Course Description
To develop students’ comprehensive scientific competence, enabling them to deeply understand natural laws, apply knowledge to analyze, predict, and evaluate complex scientific phenomena, while building critical thinking, research skills, and global citizenship responsibility through a scientific lens.
Grade 8 is a pivotal year, marking the transition from “receiving knowledge” to cultivating an active scientific mindset. Students begin to synthesize knowledge from multiple fields—physics, chemistry, biology, and environmental science—to explain real-world phenomena and assess the impact of human actions on the global ecosystem.
The program is designed based on the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), integrating interdisciplinary projects, research methodologies, and real-world problem-solving activities, with the goal of shaping independent, open-minded learners with a global perspective.
Learning Content
The program is divided into four main domains:
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Life Science
Analyze processes of cell growth, cell division, and reproduction; explore the relationship between heredity and variation; explain how genes determine biological traits; examine the influence of environmental factors on gene expression and population structure. -
Earth & Space Science
Model the rock, water, carbon, energy cycles on Earth, and study energy flow in ecosystems; analyze long-term geological and climatic processes; study the impacts of climate change, rising sea levels, and natural disaster risks in relation to global sustainable development. -
Physical Science
Explore atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds, chemical reactions, and the law of conservation of mass; study Newton’s laws, forces and motion, mechanical energy, and applications of physics in modern technology (e.g., machinery, electronics, robotics). -
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)
Engage in integrated projects such as designing energy-efficient smart homes, building eco-city models, and analyzing weather data to forecast floods and air pollution. These projects enable students to apply academic knowledge to develop solutions with real-world impact.
Learning Methodology
The Grade 8 program aims to build students’ capacity for research, information synthesis, deep critical thinking, and logical scientific reasoning. Each student is trained to learn actively—learning to understand, learning to apply, and learning to solve global issues.
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Modeling Complex Systems and Scientific Abstraction
Students model biological, chemical, and physical systems such as genetics and variation, chemical reactions, energy exchange processes, and ecosystems. Abstract and systematic thinking is developed comprehensively. -
Problem-Based Learning (PBL)
Each unit is tied to an “open-ended problem”: How can we reduce water pollution? How can we balance urban ecosystems? Students conduct research, propose solutions, experiment, and evaluate outcomes based on scientific criteria. -
Scientific Argumentation and Debate
Students learn to construct scientific claims, cite data, challenge opposing views, and defend their conclusions before peers. Scientific debates enhance deep critical thinking and logical communication skills. -
Independent Research and Digital Portfolio
Students are encouraged to choose a personal research topic, track progress, and present their work in a digital portfolio. This process cultivates self-learning, scientific reflexes, and a sense of responsibility for their own knowledge. -
Design Thinking in STEM
In each STEM project, students apply the process: Empathize – Define – Ideate – Prototype – Test to design products that serve the community. This prepares them with creativity, problem-solving abilities, and an innovation mindset before entering high school. -
5E Instructional Model
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Engage – Initiate learning with real-world, current, or controversial phenomena
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Explore – Formulate questions, research information, conduct experiments and surveys
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Explain – Analyze and present findings through models or reasoned explanations
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Elaborate – Extend the lesson to social issues or global contexts
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Evaluate – Assess through individual products, group reports, and in-depth feedback
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Required Materials
This course is delivered entirely online and does not require or rely on any specific printed textbook. Students will need access to the following resources to support both online and offline learning activities:
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A scanner, smartphone camera, or similar device to digitize handwritten work or hand-drawn illustrations.
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Headphones or speakers, along with a microphone for recording and participation in interactive tasks.
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A printer for selected assignments and practice activities.
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A folder, binder, or notebook to organize offline tasks and project work.
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Basic stationery and learning materials for completing offline activities.
Lessons:
