The Year 8 Science Program introduces students to the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth Science. Students are given a solid knowledge and skill basis that is further developed in the subsequent high school years. Emphasis is also placed on the development of complex reasoning processes and higher order thinking skills.
Students use a range of laboratory equipment and participate in a variety of activities, learning the importance of laboratory safety and working scientifically. They use this knowledge to explain, predict and reconstruct their understandings of the physical and biological worlds. Technology is increasingly being integrated into the curricula.
Some of the highlights for the students include preparing and examining their own microscope slides, learning to use a Bunsen burner, and visiting the electronic learning centre to research the planets and the solar system on CDs and the internet. An excursion during Fourth Term to the Queensland Museum complements our study unit on vertebrate an invertebrate animals.

The Science text used by the students is also supplemented with several Activity Booklets prepared by the Science staff. Assessment involves an examination each term as well as written experimental reports.

Information on the Year 8 Science Program can be accessed on the Terrace Web Site at:
http://www.terrace.qld.edu.au/academic/science/yearlevelpages/science_8.htm