GRADE 8 INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Comprehensive Study Notes

Kenya Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC)

Topics: Scientific Investigation | Living Things | Health | Matter | Energy | Earth & Space
UNIT 1: SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION

1.1 What is Scientific Investigation?

Scientific investigation is the process scientists use to find answers to questions about the
world around us. It involves making observations, asking questions, forming hypotheses,
conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions.

Key Terms
Observation Using the senses (sight, smell, touch, taste, hearing) to gather
information about an object or event.
Hypothesis A testable prediction or educated guess about the outcome of an
experiment.
Experiment A controlled procedure carried out to test a hypothesis.
Variable A factor that can change during an experiment.
Data Information collected during an experiment, often in numbers or
descriptions.
Conclusion A statement that explains the results of an experiment based on
evidence.

1.2 Steps of Scientific Investigation

• Identify and define the problem or question
• Research background information
• Formulate a hypothesis
• Design and conduct an experiment
• Collect and record data
• Analyze results and draw conclusions
• Communicate findings

1.3 Types of Variables

Type of Variable Description
Independent Variable The factor that is deliberately changed by the
scientist.
Dependent Variable The factor that is measured or observed as a
result of the change.
Controlled Variable Factors kept the same throughout the
experiment to ensure a fair test.
1.4 Science Process Skills
• Observing – using senses to gather data
• Classifying – grouping objects based on similarities
• Measuring – using tools to find quantities
• Predicting – stating expected outcomes
• Inferring – drawing conclusions from evidence
• Communicating – sharing results through reports, graphs, tables

1.5 Laboratory Safety Rules

• Always wear protective gear (goggles, gloves, lab coat)
• Never eat or drink in the laboratory
• Handle chemicals with care
• Report any accidents to the teacher immediately
• Read all instructions before starting an experiment
• Keep the work area clean and tidy
UNIT 2: LIVING THINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Classification of Living Things

Living things (organisms) are classified into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae,
and Animalia.

Characteristics of Living Things (MRS GREN)

• M – Movement: ability to move from place to place or move body parts
• R – Respiration: breaking down food to release energy
• S – Sensitivity: ability to detect and respond to changes (stimuli)
• G – Growth: increase in size and complexity
• R – Reproduction: producing offspring of the same kind
• E – Excretion: removal of waste products from the body
• N – Nutrition: obtaining and using food for energy and growth

2.2 The Cell – Building Block of Life

Plant Cell Features Animal Cell Features
Cell wall (rigid outer layer) No cell wall
Large central vacuole Small or no vacuole
Chloroplasts (for photosynthesis) No chloroplasts
Regular shape Irregular shape

Cell Organelles and Their Functions

Nucleus Controls all cell activities; contains genetic material (DNA).
Cell Membrane Controls what enters and leaves the cell.
Cytoplasm Jelly-like fluid where chemical reactions take place.
Mitochondria Site of respiration; produces energy (ATP).
Chloroplast Site of photosynthesis in plant cells.
Vacuole Stores water, salts, and waste products.
Ribosome Site of protein synthesis.

2.3 Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
to make food (glucose) and release oxygen.

Carbon dioxide + Water ─(sunlight/chlorophyll)→ Glucose + Oxygen

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
• Light intensity – more light, faster photosynthesis
• Carbon dioxide concentration – more CO₂, faster rate
• Temperature – optimum temperature gives best rate
• Water availability – needed as a raw material

2.4 Respiration
Respiration is the process by which organisms break down food (glucose) to release energy.

Aerobic Respiration (with oxygen)

Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water + Energy

Anaerobic Respiration (without oxygen)

In animals: Glucose → Lactic acid + Energy
In yeast: Glucose → Ethanol + Carbon dioxide + Energy

2.5 Food Chains and Food Webs

A food chain shows the transfer of energy from one organism to another. Energy flows from
producers to consumers.

Sun → Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Hawk

Producer Organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis

(e.g., plants).
Primary Consumer Herbivores that eat producers (e.g., grasshoppers, rabbits).
Secondary Consumer Carnivores that eat primary consumers (e.g., frogs, foxes).
Tertiary Consumer Carnivores that eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks, lions).
Decomposer Break down dead matter and return nutrients to the soil (e.g.,
fungi, bacteria).

2.6 Ecosystems and Habitats

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-
living environment.

Types of Ecosystems in Kenya

• Terrestrial ecosystems: forests, grasslands (savanna), deserts
• Aquatic ecosystems: Lake Victoria, Indian Ocean, rivers, wetlands
• Montane ecosystems: Mt. Kenya, Aberdare ranges

Threats to Ecosystems
• Deforestation and habitat destruction
• Pollution (water, air, soil)
• Climate change and global warming
• Overgrazing and poor farming practices
• Invasive species
UNIT 3: HEALTH EDUCATION

3.1 Nutrition and Balanced Diet

Good nutrition is essential for growth, development, and maintaining good health. A
balanced diet contains all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions.

Nutrient Function Food Sources

Carbohydrates Provide energy Ugali, rice, bread, potatoes
Proteins Growth and repair of body Meat, fish, eggs, beans, milk
tissues
Fats & Oils Energy storage, insulation Butter, avocado, nuts, cooking oil
Vitamins Regulate body functions, prevent Fruits, vegetables, liver
disease
Minerals Build bones, teeth; regulate Milk (Ca), meat (Fe), iodized salt
functions
Water Transport nutrients, regulate Water, juices, fruits
temperature
Dietary Fibre Aids digestion, prevents Vegetables, whole grains, fruits
constipation

3.2 Diseases and Prevention

Communicable (Infectious) Diseases
Diseases that can be spread from one person to another.
Disease Cause Transmission Prevention
Malaria Plasmodium (protozoa) Female Anopheles Mosquito nets,
mosquito bite insecticides
Cholera Vibrio cholerae Contaminated Clean water,
(bacteria) water/food sanitation,
vaccination
Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Air (coughing, sneezing) BCG vaccine,
tuberculosis ventilation
HIV/AIDS Human Blood, sexual contact, Abstinence,
Immunodeficiency Virus breastfeeding condoms, avoid
sharing needles
COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2 (virus) Respiratory droplets Vaccination, masks,
hygiene
3.3 Personal Hygiene and Sanitation
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently, especially before eating and after using
the toilet
• Brush teeth twice daily to prevent tooth decay
• Bathe regularly to prevent skin infections
• Keep fingernails short and clean
• Wear clean clothes and shoes
• Dispose of waste properly – use dustbins and pit latrines

3.4 Reproductive Health

Adolescence is the stage of development between childhood and adulthood, characterized
by physical, emotional, and social changes.

Physical Changes During Puberty

Boys Girls
Voice deepens (breaks) Menstruation begins
Facial and body hair grows Breasts develop
Increased muscle mass Hips widen
Testes and penis enlarge Pubic and underarm hair grows
Production of sperm begins Body fat increases
UNIT 4: MIXTURES, ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS

4.1 Matter and Its Classification

Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Matter can be classified as pure
substances or mixtures.

Pure Substances
• Elements – made of only one type of atom (e.g., gold Au, oxygen O, iron Fe)
• Compounds – made of two or more elements chemically combined in fixed ratios
(e.g., water H₂O, salt NaCl, sugar C₆H₁₂O₆)

Mixtures
• Homogeneous mixtures – uniform composition throughout (e.g., salt water, air,
alloys)
• Heterogeneous mixtures – non-uniform composition (e.g., soil, salad, granite)

Compounds Mixtures
Fixed composition Variable composition
Properties differ from elements Properties of components retained
Cannot be separated by physical means Can be separated by physical means
Formed by chemical reactions Formed by physical combination
e.g., Water (H₂O), NaCl e.g., Salt water, soil, air

4.2 Separation of Mixtures

Method Principle Example
Filtration Separates insoluble solid from Sand and water
liquid
Evaporation Removes liquid to leave Salt from salt water
dissolved solid
Distillation Separates liquids with different Water from alcohol
boiling points
Chromatography Separates soluble Ink colors
dyes/pigments
Magnetic separation Separates magnetic material Iron filings from sand
Decanting Pours liquid off settled solid Muddy water
Sieving Separates by particle size Soil and gravel
4.3 Atoms and Molecules
Atom The smallest unit of an element that retains the chemical
properties of that element.
Molecule Two or more atoms bonded together (e.g., O₂, H₂O, CO₂).
Ion An atom that has gained or lost electrons, giving it a charge.
Element A pure substance made of only one type of atom.
Compound A substance formed when two or more elements chemically
combine.

4.4 States of Matter

Solid Liquid Gas
Definite shape and volume Definite volume, no fixed shape No definite shape or volume
Particles tightly packed Particles close but can move Particles far apart, move fast
Vibrate in fixed positions Flow to take container shape Fill any container
Difficult to compress Nearly incompressible Easily compressed
e.g., Ice, rock, metal e.g., Water, oil, mercury e.g., Air, steam, oxygen
UNIT 5: FORCE AND ENERGY

5.1 Forces
A force is a push or pull that can change the shape, speed, or direction of an object. Forces
are measured in Newtons (N).

Types of Forces
Gravity Pulls objects towards the Earth. Weight = mass × gravitational
field strength (W = mg).
Friction Opposes motion between surfaces in contact. Can be useful
(brakes) or wasteful (engine heat).
Normal Force Perpendicular force exerted by a surface on an object resting on
it.
Tension Force transmitted through a rope, string, or cable when pulled
tight.
Magnetic Force Attractive or repulsive force between magnets or magnetic
materials.
Electrostatic Force Force between electrically charged objects.
Buoyancy/Upthrust Upward force exerted by a fluid on an object immersed in it.

5.2 Newton's Laws of Motion

• 1st Law (Inertia): An object remains at rest or in uniform motion unless acted upon by
an external force.
• 2nd Law: Force = Mass × Acceleration (F = ma). The greater the force, the greater
the acceleration.
• 3rd Law: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

5.3 Energy
Energy is the capacity to do work. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed
from one form to another (Law of Conservation of Energy).

Forms of Energy
Kinetic Energy Energy of moving objects. KE = ½mv²
Potential Energy Stored energy due to position. PE = mgh
Thermal/Heat Energy Energy due to temperature; transferred from hot to cold.
Light Energy Electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye.
Sound Energy Energy transmitted as mechanical waves through a medium.
 Electrical Energy Energy from movement of electrons through a conductor.
Chemical Energy Stored in chemical bonds; released in reactions (e.g., food, fuel).
Nuclear Energy Released from nuclear reactions (fission or fusion).

5.4 Renewable and Non-Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Sources Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Solar energy (sun) Petroleum/oil
Wind energy Natural gas
Hydroelectric power (water) Coal
Geothermal energy (heat from earth) Nuclear fuels (uranium)
Biomass energy (wood, biogas) Firewood (when not replanted)
Tidal/wave energy

Kenya generates most of its electricity from renewable sources, including geothermal
(Olkaria), hydro (Seven Forks), wind (Lake Turkana), and solar energy.

5.5 Electricity
Simple Electric Circuit
• A circuit must be a closed loop for current to flow.
• Components: battery/cell, wires, switch, bulb, ammeter, voltmeter.
• Series circuit: components connected end-to-end; same current throughout.
• Parallel circuit: components connected across each other; current splits.

