Science Homework – Grade 8
Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________________________
Instructions:
For this homework, you will research a substance and create a report that explains its
history, properties, and uses. Use your own words and do not copy the example. Include
pictures if possible.
Due Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Your Homework Must Include:
1. Name of the Substance
2. History: When and how it was discovered or first used
3. Physical Properties: List at least 3
4. Chemical Properties: List at least 2
5. Uses: Explain at least 3 uses and why the properties make the substance useful
6. Pictures with Captions
Substance Ideas (Choose One for Your Homework):
acetone, acrylic, aerogel, aluminum (see sample below), ammonia, antifreeze, arsenic,
aspirin, bakelite, baking soda, battery acid, bronze, butane, cadmium, caffeine, calcium
carbonate, calcium chloride, canola oil, carbon nanotubes, cellophane, chalk, chlorine,
cholesterol, chrome, clay, coal, collagen (skin), copper, cornstarch, cyanide, diamond,
ethanol, fat, ferrofluid, flour, gelatin, glass, glucose, gold, graphite, gypsum, helium,
hemoglobin, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide, indigo (dye), insulin, iodine, iron, jet fuel,
keratin (fingernails), kerosene, lactic acid, latex, lead, limestone, lye, maple syrup, mercury,
methane, methanol, mineral oil, motor oil, mylar, neodymium, neon, nickel, nickel-titanium
alloy, nylon, octane, paper, paraffin, petroleum, phenol red, polyethylene, potassium,
propane, PVC, quartz, radon, rubber, rust, salt, sarin gas, silicon, silicone, silver, soap,
sodium, sodium acetate, sodium polyacrylate, spider silk, starch, steel, styrofoam, sugar
(sucrose), sulfur, sulfuric acid, talc, teflon, tungsten, urea, vinegar, vinyl, water, wood
(cellulose)
1
Sample Answer (for guidance only – Do not Copy)
Name of Substance: Aluminium
History: Aluminium was first discovered in 1825 by Danish chemist Hans Christian Ørsted.
Initially, it was very rare and expensive, so only small decorative items were made from it. In
the late 19th century, new methods allowed aluminium to be produced cheaply and in large
quantities. Since then, aluminium has become widely used in industries, transportation,
packaging, and construction.
Physical Properties of Aluminium
1. Shiny and silvery in color
o Aluminium has a metallic luster, which means it reflects light and appears
shiny.
o This property makes it useful for decorative purposes, like in foils, ornaments,
or reflective surfaces.
o The shine also indicates that the surface is smooth and clean, which is why it
is often used in packaging.
2. Lightweight
o Aluminium is much lighter than other metals like iron or copper. Its density is
about 2.7 g/cm³, which is roughly one-third the weight of steel.
o Being lightweight makes it ideal for use in airplanes, bicycles, and vehicles,
where reducing weight improves efficiency and fuel savings.
3. Flexible and malleable
o Aluminium can be bent, rolled, or hammered into thin sheets without
breaking.
o This flexibility is called malleability, and it allows aluminium to be used in
aluminium foil, roofing sheets, and packaging materials.
o It can also be drawn into thin wires, which is helpful in electrical applications.
4. Good conductor of electricity
o Aluminium allows electric current to pass through it easily, which is called
electrical conductivity.
o Although not as conductive as copper, aluminium is lighter and cheaper,
making it suitable for power lines and electrical cables.
Chemical Properties of Aluminium
1. Reacts with oxygen to form aluminium oxide
o When aluminium is exposed to air, it reacts with oxygen to form a very thin
layer of aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) on its surface.
2
o This layer is invisible but protects the metal from further reactions and
prevents rusting.
o This reaction is important because it makes aluminium durable and long-
lasting, even in outdoor conditions.
2. Resistant to corrosion
o The aluminium oxide layer prevents water and air from reacting with the
metal underneath.
o This property is why aluminium is used in windows, doors, and outdoor
structures, as it doesn’t rust like iron.
3. Reacts with acids to release hydrogen gas
o When aluminium comes in contact with strong acids (like hydrochloric acid), it
reacts to produce aluminium salts and hydrogen gas.
o This chemical property shows that aluminium is chemically reactive under
certain conditions, but the oxide layer normally protects it from reacting in
everyday environments.
Uses of Aluminum
1. Aluminium foil – Flexible and lightweight; used to wrap food because it does not break
easily.
2. Aircraft parts – Strong but lightweight, making airplanes more fuel-efficient.
3. Cans and packaging – Rust-resistant and lightweight, ideal for drinks and food containers.
4. Construction materials – Aluminium frames are durable, lightweight, and resistant to
weathering.
Pictures with Captions: - 1. Aluminum is used for food wrapping.
2. Aircraft parts
3
3. Soda Can - Aluminium is rust-resistant and
recyclable
Rubric
Needs Mark
Criteria Excellent (Full Marks) Satisfactory
Improvement s
All required sections Most sections
Many sections missing
completed with accurate, completed with
or inaccurate;
Content detailed information; at generally accurate
physical and chemical 15
Accuracy least 3 physical and 2 information; some
properties unclear or
chemical properties clearly details missing or
incomplete.
explained. unclear.
Uses clearly explained with
reasoning linking Uses mostly Uses poorly
Explanation properties to usefulness; explained; some explained; little or no
10
of Uses demonstrates connection to connection to
understanding of properties is missing. properties.
substance applications.
Creativity & Report is visually Brochure is Brochure is 10
Presentatio appealing, organized, moderately disorganized, missing
4
includes pictures with organized; includes
pictures, or poorly
n captions; clear effort in some pictures or
presented.
layout and design. simple layout.
Most content in
All content written in
student’s own words; Much content copied;
Use of Own student’s own words; no
minor copying or limited understanding 10
Words copying; shows
reliance on evident.
understanding.
examples.
Total Marks 50
Due Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2026