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PlayOwl

Science · Grade 8

Space Systems, Climate and Human Impacts

Learners use an Earth–Sun–Moon model to explain the Moon's phases, eclipses and the seasons, then explain how gravity shapes orbits and grasp the true scale of the solar system. They connect energy from the Sun to the greenhouse effect, analyse real-world carbon dioxide and temperature data, and evaluate ways of reducing human impacts on climate with numbers and evidence.

  • 5 lessons
  • About 125 minutes
  • Space, climate and impacts check: 12 questions
  • Ways to answer: choose an answer, estimate, highlight a text, label a picture, type a number and put in order
See plans Included with Family, Teacher and School plans. Open in PlayOwl

What learners will discover

  • Use an Earth–Sun–Moon model to explain the Moon's phases and the conditions for solar and lunar eclipses.
  • Explain the seasons as a result of Earth's tilted axis, which changes the angle of sunlight and the length of the day, rather than Earth's distance from the Sun.
  • Explain the role of gravity in orbits and use data to compare the sizes, distances and orbital periods of objects in the solar system at scale.
  • Explain the greenhouse effect and analyse carbon dioxide and temperature data to describe trends and their causes.
  • Evaluate ways of reducing human impacts on climate using quantitative evidence, criteria and trade-offs.

Lessons

  1. The Moon's phases and eclipses 9 steps5 practiceabout 26 min
  2. Why we have seasons 9 steps5 practiceabout 25 min
  3. Gravity, orbits and the scale of the solar system 9 steps6 practiceabout 25 min
  4. The greenhouse effect and climate data 9 steps6 practiceabout 26 min
  5. Human impacts and evaluating solutions 7 steps4 practiceabout 23 min
  6. Space, climate and impacts check 12 questions at the end

Keep exploring

Games to practice with

  • Bridge LabBuild a bridge from beams, brace it with triangles, and stay on budget.
  • Circuit Workshop 3DWire up batteries, bulbs and switches on a 3D workbench.
  • River MysterySomething changed the river. Sample sites with a limited budget, follow the evidence and find where the change begins.

More 8th grade science

Guide for grown-ups