Series Circuit Parallel Circuit

Same current everywhere Current splits at junctions
Voltage shared among components Same voltage across each component
If one bulb fails, all go out Other bulbs remain lit if one fails
Total resistance increases Total resistance decreases
UNIT 6: EARTH AND SPACE

6.1 The Earth's Structure

Crust Outermost layer; thin, solid rock; where we live (5–70 km thick).
Mantle Thick layer of semi-molten rock (magma); site of convection
currents (2,900 km thick).
Outer Core Liquid iron and nickel; generates Earth's magnetic field.
Inner Core Solid iron and nickel; extremely hot (~5,500°C).

6.2 Soil
Soil is a mixture of mineral particles, organic matter (humus), water, air, and
microorganisms.

Types of Soil
• Sandy soil – large particles, drains quickly, low nutrients, gritty texture
• Clay soil – small particles, retains water, can become waterlogged, smooth texture
• Loam soil – best for agriculture; mixture of sand, silt, and clay; good drainage and
nutrients

Soil Profile (Horizons)

Horizon Name Description
O Organic layer Decomposing leaves and plant material on top
A Topsoil Dark, rich in humus and nutrients; most biological
activity
B Subsoil Lighter, less organic matter, minerals leached from
above
C Parent material Weathered rock fragments
R Bedrock Solid unweathered rock

6.3 The Solar System

The Solar System consists of the Sun and all celestial bodies that orbit it, including 8
planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and dwarf planets.

The 8 Planets (in order from the Sun)

Mercury • Venus • Earth • Mars • Jupiter • Saturn • Uranus • Neptune
Mnemonic: "My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos"
Planet Type Key Feature
Mercury Terrestrial Closest to Sun, no atmosphere, extreme
temperatures
Venus Terrestrial Hottest planet due to greenhouse effect
Earth Terrestrial Only planet known to support life; has water
and oxygen
Mars Terrestrial Red planet; has the tallest volcano
(Olympus Mons)
Jupiter Gas Giant Largest planet; Great Red Spot is a massive
storm
Saturn Gas Giant Beautiful ring system made of ice and rock
Uranus Ice Giant Rotates on its side; appears blue-green
Neptune Ice Giant Farthest planet; strongest winds in the solar
system

6.4 Weather and Climate

Weather Climate
Day-to-day atmospheric conditions Average weather patterns over 30+ years
Can change hourly Changes very slowly
e.g., Today it is raining e.g., Kenya has a tropical climate

Elements of Weather
• Temperature – measure of how hot or cold the air is (°C)
• Rainfall/Precipitation – water falling from clouds (rain, hail, dew)
• Humidity – amount of water vapour in the air
• Wind – movement of air from high to low pressure areas
• Cloud cover – amount of sky covered by clouds (measured in oktas)

The Water Cycle

• Evaporation: water from oceans, lakes, rivers turns into vapour
• Condensation: water vapour cools and forms clouds
• Precipitation: water falls as rain, snow, or hail
• Collection: water collects in oceans, rivers, and underground
• Transpiration: water released by plants into the atmosphere
EXAM REVISION TIPS & KEY FORMULAE

Important Formulae
Formula Equation Units
Weight W = mg Newtons (N)
Force F = ma Newtons (N)
Kinetic Energy KE = ½mv² Joules (J)
Potential Energy PE = mgh Joules (J)
Work Done W = Fd Joules (J)
Speed v = d/t m/s
Power P = W/t Watts (W)

Key Mnemonics to Remember

• MRS GREN – Characteristics of living things (Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity,
Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition)
• My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos – Planets in order (Mercury,
Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune)
• OIL RIG – Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (for chemical reactions)
• ROYGBIV – Colors of visible light spectrum (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue,
Indigo, Violet)

Study Advice
• Read through these notes at least twice before your exam
• Draw and label diagrams (cells, food chains, circuits, Earth layers)
• Practice answering past exam questions with full sentences
• Make summary cards for key definitions and formulae
• Study in groups and test each other using questions
• Get adequate rest the night before your examination

BEST OF LUCK IN YOUR EXAMINATIONS!

These notes cover the Kenya CBC Grade 8 Integrated Science Curriculum