THE CRADLE HIGH SCHOOL BENIN

YEAR 8 BASIC SCIENCE NOTE CHRISTMAS TERM 2023/2024

Scheme of work year 8

Week Topic

1-2 Habitat

3-4 The uniqueness of human

being

5-6 Measurement of growth and

developmental changes

7 Midterm Assessment

8-9 Meaning of chemicals

10 Family health (Disease)

11 Revision

12 Examination
WEEK 1-2
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
1. Define Habitat
2. State the three types of habitat.
3. Relationship between organisms of the same species habitat.
4. What is Adaptation?
5. Adaptation of organisms to their environment.

HABITAT

What is a Habitat: this is the area where an organism lives, or it is the locality where an
organism can live successfully. Habitat can also be the natural environment of an organism.

There are two major habitats:

1. Aquatic Habitat.
2. Terrestrial Habitat.
1. Aquatic Habitat: Organisms that live in water are known as aquatic organisms. An
aquatic habitat is a water environment in which organisms live naturally, for example,
rivers, lagoons, seas, lakes, etc.
There are different types of aquatic habitats. They are:
a. Freshwater Habitat

b. Marine (Saltwater Habitat)

c. Estuarine Habitat (brackish)

a. Fresh Water Habitat: Includes rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and springs. Examples of
organisms found in freshwater habitats are crabs, tilapia fish, catfish, spirogyra, water
lily, etc.
 Crabs are found in freshwater

b. Salt Water (Marine) Habitat: Includes the sea and the ocean. Examples of organisms
found in these habitats are seaweeds, whales, sharks, octopuses, dolphins, etc.

Whales can be found inhabiting all of the world’s major oceans

c. Estuarine Habitat: The aquatic habitats in which salt water and fresh water naturally
intermix contain traces of salt (brackish) and are known as Estuarine habitats, for
example, lagoons and bays. Organisms that are found here include sharks, squids,
mackerel, sea catfish, whales, etc.
 Squids are found in estuaries.
2. Terrestrial Habitat:
Terrestrial habitat simply means the land environment where certain organisms live
naturally, for example, snails, grasshoppers, etc. Other terrestrial organisms include
human beings, wild animals, domestic animals, and plants.
Forests, deserts, grasslands, rainforests, tundra, and mountains are just a few
examples of terrestrial habitats.
The terrestrial habitats can be;
▪ Arboreal (on trees)
▪ On the ground
▪ Or under the ground.

a. Arboreal Habitats: An arboreal habitat is a home for living organisms in trees.

Examples of animals found in arboreal habitats are birds, monkeys, etc.

b. On the ground: Examples of animals found on the ground are human beings, elephants,
lions, etc.
 c. Under the ground: Examples of animals found living underground are ants, earthworms,
termites, etc.

Examples of terrestrial plants are orange, pineapple, maize, pawpaw, mango, etc.

Adaptations of Organisms to their Habitat

To live and reproduce in their particular habitats, living organisms develop special features
which may be structural, functional, or behavioural.
Any special feature that helps an organism to live and survive, in a particular habitat, is
called an adaptation.

Adaptation of Terrestrial Plant to Their Habitat:

1. Possession of a long taproot system for water absorption.
2. Some have tiny leaves to reduce the amount of water lost to the atmosphere during
transpiration.
3. Some have developed water-storage tissues in their leaves and stems, during the dry
season. They use the water stored in their tissues.
4. Leaves are carried by the stem, for maximum absorption of light and carbon IV oxide.
Adaptation of Terrestrial Animals to Their Habitat:
1. Possession of limbs for movement on land, for example, monkeys.
2. Possession of an efficient kidney that regulates water loss from the body, for example,
man.
3. Possession of a shell that covers the body, for example, snails.
4. Possession of cuticles that cover the body to regulate water loss, for example, insects.
5. Possession of feathers on the body by birds, regulates water loss and wings for flying.
6. Possession of sticky claws for clinging onto walls, for example, lizards.
7. Presence of dry scales by lizards to prevent loss of water.
8. They have hairy skin to keep their body warm.
9. They have sweat glands to regulate the body temperature.
[Link] have ear pinnae to locate the direction of the sound and escape from dangers.

Adaptation of Aquatic Animals to Their Habitat:

1. Possession of fins and tails for swimming and balance in the water, for example, fish.
2. Streamlined body shape for movement in water, for example, fish and toads.
3. Possession of webbed feet for swimming, for example, ducks.
4. Fishes have air sacs called swim bladder which helps them to maintain balance in water.
Adaptations of Aquatic Plants to Their Habitat:

1. They have poorly developed root systems or small root systems.

2. Some have light bodies for floating, for example, water lettuce.
3. Some have air storage tissues, for example, water lilies.
4. Leaves of aquatic plants have large air spaces for oxygen absorption.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANISMS IN THE SAME HABITAT

The relationship usually exists between organisms living in the same habitat. When this
relationship is between organisms of the same species, it is referred to as an intraspecific
relationship; when it is between organisms of different species, it is referred to as an
interspecific relationship.

Many such relationships exist and we will be considering some below;

1. COMPETITION: It is a relationship where two species, either the same or different, are
competing for the same resources. For example, on a land with few shrubs and grasses,
herbivorous animals like goats will compete for the available amount of food on that
land. Competition eventually leads to what is called “survival of the fittest”.

2. COMMENSALISM: This is a kind of relationship where one member benefits from the
relationship without hurting the other member. The member providing the benefits does
not gain anything from the relationship nor is it affected in any way.

3. MUTUALISM: This relationship is two-sided, i.e. both members benefit from the
relationship. Both species receive an advantage by working with each other. An example
is the relationship between flowers and honeybees;
Flowers provide the honeybees with nectar and pollen on which they feed while the
honeybees help the flowers to spread their pollen from flower to flower in a process
called pollination, and this aids reproduction amongst the flowers.

4. PREDATION: This is a type of relationship between two species in which one species
benefits by obtaining nourishment from the other species, and to the other species’
detriment. The species that gains from this relationship is referred to as the predator,
while the one who suffers is referred to as the prey. An example is a Lion and a Zebra;
the Lion feeds off the Zebra so the Lion is the predator while Zebra is the prey.

5. PARASITISM: This can be classified as a predator-prey relationship. These organisms

are referred to as parasites while the organisms they feed on are referred to as the host.
The parasites do not kill the host immediately but feed off it slowly while increasingly
causing harm to it.
Evaluation
1. Define Habitat
2. State the three types of habitats
3. Define Adaptation
4. Adaptation of organisms to their environment
5. Relationships between organisms of the same habitat.
WEEK 3-4
LEARNING OBJECTIVE

1. Explain the uniqueness of human beings

2. State the characteristics of humans as higher animals.

3. Describe man as a primate.

UNIQUENESS OF HUMAN BEINGS

Human beings as Higher Animals:

Human beings are a special kind of animal. They belong to a special group of animals called
mammals. As mammals, they are different from other animals because they possess the
following characteristics:

A. They give birth to young ones alive.

B. They possess hair or fur on every part of their body or certain parts of the body.

C. They breast-feed their young ones with milk from the mammary glands e.g. cow, sheep,
man, etc.

D. The anatomy and shape of humans are quite different from any other man or primate. Human
is the only animal that can stand erect.
E. The fingers and thumbs of humans are well-developed and this makes it easy for them to
grab or hold things or tools firmly.

F. Man is different from other primates because of his well-developed and large brain. Human
beings' brains are made up of billions of cells which enables the brain to enable humans to
multi-task and complete complex tasks.

Man as a Primate: Human beings belong to the sub-group of mammals called Primates. A
primate is a member of an order of mammals with a large brain and complex hands and feet.
All primates are mammals but not all mammals are primates. Among the primates are man,
gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.

Man has the following characteristics as primates:

a. They grasp things with their hands.

b. They can stand and walk upright.

c. They possess nails on their hands and feet.

d. They have no claws.

e. They have eyes in front of their heads and not at the sides

f. They have opposable thumbs, which they use together with the forefinger to pick things up.
Man as a Higher Animal:

Man is different from other primates by possessing the following characteristics:

1. Man possesses a 5-curve-shaped backbone, which helps him to balance in an upright

position.

2. He moves about in an upright position and walks on two legs always making the hands free
to do some other work.

3. He possesses the largest skull which contains the brain. The human brain is made of
forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain.

4. Man possesses the largest brain among animals which enables him to think, plan, and solve
problems better than any other animals.

5. The brain is highly developed and controls human thinking and speech.

6. Man uses his hands to handle tools.

Evaluation
1. Explain the uniqueness of human beings
2. State the characteristics of humans as higher animals.
3. Describe man as a primate.
WEEK 5-6
LEARNING OBJECTIVE
1. Define the concept of growth and development

2. Differences between growth and development

3. Characteristics features of developmental stages

4. Factors necessary for growth.

MEASUREMENT OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL CHANGES

Human beings in different developmental stages

Growth: An irreversible increase in the body, size, and height of living things. When we eat
well, sleep, and take enough rest, then we grow.

Development: The qualitative changes in structure and functions. Heredity and environment
determine a child’s development from birth. Growth and development go hand in hand. Growth
is quantitative while development is qualitative.

Difference between growth and development.

Growth:
 • it’s an irreversible increase in size, weight, and height.
• It is a physical change.
• It can be seen.

Development:

• It refers to the changes that lead to maturity.

• It may not be seen or noticed
• It is a change in physical attributes like learning, thinking, emotional, social abilities, and
the skills of an individual.

Growth and Developmental Changes

The noticeable change in the body size over time is termed growth change. Growth change can
be determined by measures of height and weight at time intervals while developmental changes
can be observed by the appearance of certain characteristics features and capabilities.

Characteristics Features of Developmental Stages

A child’s growth and development can be divided into the following

1. Infancy: This is the period immediately after birth until about the age of two. It is
a period of rapid growth.

2. Juvenile: This is the period between infancy and adolescence. It is a period of slow
growth starting from two to nine years of age.
3. Adolescence: This is the stage when sexual maturity is attained. It is a period of
rapid growth and occurs between nine to sixteen years of age. The changes that
accompany this stage are the development of secondary sexual characteristics such
as facial hairs, mustache, broken voice in boys, Breasts, thick thighs, enlarged
 buttocks in girls, and pubic hair in both boys and girls. The rapid increase in height
and weight. Very active bodies. Well-formed reproductive system.
4. Adulthood: This is the stage of full maturity. It is characterized by slow and
limited growth but there could be changes in weight and size.
5. Senescence: This is the condition or process of deterioration with age. This is a
period of negative growth characterized by loss of weight.

Factors Necessary for Growth

The following factors are necessary for human growth

1. FOOD: The major factor necessary for growth is food. Food is required for energy;
repair of worn-out cells, & production of new cells for growth.
2. HEREDITY: Growth in man can be affected by the genetic makeup of parents. If the
gene of one of the parents carries traits (characteristics) of tallness or being short, by
heredity the children,
some if not all, would be tall or short.

3. GLANDS: Glands are special organs in the body for the secretion of hormones. Two of
the most important glands for growth are:

▪ Pituitary gland: is situated in the head below the brain. It produces growth-stimulating
hormone, which determines how an individual can be. If in excess it leads to gigantism
and in shortage, it leads to dwarfism. The thyroid gland is situated in the neck and it
produces a growth hormone called thyroxin.
4. DISEASE: The disease retard growth as it affects the ability to eat well, and the body
will be lacking the essential nutrients for growth and development.

5. EXERCISE AND REST:

Exercise has a very good effect on health as well as growth, its effects are noticeable in the
development of muscles. It makes the muscle stronger, also through exercise, we can get
rid of waste substances which if left in the body can affect our health, and consequently
our growth. During rest, the body is relaxed and this may induce sleep, through this,
strength will be regained which enables us to grow.

Evaluation
1. Define the concept, growth, and development
2. State the differences between growth and development
3. Characteristics features of developmental stages
4. Factors necessary for growth.
 WEEK 8-9
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. State the meaning of chemicals
2. List the different classifications of chemicals
3. Classify chemicals based on their uses
4. Classify chemicals based on their hazardous nature.

