Eighth grade physics continues where seventh grade left off. This year, we make greater use of the scientific method to analyse observations. Main lesson book work is augmented with longer research reports and biographies. Topics covered include sound, light, heat, electricity, as well as fluid and aeromechanics. Students begin each topic by examining their individual experience with the subject, after which the class moves through a series of demonstrations of key concepts and principles.

The study of sound explores the concepts of echos and the speed of light, intervals, consonance and dissonance, resonance, sympathetic vibrations, and overtones. The study of light continues with an exploration of reflections, perspective, mirror images and optical illusions. The study of heat continues with further explorations of the effects of heat on matter, including freezing and boiling, weight and density, and transformations between states of matter. The study of electricity continues with an exploration of voltaic piles, circuits and switches, and simple electric motors. The study of fluid mechanics begins this year with an exploration the properties of water, including surface tension, density, buoyancy and floatation, pressure, expansion and depth, mixing and movement. The study of aeromechanics begins this year with an exploration of convection, water and oil, heat, weight and pressure, pumps and irrigation, and weather.

Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was not possible effectively to cover all topics. We focussed primarily on Sound, Light, Heat and Electricity.

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