Life science in Grade 8 explores living organisms, ecosystems, and biological processes. Through inquiry, students ask how life functions, why organisms adapt, and what evidence explains diversity. Instead of memorizing facts alone, they investigate cells, genetics, evolution, and human biology through experiments, projects, and research. Activities encourage them to analyze data, test ideas, and reflect on the connections between humans and the natural world. By linking biology to health, environment, and technology, students understand that life science is not only about survival but also about responsibility and discovery.
🟢 Starter
- Define biology in one sentence.
- List five characteristics of living things.
- Write five examples of ecosystems.
- Create a two-sentence explanation of photosynthesis.
- Reflect: why is biodiversity important?
- Identify five cell organelles and their functions.
- Compare plants and animals using two examples each.
- Write a paragraph about the role of microbes.
- List five examples of adaptation in animals.
- Write a reflection on how humans depend on plants.
- Create five examples of food chains.
- Compare unicellular and multicellular organisms.
- Write a paragraph about the importance of respiration.
- List five ways humans affect ecosystems.
- Reflect: how does observation help scientists study life?
- Create a sketch of a plant cell and label it.
- Write five examples of renewable biological resources.
- Compare herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
- Write a reflection on why balance in ecosystems matters.
- List five careers related to life science.
🟡 Practice
- Write a paragraph on how genetics explains inheritance.
- Create a chart comparing mitosis and meiosis.
- Research five human body systems and their functions.
- Write a reflection on how ecosystems recover from change.
- Compare natural selection and artificial selection.
- Create a project about endangered species.
- Write five strategies for conserving biodiversity.
- Research how scientists use microscopes in biology.
- Write a persuasive paragraph about protecting rainforests.
- Create a timeline of discoveries in life science.
- Compare viruses and bacteria.
- Write a reflection on how genetics influences traits.
- Research five examples of symbiotic relationships.
- Create a poster about the importance of recycling nutrients.
- Write a paragraph about evolution evidence in fossils.
- Compare ecosystems in deserts and rainforests.
- Write a reflection on how humans adapt to environments.
- Research five careers in biotechnology.
- Create a project about the importance of pollinators.
- Reflect: how does studying life science prepare us for medical progress?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on the importance of life science in society.
- Research how DNA discoveries changed medicine.
- Debate: should humans genetically modify organisms?
- Create a project about human impact on biodiversity.
- Research five global diseases and their causes.
- Write a persuasive essay on funding scientific research.
- Compare the theory of evolution with alternative explanations.
- Write a reflection on ethical issues in biology.
- Research how climate change affects ecosystems.
- Debate: should cloning be allowed?
- Create a presentation on the human genome project.
- Research five breakthroughs in medical science.
- Write a short story about a future biological discovery.
- Compare human biology and animal biology.
- Write a reflection on the role of science in protecting life.
- Research how biotechnology supports agriculture.
- Write a poem about the diversity of life.
- Debate: is human activity the greatest threat to biodiversity?
- Write an essay on the connection between life science and sustainability.
- Propose five new ways schools can make life science engaging.