MEANING OF CHEMICALS

A chemical is a substance with a specific molecular composition. Anything made of matter

or anything that is considered solid, liquid, and gas is made up of chemicals, this means that
nearly everything a person uses throughout the day is composed of chemicals.

Chemicals are used as a basic function of everyday life, they are combined in different
ways, to create many commonly used substances, from the water we drink, and gasoline that
provides automobile energy.

Classes of Chemicals Based on Uses

Chemicals can be classified into the following based on their uses:

• Pharmaceutical chemicals
• Laboratory chemicals
• Industrial chemicals
 • Agrochemicals
• Nuclear chemicals.

1. Pharmaceutical chemicals: are used for medical purposes. These chemicals are used in
the production of drugs like antibiotics and in the production of vaccines too.

2. Laboratory chemicals: are the chemicals found in science laboratories. Every school is
expected to have a chemistry laboratory and, in this laboratory, you will find several
chemicals like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrochloric acid (HCl), cobalt chloride
(CuCl), etc. These chemicals are used for science experiments.

3. Industrial chemicals: include chemical raw materials derived from oil (petrochemicals)
and basic inorganic substances. An example is Sulfuric acid and its primary industrial use
is to make phosphoric acid which is a main ingredient in most chemical fertilizers.
4. Agrochemicals: are agro (agriculture) related just as the name implies. They are used
for agricultural purposes and examples are pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and organic
manure.
 5. Nuclear chemicals: are chemicals used in areas that concern radioactivity, nuclear
processes, and transformations in the Classification of the nuclei of atoms. An example is
an X-ray.

Chemicals Based on Their Hazardous Nature

The majority of chemicals are hazardous i.e. harmful and have to be handled properly.
Hazardous chemicals are substances that can cause adverse health effects such as poisoning,
breathing problems, skin rashes, allergic reactions, allergic cancer, and other health problems
from exposure. These chemicals can cause fire outbreaks, explosions, corrosion, and hazardous
reactions if not handled safely. Examples include drugs, cleaning chemicals, herbicides, gas
cylinders, petrol, detergents, diesel, etc.

Safety Measures When Using Chemicals

The following are safety measures to be taken when using chemicals:

1. Safety gadgets are to be worn whenever working with acid, bases, or any flammable
material.
2. Let the instructor know immediately about glassware breakage or chemical spills that
may occur so that proper clean-up procedures can be instituted.
3. Adhere to the manufacturer’s safety instructions
4. Follow safety guidelines for chemical storage and handling.
5. Observe and adhere to safety signs.
6. Ensure proper labeling of chemicals.
7. Ensure proper storage of chemicals.
8. No eating, drinking, or smoking where chemicals are used.
9. Skin should be covered with protective clothing.
10. Clothing should be removed immediately if it gets wet or contaminated with a chemical.
11. Eyes or skin should be washed with plenty of water after an accident.
12. Face masks should be used in toxic dust or gases.

Evaluation
1. State the meaning of chemicals
2. List the different classifications of chemicals
3. Classify chemicals based on their uses
4. Classify chemicals based on their hazardous nature.
WEEK 10
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Identify types of diseases
2. Describe the different modes of the transfer of diseases
3. Mention disease vectors
4. List ways of preventing diseases
5. How to keep fit through good exercise and hygiene.

FAMILY HEALTH (DISEASES)

Family health is the well-being of all members of a family. It involves keeping everyone in the
family safe from diseases and helping them grow strong and happy.

