Notes Chapter 1 Science Curiosity Class 8 CBSE Board

Exploring the Investigative World of Science

Introduction to the Chapter

Purpose: This chapter encourages students to develop curiosity and think like scientists by asking questions, observing carefully, and conducting simple experiments.

Main Idea: Science is not just about learning facts; it’s about investigating the world around us to find answers to questions like “Why?” and “How?”.

Focus for Grade 8: Students will learn to become investigators, exploring both everyday phenomena (e.g., why dough rises) and larger scientific issues (e.g., climate change).

The chapter introduces the main topics that will be explored throughout the year, each connecting to the investigative approach:

1. Microbes:

• Tiny organisms found in a drop of water, invisible to the naked eye.
• Helpful Microbes: Aid digestion, produce medicines.
• Harmful Microbes: Cause infections.
• Learn how to stay healthy with nutritious food, exercise, medicines, and vaccines.

 2. Electricity:

• Used in daily life to make tasks easier.
• Heating Effect: Keeps us warm (e.g., heaters).
• Magnetic Effect: Powers motors and machines.

3.Forces:

Explain why objects move, stop, or change direction.

Examples:

• Why a ball thrown up falls back to the ground.
• Why a car stops when brakes are applied.

4.Pressure:

How force is distributed over an area.

Affects air movement:

• Small pressure differences create gentle breezes.
• Large pressure differences cause strong winds or cyclones.

Connected to weather events like storms, which impact daily life, agriculture, and safety.

5.Particles:

Everything is made of tiny particles.

Solids: Particles move very little.

Gases: Particles move freely.

Classification of Materials:

• Elements: Pure substances (e.g., oxygen).
• Compounds: Two or more elements chemically bonded (e.g., water).
• Mixtures: Combinations that can be separated physically (e.g., sugar in tea).

Example: Sugar dissolving in tea forms a solution.

6.Light:

• Light reflects off surfaces (flat mirrors, curved spoons) and bends through lenses (e.g., glasses).
• Rough surfaces and the Moon also reflect light, causing the Moon’s phases.
• Explains how we see images in shiny objects or how glasses help us see clearly.

7.Calendars:

• Created by observing cycles of the Sun and Moon.
• Lunar phases (changes in the Moon’s appearance) led to the first calendars.
• Calendars connect Earth’s routines to celestial movements.

8.Living Organisms and Their Environment:

• All living beings, from tiny insects to large whales, interact with their surroundings in complex ways.

9.Earth’s Climate:

Earth supports life due to:

• Liquid water.
• An atmosphere with oxygen and protection from harmful UV rays.

Human Impact: Activities like pollution can change Earth’s temperature, disrupting climate patterns.

Role of Science: Observing, measuring, and experimenting help us understand and address climate challenges.