8th Grade Science - Personal & Social Perspectives

Populations

Understand that when an area becomes overpopulated, the environment will become degraded due to the increased use of resources
Understand that causes of environmental degradation and resource depletion vary from region to region and from country to country

Natural Resources

Environment Quality

Understand that the natural environment may contain substances (i.e., radon, and lead) that are harmful to human beings
Understand that maintaining environmental health involves establishing or monitoring quality standards related to use of soil, air, and water

Personal & Community Health

Understand that regular exercise is important to the maintenance and improvement of health
Understand that the potential for accidents and the existence of hazards imposes the need for injury prevention
Understand that the use of tobacco increases the risk of illness
Understand that the use of alcohol and the abuse of other drugs increases illness

Risks/Benefits

Understand that risk analysis considers the type of hazard and estimates the number of people that might be exposed and the number likely to suffer consequences; the results are used to determine the options for reducing or eliminating risks
Understand that risks are associated with natural hazards (fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions), with chemical hazards (pollutants in the air, water, soil, and food), with biological hazards (pollen, viruses, bacteria, and parasites), with social hazards (occupational safety and transportation), and with personal hazards (smoking, dieting, drinking)
Understand that individuals can apply a systematic approach to thinking critically about risks and benefits
Understand that important personal and social decisions are made based on perceptions of benefit and risk (i.e., Although 50,000 people a year die of automobile accidents, most students would choose to ride in a car.)