Common Diseases

Types and Mode of Transfer of Diseases

1. Measles: This is a childhood disease. It is a contagious disease that spreads through tiny
droplets from an infected person’s nose or mouth when they cough or sneeze. If we are
close to someone with measles, we might catch it too.
2. Typhoid: Typhoid is usually caused by dirty water or food. If we drink water or eat food
contaminated with typhoid germs, we can catch this disease. It can make us feel very
sick.
3. Tuberculosis (TB): This is a bacterial infection that causes prolonged coughing,
production of mucus and eventually bleeding and very often, death. It is easily contracted
from infected persons, but it also attacks weak persons who are poorly nourished or who
live with those having the disease.
4. Polio: The disease is common in children of two years of age and below, it can also
infect a child of up to seventeen years. It is a viral infection and disease that starts with
fever, and vomiting and eventually leads to paralysis.
5. Diarrhea: Diarrhea is a common sickness among children. The stool is loose and watery
and the patient goes to the toilet frequently. If mucus and blood are seen in the stool, the
patient most likely has dysentery. Diarrhea is usually caused by eating food that has gone
bad, unripe fruits, poor nutrition, and allergy to certain foods. Most of the cases of
diarrhea can be prevented by practicing food hygiene and good food intake.
6. Whooping cough: This is caused by a bacterial infection and it starts with a fever, runny
nose, and cough that produces mucus. The cough starts about a week or two after
exposure to an infected person and lasts about three months.
7. Smallpox: This is a serious childhood disease caused by a viral infection. It can be
spread by coming in contact with infected people. It causes a high temperature, fever,
skin blisters, and rashes. The result can be fatal.
 8. Colds: Colds and flu are common viral infections that may cause a runny nose, cough,
and sore throat coupled sometimes with a fever. Getting enough sleep, eating well, and
not exposing the face and chest to cold environments helps prevent taking in the cold.
9. Headaches: A headache is common with any sickness that causes fever. If the headache
keeps coming back, it may be a sign of a chronic illness or poor nutrition. If the headache
persists, it is advisable to seek medical help.

Disease Vectors
A vector is an organism such as an animal, man, or insect that transfers disease to another
person. Vectors living or attached to an organism they infect are called ectoparasites while those
living inside an organism are called endoparasites.

Examples of disease vectors are:

• Mosquito causing malaria fever.

• Tsetse fly causing sleeping sickness.
• Flea sucking blood and causing fever and itching.
Cleanliness (Sanitation)

Part of keeping the body clean is keeping and maintaining clean, healthy body habits; clean
clothes, and clean surroundings.

Love and Care

Cleaning the body regularly by bathing and brushing the teeth, washing clothes and keeping the
hair clean, and keeping the nails short and clean; are all important body care habits. Love is a
sense of belonging that an individual needs.

Immunization (Vaccination)

Immunization means giving a dose of the disease-carrying germs to the child either by injection
or orally, thus, exciting a child’s body towards developing his natural immunity or resistance to
the disease. Once this is done, the child can resist being attacked by the disease even though he
is exposed to it.
Keeping Fit through a Good Diet

Good health can be maintained by taking a balanced diet regularly, therefore overeating should
be avoided.

BALANCE DIET

A balanced diet is a food that contains all the body nutrients required for normal growth in the
right quantities. Eating good food is very important for good health. Good food includes various
food nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats and oils, mineral salts, and vitamins. These
foods contain the nutrients the body requires for normal growth and health.

Rest/Sleep

Rest or sleep gives solace to the body to keep it healthy. The body requires short rests of a few
minutes daily and sleep of not less than eight hours daily.

Keeping Fit through Good Exercise.

Exercises help the blood to circulate well and keep the muscles in tune. With regular exercising,
excess fat, which can bring about heart diseases later in life is burnt off. Body shape and posture
are also kept in good form.

Keeping Fit through Good Hygiene

Germs that cause diseases can be avoided by maintaining good health habits. Personal
cleanliness and public cleanliness are important in this regard.

In the area of personal cleanliness.

▪ it is important that we wash our hands with soap and water in the morning, after going to
the toilet, and before and after eating.
▪ We should have our bath at least once a day and immediately after working hard or
sweating. Frequent bathing helps prevent skin infection, itching, and rash.
▪ We should brush our teeth every day and also avoid walking barefoot.
▪ Boil water that has not been treated, before drinking.
▪ We should not fly and other insects near our food.
▪ Only well-cooked meat should be eaten.
▪ We should not eat canned food that is swollen or dented.
▪ Public cleanliness should be maintained through proper sanitation.
▪ All garbage that can be burnt should be done properly, and garbage that cannot be burnt
should be buried.
▪ Toilets and latrines, which should be built away from wells, must be kept clean at all
times.

Evaluation
1. Identify types of diseases
2. Describe the different modes of the transfer of diseases
3. Mention disease vectors
4. List ways of preventing diseases
5. How to keep fit through good exercise and hygiene