South Africa Grade 8 Natural Sciences Syllabus

This syllabus covers four main knowledge strands, each taught in a specific term.

Term 1: Life and Living

• Photosynthesis and Respiration: This topic explores the fundamental processes of how plants produce food (photosynthesis) and how organisms release energy from food (respiration).
• Interactions and Interdependence within the Environment: This section delves into the relationships between organisms and their environment, including concepts like ecosystems, food chains, and biomes.

Term 2: Matter and Materials

• Atoms, Elements, and Compounds: Students learn about the basic building blocks of matter, the periodic table, and how elements combine to form compounds.
• Mixtures: This topic covers different types of mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous) and methods of separating mixtures.

Term 3: Energy and Change

• Static Electricity: This section explores the phenomenon of static electricity, its causes (friction), and its effects.
• Energy Transfer in Electrical Systems: Students learn about circuits, different types of energy, and energy conversions within electrical systems.

Term 4: Planet Earth and Beyond

• The Solar System: This topic covers the components of our solar system, including the Sun, planets, moons, asteroids, and comets.
• Beyond the Solar System: This section introduces students to stars, galaxies, and the vastness of the universe.

Additional Resources:

• Siyavula Textbooks:
• WCED ePortal:
• NECT:
• Twinkl South Africa: