Turkey Ortaokul Science Curriculum (7th & 8th Grade)

This outlines the Science curriculum for 7th and 8th grades in Turkey, based on the 2018 Turkish Ministry of National Education Science Curriculum document.

7th Grade Science Curriculum

• The Solar System and Beyond (Universe and Earth): This unit explores the solar system, its celestial bodies, and their interrelationships. Students learn about space technologies, including artificial satellites and Turkey's contributions to space exploration. They also discuss the causes and potential consequences of space pollution, the role of telescopes in astronomical observation, and the contributions of Turkish-Islamic scientists to astronomy. Additionally, they explore stars, constellations, galaxies, and the concept of the universe.
• Cells and Division (Living Things and Life): This unit covers the differences between animal and plant cells, the cell-tissue-organ-system-organism hierarchy, and the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Students learn about the importance of these cell division processes and the formation of reproductive cells.
• Force and Energy (Physical Events): This unit focuses on the concepts of mass and weight, gravitational force, work, and energy. Students learn about different forms of energy, energy conversions, and the impact of friction on energy. They also design vehicles to minimize air or water resistance.
• Pure Substances and Mixtures (Matter and Its Nature): This unit covers the structure of atoms, the classification of pure substances (elements and compounds), and mixtures. Students learn about separation techniques for mixtures, the properties of conductors and insulators, and the importance of recycling and waste management.
• Light and Its Interaction with Matter (Physical Events): This unit explores the absorption of light, how objects appear colored, and the use of solar energy. Students learn about different types of mirrors and lenses, their applications, and the phenomenon of light refraction. They also design imaging devices using mirrors or lenses.
• Reproduction, Growth, and Development in Living Things (Living Things and Life): This unit covers human reproduction, growth, and development, as well as the reproductive processes in plants and animals. Students discuss measures for healthy adolescent development and explore factors influencing growth and development in plants and animals.
• Electrical Circuits (Physical Events): This unit focuses on series and parallel circuits and the conversion of electrical energy into other forms of energy. Students draw and construct circuits, observe the brightness of bulbs in different circuit configurations, and design original lighting devices.

8th Grade Science Curriculum

• Seasons and Climate (Universe and Earth): This unit explores the formation of seasons, the influence of Earth's movements and position on seasons, and the formation of climates and weather events. Students also learn about climate science and the effects of global climate change.
• DNA and Genetic Code (Living Things and Life): This unit covers DNA structure, genetic code, inheritance, mutations, adaptations, and biotechnology. Students learn about the ethical implications of biotechnology and discuss its potential benefits and drawbacks.
• Pressure (Physical Events): This unit focuses on pressure in solids, liquids, and gases, and the factors influencing these pressures. Students explore the applications of pressure in daily life and technology.
• Matter and Industry (Matter and Its Nature): This unit covers the classification of elements, physical and chemical changes in matter, acids and bases, and the chemical industry in Turkey. Students learn about the properties of acids and bases, acid rain, and career opportunities in the chemical industry.
• Simple Machines (Physical Events): This unit focuses on different types of simple machines and their advantages. Students design devices that utilize simple machines to make work easier.
• Energy Transformations and Environmental Science (Living Things and Life): This unit covers photosynthesis, respiration, food chains, and environmental science. Students learn about matter cycles, environmental problems, and sustainable development.
• Electric Charges and Electrical Energy (Physical Events): This unit focuses on electric charges, electrical forces, grounding, and the conversion of electrical energy. Students learn about power plants, their advantages and disadvantages, and the importance of conserving electrical energy.

This information is intended to provide a general overview of the 7th and 8th-grade Science curriculum. For the most current and detailed information, please consult the official Turkish Ministry of National Education resources.