Standard #: SC.8.N.4.2


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Explain how political, social, and economic concerns can affect science, and vice versa.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Nature of Science
Big Idea: Science and Society - As tomorrow's citizens, students should be able to identify issues about which society could provide input, formulate scientifically investigable questions about those issues, construct investigations of their questions, collect and evaluate data from their investigations, and develop scientific recommendations based upon their findings.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
2002100: M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2002110: M/J Comprehensive Science 3, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001010: M/J Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001020: M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2000010: M/J Life Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2000020: M/J Life Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2003010: M/J Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2003020: M/J Physical Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
7820017: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2003030: M/J STEM Physical Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2002200: M/J STEM Environmental Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001025: M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))
2001105: M/J Coastal Science 2 (Specifically in versions: 2022 - 2024, 2024 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.8.N.4.In.1 Identify ways that science processes can be used to make informed decisions in the community, state, and nation.
SC.8.N.4.Su.1 Recognize that science processes can be used to help people in the community and state make wise choices.
SC.8.N.4.Pa.1 Recognize a way science is used in the community.


Related Resources

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Gr. 8 Lesson 1-Sponging Off the Everglades

Students will be able to: 

  • Describe how social and economic needs for water affects the water in the Everglades ecosystem
  • Explain 3 ways that the Everglades are necessary for our daily lives
  • List 3 ways to conserve water
  • Quantify the percentages of water usage by different South Florida user groups
  • Create a mathematical model using a pie chart to illustrate water usage by user group in South Florida
  • Create an informational brochure about the importance of water to the Everglades and the need for water conservation
Gr. 8 Lesson 2-Threats to the Everglades

Students will be able to:

  • Describe three ecosystem services provided by the Everglades
  • Explain how these three ecosystem services contribute to the social and economic quality of life for people living in South Florida 
  • Describe five specific threats to the ecological health of the Everglades incorporating relevant evidence of the impacts of each of these threats 
  • Present findings on threats to the Everglades based on information derived from various texts/websites
Gr. 8 Lesson 3-Everglades Dilemmas

Students will be able to:

  • Describe how different social and economic decisions impact the Everglades
  • Analyze and select actions related to water dilemmas associated with the Everglades
  • Write an explanatory essay about how decisions made on a daily basis have the potential to impact the Everglades
Clean Up, Collect Data, and Conserve the Environment!

Students will participate in collecting trash either on campus or another location. They will compare the distance traveled and the weight of the trash bag collected. Students will explore the use of mean and median in finding the ratios of the data set. They will discuss the use of mean and median in finding the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Students will examine their scatter plot and determine if any patterns of association exist. They will compare their data to a coastal cleanup report. Finally, students will use the data to help determine interventions at the local, state and national level regarding environmental issues.

Climate Challenge MEA

In this Model-Eliciting Activity (MEA), students will be asked to read from several sources to determine the most effective plan to address its effects and reduce carbon pollution. Climate change is already affecting us in many ways.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. MEAs resemble engineering problems and encourage students to create solutions in the form of mathematical and scientific models. Students work in teams to apply their knowledge of science and mathematics to solve an open-ended problem while considering constraints and tradeoffs. Students integrate their ELA skills into MEAs as they are asked to clearly document their thought processes. MEAs follow a problem-based, student-centered approach to learning, where students are encouraged to grapple with the problem while the teacher acts as a facilitator. To learn more about MEAs visit: https://www.cpalms.org/cpalms/mea.aspx

Mars Rovers

Students will work in teams to conduct research and compare Mars and Earth.  They will develop a procedure and explain their reasoning to rank different rover models to determine which one could be the best to deploy as a part of Mars Exploration Project.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Connections Between Science and Society, Economy, and Politics

Explore the interconnected world of science, society, economy, and politics and how they all influence one another with this interactive tutorial.

Teaching Idea

Name Description
Phoenix Mars Lander A lesson from Nova/PBS that describes the landing of the Phoenix Mars Lander, its purpose, function, and initial findings. The lesson plan provides two ways for students to investigate how the lander would collect data from the surface and the benefits and limitations of different types of space probes to do before watching the video. It provides a 12 minute video to show the Phoenix Mars Lander. Lesson also provides ideas for what students can do after they view the video. Extensions to lesson include pictures of surface of Mars, interview with a scientist and a commentary from Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Text Resources

Name Description
Cool Jobs: Repellent Chemistry

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Part of the Cool Jobs series, this article features examples of STEM careers. The text highlights research into super-repellent chemicals. Teams of scientists inspired by nature are working on solving problems that would enhance society. These innovations include ultra-repellent fabric, mesh to clean up oil spills, de-fogging surfaces, and coatings that reduce drag on ships.

Kennedy Space Center Annual Report 2012

The 2012 Report of the Kennedy Space Center includes significant events, engineering achievements, partnerships, environmental work, education work, and outreach. In addition, the final section includes the economic impact and work force diversity.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Connections Between Science and Society, Economy, and Politics:

Explore the interconnected world of science, society, economy, and politics and how they all influence one another with this interactive tutorial.



Parent Resources

Text Resource

Name Description
Kennedy Space Center Annual Report 2012:

The 2012 Report of the Kennedy Space Center includes significant events, engineering achievements, partnerships, environmental work, education work, and outreach. In addition, the final section includes the economic impact and work force diversity.



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