8th Grade Science Guide

8.1: Chemistry 3 Dimensions & Progressions

Unit 2

and write as many physical properties as they can. The two substances superfcially appear the same.

● Combine the two substances. ● Students write down

observations of the reaction and make inferences as to what is happening. Students should also note the new physical properties of the substance that was made.

Activity: Natural Process Making Polymers

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can describe and

● Part 1: Students will

● Paper strips with glucose molecule for chains (1 per student) ● Glue (represents enzymes) ● DNA polymer modeling activity

evaluate how synthetic materials are made from natural resources and their function.

pretend to be cells inside of a plant. Their goal is to

grow their plant by creating “glucose”

molecules and chaining them together with the other plant cells (students) in the room into cellulose. A possible model is paper chains where each link represents a molecule which has been bonded to form a polymer. ● Part 2: Students perform a modeling activity for DNA polymers found in cells.

Activity: Synthetic Process of Making Polymers

Objective

Overview

Materials

● I can describe and

● The students will then

● Natural Vs. Synthetic Article

evaluate how synthetic materials are made from

read two articles to learn about natural vs. synthetic