulas. These TEKs will be heavily tested on when they take the STAAR test. Click on the TEK to get a description and a short tutorial if you are looking for extra help!
Unit 8.9: Chemical Reactions and the Law of Conservation of Mass
In this unit we will cover physical vs chemical changes, evidence of chemical reactions, and the Law of Conservation of Mass. There are only two TEKs in this unit, and they have changed over time. Attached are old TEK tutorials that cover the material.
Courses:
8th Grade Science
8th Grade Pre-AP Science
Conference: 9:15-10:10
Remind Codes: