Each student is provided with two resources to use on their science TAKS exam. A formula chart that includes the constants for the speed of sound, the speed of light and acceleration due to gravity, as well as formulas to calculate density, force, speed, weight and work. The periodic table of elements is also available to students. Teachers should provide copies of both resources for students to keep with them and keep spare copies on hand for classwork use. Demonstrate how to use these resources and plan weekly activities that force students to become familiar with consulting and utilizing the pages.
Several eighth grade science TAKS questions require students to know proper lab safety procedures to prevent injury or hazardous situations. Teachers should discuss lab protocol at the beginning of the school year and address the wearing of proper protective gear, procedures for handling and moving sharp or otherwise hazardous materials and proper disposal of dangerous items after completing a lab. It is also important to conduct quick reviews of lab safety prior to each experiment, and discuss any accidents that occur to formulate solutions for preventing repeat incidents.
Eighth grade science TAKS questions frequently employ charts, graphs or diagrams to convey information students must analyze in order to answer questions correctly. It is essential for teachers to spend adequate class time explaining how to read and process this information, identify the items necessary to solve the problem and ignore extraneous information. It is best to couple this instruction with reading strategies to help students identify keywords that will alert them to the items they will need to use while solving the problem and what to do with that information -- such as comparing one variable to another or drawing average conclusions -- based on changes over time and the final results of an experiment.
From the water cycle to the food chain -- to the function of human organs -- eighth grade students need a strong foundation in scientific systems. Teachers should devote considerable time to explaining that the world operates with a sense of order. This order extends from the natural laws of gravity and properties of light to the human body's ability to procreate and heal from injuries through cell replication. Students should understand systems governing the bodies surrounding our planet, human body functions and cycles affecting the growth and survival of plant and animal species.