PART 1 : EXPERIMENTS

Experiment
Study of Lactobacilli
1

Aim : To observe Lactobacilli in curd / buttermilk.

Requirements : Curds / Yoghurt or buttermilk, glass slides, coverslips, 1% methylene blue solution,
blotting paper, microscope, toothpick, etc.
Procedure : 
(1) Take a very small drop of curd on the glass slide. Using a toothpick smear it evenly till a thin
film of curd is formed on the slide.
(2) Let the smear dry.
(3) Place a small drop of methylene blue solution on a microscope slide. This is staining the slide.
(4) Place a coverslip on top. Remove excess solution around the coverslip with a blotting paper.
(5) Place the slide on the stage of the microscope starting with lower magnification. After observing
the bacteria under low power as tiny dots, shift the eyepiece to the high power magnification.
Figure :

Lactobacilli

Observations :
(1) The Lactobacilli are rod shaped bacteria.

(2) They do not show nuclei or cell organelles.

(3) They are prokaryotic cells.

Conclusion : Lactobacilli bacteria present in curds belong to the kingdom Monera. Lactobacilli

produce lactic acid from the fermentation of lactose sugar. They, therefore, carry out the curdling

process of the milk.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 5

 Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.

1. To which kingdom does Lactobacillus bacteria belong?

(A) Protista (B) Monera (C) Fungi (D) Plantae B

2. Which of the following option describes the characteristics of Lactobacilli?

(A) autotrophic and unicellular (B) heterotrophic and multicellular
(C) prokaryotic and unicellular (D) eukaryotic and multicellular C

3. What can be the size of Lactobacillus?

(A) 1 µm – 10 µm (B) 5 µm – 15 µm
(C) 1 mm – 5 mm (D) 2 cm – 20 cm A

4. Which out of the following is not a harmful bacterium?

(A) Clostridium (B) Mycobacterium
(C) Lactobacillus (D) Staphylococcus C

5. Which other type of living organism is included in Monera along with bacteria?
(A) Viruses (B) Blue-green algae
(C) Multicellular algae (D) Amoeba B

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Lactobacilli are useful microorganisms present in curds and buttermilk and are
used in dairy industry.

6 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Observation of Fungus
2

Aim : To observe fungus on the bread.

Requirements : A stale piece of bread or bhakri / roti on which mucor is seen, a glass slide, coverslip,
a forceps, blotting paper and microscope, water, container, etc.
Procedure :
(1) 
Take a piece of bread or roti on a glass slide. Dampen it with a little water. Keep it in a
container.
(2) Place it in a warm and humid corner.
(3) Observe the bread piece after 2–3 days.
(4) The stale bread shows fine cottony growth of fungal hyphae belonging to Mucor.
(5) Take a few fragments of this fungus and observe under the microscope.

Figure : Label the different parts of the Mucor :

Sporangium

Columella Spores
(Feeds spores)

Apophysis

Sporangiophore
Stolon

Substrate
Mycelium Hypha

Rhizoids

Mucor

Observations :
(1) Most of the fungal hyphae are horizontally spreading.
(2) There are some erect hyphae. They are called sporangiophores.
(3) At the end of these sporangiophores, there are rounded structures called sporangia.
(4) A single sporangium can be seen liberating the black coloured spores.
(5) The root like structures are called rhizoids which are clearly seen under the microscope.

Conclusion : The Mucor is non-green, heterotrophic and eukaryotic in nature. It is called saprotrophic

organism because it grows on the organic decomposing bread. It is placed under the kingdom
Fungi.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 7

 Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which part of Mucor absorbs the nutrients from the medium on which it grows?
(A) Sporangiophore (B) Sporangia
(C) Rhizoids (D) Columella C

2. Why is Mucor called a saprotrophic organism?

(A) Because it grows on bread.
(B) Because it is producing spores.
(C) Because it is converting organic substances into inorganic constituents.
(D) Because it is blackish in colour. C

3. Which of the following is not a fungus?

(A) Baker’s yeast (B) Aspergillus
(C) Penicillium (D) Paramoecium D

4. What kind of cell wall is present in the fungal species?

(A) Cellulose (B) Pectin
(C) Chitin (D) None of these C

5. What is apophysis and columella respectively?

(A) swelling beneath the sporangium and structure supporting sporangium
(B) Both are same structures that produce spores.
(C) Apophysis produces spores and columella spreads it.
(D) the stalk of spores and the capsule protecting spores A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Fungus is a saprophytic organism which decomposes organic compounds back into
inorganic matter.

8 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Study of Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
3

Aim : To study the balanced and unbalanced forces by using the materials available in day-to-day
life.
Requirements : A cardboard box, a thick string, two weighing pans, two masses of 10 grams each,
one mass of 50 grams, a table with smooth surface, etc.
Procedure :
Figure : Label the diagram :
(1) 
Place the cardboard box on the
table.
Cardboard box
(2) 
Tie thick strings to the opposite
sides of the box and take the strings
on both sides of the table as shown String
in the figure.
(3) 
Tie two weighing pans to the free
ends of the string. Pans with equal weights
(4) Keep equal masses of say 10 grams Balanced and unbalanced forces
each in both the pans. Observe the
box kept on the table.
(5) Now replace the mass in one of the pans, by the mass of 50 grams. Observe the motion of the
box kept on the table and record your observation.

Observations :
(1) When both the pans contain equal masses of 10 grams, the box does not move on the table.
(moves / does not move)

(2) When one pan has a mass of 50 grams and the other has a mass of 10 grams, the box starts
moving in the direction of the pan with a mass of 50 grams. (10 / 50)

Conclusions / Inferences :
(1) 
When equal masses are kept in two pans, equal gravitational force acts on both the pans.
It means two equal forces act on the box in opposite directions. (same / opposite)
Hence the effective force becomes zero and the box does not move on the table. These two
forces are called balanced forces. (balanced / unbalanced)

(2) 
When we keep unequal masses, one of 10 grams and other of 50 grams in two pans,
unequal forces act on both the pans. (equal / unequal)
When unequal forces are applied to the box in opposite directions, a resultant unbalanced
force acts on the box. This unbalanced force imparts motion to the box. The box starts moving
in the direction of the unbalanced force. (balanced / unbalanced)

2/Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII K1018  9

 Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which of the following statements is true for balanced forces?
(A) These two forces are equal in magnitude.
(B) These two forces are opposite in direction.
(C) These two forces have the same line of action.
(D) All above statements are true. D

2. Which of the following is the SI unit of the force?

(A) dyne   (B) newton  (C) joule  (D) pascal B

3. Which statement is true with respect to force?

(A) Has direction but not magnitude. (B) Has magnitude but not direction.
(C) Has both magnitude and direction. (D) Has neither magnitude nor direction. C

4. 
If two forces are applied on an object in directions opposite to each other, what is the
magnitude of the resultant force acting on that object?
(A) Equal to the addition of their magnitudes.
(B) Equal to the difference of their magnitudes.
(C) Equal to zero.
(D) Equal to the product of their magnitudes. B

5. Which of the following quantities changes the state of rest or of uniform motion of a body in
a straight line?
(A) volume  (B) inertia  (C) force   (D) density C

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : If two forces are applied on one object in directions opposite to each other, a force
equal to their difference acts on the object.

10 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Study of the Types of Inertia
4

Aim : To study (a) the inertia of the state of rest (b) the inertia of motion (c) the directional inertia.
(a) To study the inertia of the state of rest
Requirements : A postcard or a piece of card paper, a 5-rupee coin, a glass, etc.
Procedure :
(1) Take a postcard or a piece of card paper and keep it on the brim of a glass.
(2) Place a 5-rupee coin on the postcard.
(3) Flick the card quickly and skilfully.
(4) Observe and note the motion of the coin.
Figure : Label the diagram :

Coin

Postcard or a piece
of card paper

Glass

Inertia of the state of rest

Observation : The card moves forward and the coin falls into the glass.

Conclusion / Inference : When we flick the card quickly, the force is applied on the card.
(force / pressure) The postcard moves forward due to this applied force. In the absence of adequate
frictional force between the coin and the postcard, the coin does not move forward with the
postcard, but straightaway falls into the glass due to the earth’s gravitational force. (gravitational /
rotational) This is the example of inertia of the state of rest . (state of rest / motion)

(b) To study the inertia of motion

Requirements : A raw egg, a boiled egg, table, etc.
Procedure :
(1) Take a hardboiled egg. Place it on the table.
(2) Give a good spin to this boiled egg. As it spins, stop it by putting your finger on top of the egg.
Then remove your finger immediately. Observe what happens to the motion of the egg and
record it.
(3) Now take a raw egg and put it on the table.
(4) Give a good spin to this raw egg. As it spins, stop the egg by quickly putting your finger on
top of the egg. Then just as quickly, remove your finger. This action should be fast, lasting for
perhaps half a second at most. Observe what happens to the motion of the egg and record it.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 11

Figure :

Inertia of motion
Observations :
(1) When we remove the finger from the spinning boiled egg, it is found that the egg stops spinning
and comes to rest. (rest / motion)
(2) When we remove the finger from the spinning raw egg, it is found that the stopped egg continues
to spin again.
Conclusions / Inferences :
(1) When we touch the spinning boiled egg with our finger, we apply a force on that egg. As the
inside content has become solid, the shell and inner content work as one whole solid body.
Due to this the external force is applied to the whole body and the egg stops spinning.
(stops / continues)
(2) On the other hand, a raw egg contains a yolk that moves inside the egg independently of the
shell. If we stop the shell, the yolk inside continues to move due to its inertia of motion
and therefore the moving yolk gets the egg spinning again. This is an example of inertia of
motion. (rest / motion)

(c) To study the directional inertia

Requirements : A sharp pointed pencil, a cardboard, the scissors, four to five small beads, glue, etc.
Procedure :
(1) Take a piece of cardboard.
(2) Draw a circle of radius 7 cm on the cardboard and with the help of the scissors, cut along its
circumference to get a circular disc.
(3) Make a small hole at the centre of the disc.
(4) Insert a pointed pencil through the hole and fix the disc firmly to the pencil using glue.
(5) Now fix four to five small beads loosely attached on the edge of the upper surface of the disc.
(6) Now place the pointed end of the pencil on the table and putting the upper end of the pencil
between two palms, give a good spin to this disc.
(7) Repeat Point no. (6) four to five times.
(8) At a certain stage of rotation, you will find that the beads are being thrown out off the disc.
Observe the direction of motion of the beads thrown off the disc.

12 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Figure : Label the diagram :

Pencil

Loosely attached
beads

Directional Inertia

Observation : It is found that the beads are thrown off in a tangential direction in the sense of
rotation of the disc. (radial / tangential)
Conclusion / Inference : Because of inertia of direction, when a bead leaves the rotating wheel, it
tries to follow a tangential linear motion due to the absence of external force on it. It means when
the bead is attached to the rotating body, a centripetal force acts on it. But when it gets detached
from the disc, there is no force acting on it and it gets thrown in a tangential direction. This is
an example of inertia of directional the body. (motion / directional)

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which of the terms given below is called the tendency of an object to remain in its existing
state?
(A) weight  (B) mass  (C) inertia   (D) friction C
2. When a bus starts to move suddenly, the passengers experience a backward jerk. Which type
of inertia is this?
(A) inertia of the state of rest (B) inertia of motion
(C) directional inertia (D) transformation inertia A
3. When a fan is switched off, its blades continue to rotate for some time. Which type of inertia
is this?
(A) inertia of the state of rest (B) inertia of motion
(C) directional inertia (D) transformation inertia B
4. When a vehicle moves, the mud particles sticking to its wheels fly off tangentially. Which type
of inertia is this?
(A) inertia of the state of rest (B) inertia of motion
(C) directional inertia (D) transformation inertia C

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Following are the three types of Inertia :

(1) Inertia of the state of rest (2) Inertia of motion (3) Directional inertia.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 13

 Experiment
Study of Archimedes Principle
5

Aim : To study Archimedes principle.

Requirements : Blocks of iron, copper and aluminium, a spring balance, an overflow vessel,
a measuring cylinder, an iron stand, water, a string, clamp, beaker, etc.
Procedure : 
  (1) Note the least count of the spring balance.
  (2) Hang a spring balance from an iron stand using a clamp.
  (3) Take the iron block and weigh it by hanging it from the hook of the spring balance using a
string. Find the weight of this solid block in air (W1) and note it.
  (4) Take an overflow vessel and fill it with water to the level of its outlet and place a beaker below
the outlet of the overflow vessel to collect the displaced water. Now, start lowering the block,
attached to the spring balance into the water in the overflow vessel.
  (5) Note the weight of the block as it is completely immersed in the water (W2).
  (6) Find the loss in weight of the block (W1 – W2) in water.
  (7) Find the volume of the water collected in the beaker by using a measuring cylinder.
  (8) Assuming that 1 ml of water weighs 1 [Link], determine the weight of the displaced
water.
  (9) Repeat the same experiment with the copper block and the aluminium block and record your
observations.
(10) Comparing the values of loss in weight of all three blocks (W1 – W2) in water and the weight
of the displaced water, draw a suitable conclusion.
Figure : Label the diagram :

Stand Spring
balance

Metallic

block

Weight of the body in Air (W1)

14 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Stand Spring balance

Water
Overflow vessel
Metallic
block
Beaker

Displaced water
Weight of the body in water (W2)

Observation : Least count of the spring balance = 1 [Link]

Volume of the Weight of the water

Loss in weight
Weight of the Weight of the water displaced displaced by the
of the block in
Blocks block in air block in water by the block block immersed
water
(W ) [Link] (W ) [Link] immersed in in water (assume
1 2
(W1 – W2) [Link]
water (ml) 1 ml ≈ [Link])

Iron block 120 100 20 20 20

Copper block 180 150 30 30 30

Aluminium block 65 55 10 10 10

Conclusion / Inference : The loss in weight of the body in water is equal to the weight (weight /

volume) of the water displaced (displaced / gained) by the body when it is immersed in the water.

When an object is partially or fully immersed in a fluid, a force of buoyancy (buoyancy /

gravitation) acts on it in the upward direction.

This force is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.
[Note : The two forces mentioned here are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction.]

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 15

 Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which of the following statements is true?
(A) Buoyant force is created only by water.
(B) Buoyant force is created only by liquids.
(C) Air cannot create buoyant force.
(D) Any liquid or any gas can create buoyant force. D

2. For a given object, which quantity the buoyant force in liquids depends on?
(A) volume (B) density
(C) transparency (D) mass B

3. The weight of an object in air is 150 [Link] and 80 [Link] in water. What is the weight of the
water displaced by the object?
(A) 150 [Link] (B) 70 [Link]
(C) 230 [Link] (D) 80 [Link] B

4. Which of the following equipment is used to determine the density of a liquid?

(A) hygrometer (B) hydrometer
(C) lactometer (D) spring balance B

5. In one experiment, it was found that the object floats on the liquid. What will be the magnitude
of the unbalanced force in this case?
(A) (buoyant force) – (weight of the object)
(B) (weight of the object) – (buoyant force)
(C) zero
(D) (buoyant force) + (weight of the object) A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Archimedes principle states that : When a object is partially or fully immersed in a
fluid, a force of buoyancy acts on it in the upward direction.

16 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Verification of the Magnetic Effects of Electric Current
6

Aim : To verify the magnetic effects of electric current.

Requirements : A cardboard tray of an empty matchbox, a magnetic needle, a bar magnet, electric
wire, a battery, a switch or plug key, an electric bulb, etc.
Procedure :
  (1) Take out the cardboard tray from an empty matchbox.
  (2) Place a small magnetic needle inside it.
  (3) Wind an electric wire a few times around the cardboard tray.
 (4) 
Now connect the free ends of this wire to battery through a switch or a plug key and
an electric bulb.
  (5) Mark the direction in which the magnetic needle is pointing.
  (6) Bring a bar magnet near the magnetic needle. Then take the magnet away from the needle.
Observe what happens.
  (7) Now, move the switch to the ‘ON’ position or close the plug key to pass the electric current
through the wire and observe the deflection in the needle.
  (8) Move the switch back to the ‘OFF’ position or remove the plug from the plug key and observe
the deflection of the needle.
  (9) Find the similarities in two activities, one bringing the bar magnet near the magnetic needle
and the other passing an electric current through the wire wound around the magnetic
needle.
(10) Draw a suitable conclusion from your observation.

Figure : Label the diagram :

Magnetic needle Battery

Plug key

Cardboard tray

Bulb

Magnetic effect of electric current

Observations :
(1) When a bar magnet is brought near the magnetic needle, the needle gets deflected. When the
magnet is taken away from the needle, the needle attains its original position.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 17

 (2) 
When an electric current is passed through the wire, the needle gets deflected. When the
current is switched off, the needle attains its original position.
Conclusions / Inferences :
(1) 
The needle of a compass is a tiny magnet, which, when freely suspended points in the
North-South direction. (North-South / South-North) When we bring a magnet close to it, the
needle gets deflected due to the magnetic field around it. (deflected / vibrated)
(2)  The magnetic needle also gets deflected when the current flows in a nearby wire. From these
two observations it can be concluded that, when an electric current passes through a wire,
it behaves like a magnet. Thus the magnetic effect of electric current can be verified.
(magnetic / heating)

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. On which of the effect given below is the working of an electric crane based?
(A) The heating effect of electric current. (B) The chemical effect of electric current.
(C) The magnetic effect of electric current. (D) The optical effect of electric current. C

2. Which is the odd device among the following devices?

(A) electric bulb  (B) electric heater  (C) electric bell   (D) electric iron C

3. By which of the procedure given below can the strength of magnetic field produced by electric
current be increased?
(A) By increasing the turns around the magnetic needle.
(B) By increasing the electric current in the circuit.
(C) By increasing the potential difference in the circuit.
(D) All three above. D

4. Which of the following quantities is a scalar quantity?

(A) force  (B) acceleration
(C) velocity  (D) electric current D

5. The working of which of the following devices is based on magnetic effect of electric current?
(A) electric motor  (B) fuse wire  (C) electric toaster  (D) geyser A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Magnetic field is created when an electric current flows in a wire.

18 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Preparation of Ferric Sulphide and Study its Properties
7

Aim : To prepare the compound iron sulphide in laboratory and study its properties.
Requirements : Evaporating dish, tripod stand, horseshoe magnet, Bunsen burner, glass rod, etc.
Chemicals : Iron filings, sulphur powder, etc.
Figure : Label the diagram :

Iron filings Sulphur powder

Horseshoe
magnet
Evaporating dish

(Iron filings stick to magnet before heating)

Evaporating dish
Magnet
Tripod stand

Bunsen burner

(After heating iron filings do not stick to magnet)

Preparation of iron sulphide

Procedure :
(1) Take two evaporating dishes. Take 7 g iron filings in the first dish and 4 g sulphur powder in
the second.
(2) Take a horseshoe magnet near the matter in both the dishes and observe the effect of magnet
on it.
(3) Observe the colours of iron filings and sulphur powder.
(4) Transfer the entire iron filings from the first dish to the second, stir with a glass rod and
observe the colour of the mixture and the effect of magnet by taking the horseshoe magnet
near this mixture. Record these observations in table.
(5) Now heat the matter in the second dish for a while and let it cool.
(6) Observe the colour change, if any, in the matter and observe whether there is any effect of the
horseshoe magnet on it.
(7) Record all your observations.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 19

Observations :

Sr. Procedure Iron filings and sulphur were Mixture of iron filings and
No. Observation mixed together sulphur were heated together
1. Colour of the matter The black colour of iron filings The characteristic yellow colour of
and yellow colour of sulphur are sulphur disappeared after heating
(are / are not) observed distinctly. the mixture.
2. Effect of horseshoe Iron filings get attracted (get The matter obtained after heating
magnet on the matter attracted / does not get attracted) does not get attracted (gets
towards magnet. attracted / does not get attracted)
towards magnet.
Heating
Chemical Reaction : Fe(s)+ S(s) FeS(s)
  (Iron) (Sulphur)    (Iron sulphide)

Conclusions / Inferences :
(1) The properties of components of a mixture retain in mixture. (retain / do not retain)
(2) The properties of components of a compound get changed in compound state.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. In the above experiment if the total weight of mixture of iron and sulphur is 55 g, then what
will be the weights of the individual components in the mixture?
(A) 50 g iron  5 g sulphur (B) 30 g iron  25 g sulphur
(C) 35 g iron  20 g sulphur (D) 20 g iron  35 g sulphur C
2. Which term among the following rightly describes an alloy?
(A) mixture (B) compound (C) element (D) suspension A
3. Which of the following is a pure substance?
(A) mixture (B) compound (C) alloy (D) element D
4. Which of the following is an example of changing the substance chemically?
(A) filtering it (B) burning it (C) boiling it (D) shaking it B
5. Which of the following group contains only element in that group?
(A) air, water, oxygen (B) hydrogen, oxygen, brass
(C) air, fire, water (D) calcium, sulphur, carbon D

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : When a mixture of iron filings and sulphur powder in a proportion of 7 : 4 is heated,
the mixture gets converted into a new compound called ferric sulphide.
The properties of iron and sulphur change in compound form of ferric sulphide.

20 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment Physical and Chemical Properties of
8 Metals and Non-metals

Aim : To perform a comparative study of physical and chemical properties of metals and non-
metals.
Requirements : A copper vessel, Bunsen burner / spirit lamp, glowing splinter, pair of tongs, 1.5 V
dry cell, connecting wires of copper, 1.5 V bulb, Iron nails, a steel vessel, a wooden spoon, Test
tubes, Test tube stand, lemon, water, hammer, metallic platform, etc.
Chemicals : Pieces of copper wire, iron wire, magnesium ribbon, some small pieces of coal, a
bromine liquid, pencil lead, wax, zinc dust, dilute hydrochloric acid.
Procedure :
(1) Take a copper vessel and clean it with lemon and water. Observe the surface of vessel. Take
a piece of coal, wash it with water. Observe its surface.
(2) Observe the physical states of copper wire, iron nail, coal, bromine and air.
(3) Take a piece of copper wire. Fix some wax at one of its ends. Heat the other end and
observe. Repeat the same experiments with a piece of pencil lead and note the observations.

Pair of tongs Pair of tongs

Copper wire Pencil lead

Melting Unmelted
wax wax

Fig. 1 : Property : Conductivity of heat

(4) Connect one 1.5 V dry cell and 1.5 V electric bulb to each other in series, with the help of
connecting wires. Place a small piece of magnesium ribbon on table. Touch both the free ends
of connecting wires to both the ends of magnesium ribbon. Observe what happens with the
bulb. Repeat the same experiments by replacing magnesium ribbon with a small piece of coal.

Electric bulb Electric bulb

Dry cell Dry cell

Magnesium ribbon Piece of coal

Fig. 2 : Property : Conductivity of electricity

3/Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII K1018  21

 (5) Take an iron nail. Place it on a metallic platform and keep on hammering its pointed end for
some time. After some time observe the surface of nail and record your observation. Repeat
the same experiment with a small piece of coal.

Hammer Hammer

Iron nail Piece of coal

Metallic platform

Fig. 3 : Property : Malleability

(6) Take one small piece of pencil lead and hammer it. Observe Pair of tongs

the change.
(7) Take one steel vessel and hit it by a wooden spoon. Repeat Magnesium ribbon

the same procedure for a coal piece.

(8) Take piece of Magnesium ribbon. Hold it in pair of tongs and
Burner
burn it on the flame of burner. (See Fig. 4) Repeat the same
procedure for a piece of coal.
(9) Take dilute hydrochloric acid in a test tube. Add some zinc
Fig. 4 : Property : Reaction with
dust to it. Take the glowing splinter near the mouth of the
Oxygen
tube. Observe the glowing splinter and notice the sound
coming from it. Repeat the same experiment with the coal powder.
Observations : (Physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals)
Properties Good Hardness Reaction Reaction
Good
Physical conductor Malle- or with with
Lustre conductor Sonority
State of ability Brittle- oxygen dilute
of heat
Substance Electricity ness forms acid

Aluminium  Solid    Hard  Al2O3 

Copper  Solid    Hard  Cu2O3 

Iron  Solid    Hard  Fe2O3 

Coal  Solid    Brittle  CO2 

Bromine  Liquid  —  —  — 

Pencil lead  Solid    Brittle  PbO 

Magnesium  Solid    Hard Less MgO 

Zinc  Solid    Hard  ZnO 

Glass  Solid    Brittle  — —

(N.B. Put dash '–' has been shown wherever not applicable.)

22 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Chemical Reactions : (1) 2Mg + O2 ¾¾® 2MgO     (2) C + O2 ¾¾® CO2
(3) Zn + dil. 2HCl ¾¾® ZnCl2 + H2 
Inferences :
(1) Metals are lustrous in nature while non-metals do not have lustre.
(2) At room temperature, metals are in solid state. Exception : Mercury is in liquid state. At room
temperature non-metals occur in solid, liquid and gaseous state.
(3) Metals are good conductors of heat, while non-metals are bad conductors of heat.
 (good / bad)
(4) Metals are good conductors of electricity, while non-metals are bad conductors of electricity.
(good / bad)
(5) Metals are malleable while non-metals are non-malleable . (malleable / non-malleable)
(6) Metals are hard except sodium and potassium, while non-metals are brittle in nature except
diamond. (hard / brittle)
(7) Metals are sonorous while non-metals are not sonorous. (are not / are)
(8) Metals and non-metals combine with oxygen to form their are oxides. (oxides / carbides)
(9) Most of the metals react with dilute acids to form metal salts and hydrogen gas is released.
Non-metals do not react with dilute acids. (react / do not react)

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which is the correct term among the following for the property of metals to be beaten into thin
sheets?
(A) malleability (B) ductility (C) conduction (D) expansion A
2. Which gas is produced when metal reacts with dilute HCl?
(A) O2 (B) H2 (C) N2 (D) Cl2 B
3. Which one of the following is a good conductor of electricity?
(A) iron (B) plastic (C) wood (D) glass A
4. By what term among the following is the quality of metals to produce ringing sounds known?
(A) malleable (B) sonorous (C) lustrous (D) hard B
5. Which of the following property does the solution of magnesium ash have?
(A) acidic (B) basic (C) neutral (D) amphoteric B

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Scientists have classified all elements into three types – metals, non-metals and
metalloids. This classification has been done on the basis of differences and
similarities in their properties.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 23

 Experiment Comparative Study of Polluted and Non-polluted
9 Water Bodies

Aim : To perform a comparative study of polluted and non-polluted water bodies in the surroundings.
Requirements : Sampling bottles, nets, pH paper, scoops for collecting sand / soil etc., collection
bags, forceps, etc.
Procedure :
(1) First of all, the area of the study should be demarcated. A pond / lake or river near the school
must be chosen for the study. Also, another body of water can be located which is away from
the city or town. The seashore near the city and the seashore away from city can also be
chosen for the study.
(2) 
After the areas are chosen, then the field study can be undertaken. The date of sampling
should be decided. The water samples, the samples of soil / sand, the organisms if any should
be collected with the help of teachers. Note if there is any visible polluting substances near the
study area.
(3) Note down the prevailing conditions near the bodies of water that you select, such as presence
of industry, effluents released in the body of water, etc. Are people using this place for washing,
cleaning, bathing, washing cattle, defecating, etc.? Also note if there is any sewage disposal
being done directly or in treated way. Did you find any dead fish around?
(4) The water and soil samples can be carried to the laboratory. There are simple tests to check
the state of the water, such as colour, odour and estimating pH by using the pH paper. Some
more chemical tests to find out salinity, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content can be done
in the laboratory with the help of chemical testing. However, these tests can be performed by
teachers and give you the relevant data.
(5) Presence of inorganic pollutants can be understood only through chemical tests. Organic and
biological pollutants basically mean the same.
(6) Note all the plant species in the area of study. Fill in the data that has been collected by you
in the observation table. Then make a tabulation to show the comparison of the two areas.
Enter the observations in this table.

Observations :
Table No. 1 : Site No. 1
Water samples collected
Date of field Soil Plant species if Animal species
pH of
study Colour Odour structure any present
water

08 / 07 / 22 8 Greenish Normal Sandy Algae Small fish

10 / 10 / 22 5 Bluish Normal Loamy Algae and weeds Fish larvae

24 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Table No. 2 : Site No. 2

Water samples collected

Date of field Plant species Animal species
pH of Soil structure
study Colour Odour if any present
water

Coarse with
10 / 07 / 22 3 Reddish Awful Nil Worms
dust

12 / 10 / 22 4 Dark red Pungent Reddish coarse Nil Worms

Table No. 3 : To show the comparison between the two sites :

Parameters Site No. 1 Site No. 2

(1) pH of water Slight acidic and alkaline in Acidic throughout
rainy season
(2) Colour of water Normal Reddish indicating pollution
(3) Odour of water Normal Bad, stinking
(4) Observations about the site The site is fine The site is near industry and
hence shows pollution
(5) Plant species Algae and other aquatic species Not seen
(6) Animal species Normally fishes seen Only scavengers seen
(7) Any other relevant data Human interference not seen Anthropogenic effect and
industrial effluents cause
degradation of water body

Note : The values of reading will differ according to the site chosen for experiment. Students are expected to write their
[
own observations.]

Inference : From the above observations, one can conclude about which site is more polluted water
body.
Conclusion : The polluted water shows different parameters as against the non-polluted water.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. When is a body of water said to be polluted?
(A) When there are many dead fishes in the water.
(B) When it smells foul and shows blackish or turbid appearance.
(C) When there is heavy growth of weeds in it.
(D) All the above. D

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 25

2. Which one of the following does not happen due to water pollution?
(A) Soil fertility is reduced.
(B) Aquatic fauna is destroyed.
(C) Chemical properties of the water change.
(D) People die of suffocation. D

3. Which is the easiest method to identify the polluted water?

(A) to taste the water
(B) to check the depth of water
(C) to observe the colour and odour of the water
(D) to swim in the water C

4. Which of the following can give you an idea about the water being non-polluted?
(1) Dead fish on the banks.
(2) No particular bad odour to the water.
(3) Flowers in the water.
(4) Plastic bags floating.
(5) Aquatic birds near the banks of water.
(6) Dark, murky colour of the water.
(7) Green blanket of water hyacinth on the water.
(8) Fish seen swimming near the banks.
(9) Light blue colour of the water.
(A) (2) (5) (8)   (B) (1) (3) (5)
(C) (2) (4) (7)   (D) (3) (5) (6) A

5. Which kind of diseases given below can be caused by polluted water?

(A) Typhoid, Cholera, AIDS
(B) Jaundice, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis
(C) Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery and Hepatitis
(D) AIDS, Cancer, Heart disease C

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Pollution of water bodies should be minimized as it can affect health of animals and
human beings.

26 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Experiment
Human Respiratory System
10

Aim : To study the model of human respiratory system.

Requirements : A model of human respiratory system, writing material, etc.

Figure : Label the different organs of the respiratory system :

Pharynx
Nose Bronchiole
Larynx
Mouth
Epiglottis Trachea

Vein
Lung
Artery
Bronchioles
Bronchus

Edge of pleural Capillaries Alveoli

Diaphragm
membrane
(a) Human respiratory system (b) Enlarged view of alveolus

Procedure : Observe the different parts of the human respiratory system. Note the structure of each

part and the function that is carried out. Understand the coordination of the functions that each

part carries out.

Observations : Human respiratory system consists of following parts :

Name Structure / Position Function

(1) Pharynx The place where food pipe and wind pipe The passage for entry of air into the
originate. lungs.

(2) Larynx The sound box having vocal cords, Production of sound
situated at the beginning of wind pipe.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 27

 Name Structure / Position Function

(3) Trachea Tube made up of C shaped cartilages. Transporting air from breath to lungs
This tube divides into two branches. and bringing back the exhaled air from
lungs.

(4) Bronchi Branches of Trachea Transferring air

(5) Bronchioles The end of bronchi at which alveoli are Transferring air to alveoli
connected.

(6) Lungs Spongy bag like structures present in Gaseous exchange helping in respiration
chest cavity

(7) Alveoli Extremely thin walled balloon like Gaseous exchange oxygenation of blood.
structures spread throughout lungs. Removal of carbon dioxide from blood.
They have capillary network around
them.

(8) Diaphragm Muscular dome shaped partition Breathing movements

separating thoracic and abdominal
cavity.

Conclusions :

(1) Common passage for food and air is pharynx.

(2) Respiratory passage is kept safe at the time of swallowing by epiglottis.

(3) Larynx is also called sound box because it has vocal cords.

(4) Major paired vital organs present in thoracic cavity are lungs.

(5) Diaphragm is essential for breathing movements.

(6) Alveoli increase the area of lungs.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. From which organ does the respiratory system of a human being begin?
(A) trachea  (B) lungs  (C) alveolus  (D) nose D

28 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

2. Which type of respiration includes inhalation and exhalation?
(A) internal respiration (B) external respiration
(C) cellular respiration (D) none of the these A

3. Which of the statements given below is correct?

(A) Wind pipe is situated in front of food pipe.
(B) Food pipe is situated in front of wind pipe.
(C) Wind pipe and food pipe are not near each other.
(D) Wind pipe is same as oesophagus and food pipe is called trachea.  B

4. How many molecules of ATP are produced from one molecule of glucose?
(A) 26  (B) 36  (C) 38   (D) 40 C

5. Where is sound box located in the body?

(A) at the beginning of the wind pipe
(B) at the beginning of the food pipe
(C) at the end of the wind pipe
(D) at the end of the food pipe A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Respiratory system of human beings consists of nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea,
bronchi, bronchioles, lungs having alveoli inside it. All the breathing movements are
aided by diaphragm.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 29

 Experiment
Structure of Heart
11

Aim : To study the structure of heart with the help of its model.
Requirements : Model of a human heart showing external features and internal structure, writing
material, etc.
Figure : Label the different parts of the human heart :

Aorta
Superior vena cava
Pulmonary trunk
Right atrium
Pulmonary veins
Right ventricle
Left atrium
Inferior vena cava
Left ventricle

External view of human heart

Superior vena cava Aortic arch

Pulmonary artery Pulmonary trunk

Ascending aorta Pulmonary veins

Pulmonary valve Left atrium

Right atrium Mitral (bicuspid) valve

Tricuspid valve Interventricular septum

Chordae tendineae Papillary muscle

Right ventricle
Inferior vena cava

Internal structure of a human heart

Procedure : Observe the model of the human heart carefully. Note down all the details of structure
and function of each part of the heart.
Observations :
(1) Human heart is a four chambered muscular organ.
  (2) The size of the heart is about one’s own fist and its weight is about 360 grams.
  (3) For protection, it is covered over by double layered peritoreal membrane/pericardium.
  (4) The wall of the heart is made up of cardiac muscles which are involuntary in nature. They
have the capacity for rhythmic contraction.
  (5) The upper two chambers are called right and left atria and lower two chambers are called
right and left ventricles.

30 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

  (6) Between right atrium and right ventricle there is tricuspid valve which guards the opening.
Similarly, between left atrium and left ventricle there is bicuspid or mitral valve.
  (7) On entire right side of the heart there is deoxygenated blood.
  (8) On entire left side of the heart there is oxygenated blood.
  (9) Right atrium receives deoxygenated blood by superior vena cava and inferior vena cava. These
two major veins bring deoxygenated blood from entire body to the heart.
(10) Left atrium receives oxygenated blood from lungs by pulmonary veins.
Right ventricle sends the deoxygenated blood to lungs for oxygenation, through pulmonary
(11) 
artery.
(12) Left ventricle supplies oxygenated blood to body through systemic aorta.

Conclusion : Human heart is a vital organ needed for continuous supply of blood to the body.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Where is the bicuspid valve located?
(A) between right and left ventricle (B) between left and right atrium
(C) between left atrium and left ventricle (D) between right atrium and right ventricle C

2. Which blood vessels bring deoxygenated blood to the right atrium?

(A) superior and inferior vena cavae (B) pulmonary veins
(C) pulmonary artery (D) systemic aorta A

3. Which artery carries deoxygenated blood and which vein carries the oxygenated blood respectively?
(A) dorsal aorta and inferior vena cava respectively.
(B) pulmonary vein and pulmonary artery respectively.
(C) pulmonary artery and pulmonary vein respectively.
(D) superior vena cava and inferior vena cava respectively. C

4. When will the rate of heartbeat faster?

(A) while sleeping    (B) while resting   (C) while running   (D) while sitting C

5. Which chambers of the heart are called ‘receiving chamber’?

(A) both atria    (B) right ventricle   (C) left ventricle   (D) only left atrium A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : Human heart is a muscular pump which is responsible for blood circulation
throughout the body. It is four chambered and the oxygenated and deoxygenated
blood never mix up with each other.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 31

 Experiment
Identification of Acids and Bases using Indicators
12

Aim : To identify acids and bases using indicators.

Requirements : Test tubes, test tube stand, water, etc.

Chemicals : Red litmus papers, blue litmus papers, phenolphthalein, methyl orange, distilled water,
lemon juice, vinegar, ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), baking soda (NaHCO3), soap solution, dilute
hydrochloric acid, etc.

Procedure :
(1) Take 5 ml of lime juice in four different test tubes each. Keep them in test tube stand.
(2) Dip red litmus paper strip in the solution in test tube 1. Observe and record the change in
colour of red litmus paper strip.

(Some model figures)

Blue litmus Red litmus Blue litmus Red litmus

paper paper paper paper

This part This part This part This part

turns red turns blue remains blue remains Red

Distilled
Vinegar Soap solution
water

(Experiment with (Experiment with soap (Experiment with distilled water

vinegar and solution and and red and blue litmus papers)
blue litmus paper) red litmus paper)
Use of red and blue litmus papers

(3) Dip blue litmus paper strip in the solution in test tube 2. Observe and record the change in
colour of blue litmus paper strip.
(4) Add 3 to 4 drops of phenolphthalein in the solution in test tube 3. Observe and record the
change in colour of solution taken in that test tube.
(5) Add 3 to 4 drops of methyl orange to the solution in test tube 4. Observe and record the
change in colour of solution taken in that test tube.
(6) Clean all above test tubes well with water and take 5 ml of vinegar in each of four test tubes.
Repeat the same experiment with vinegar solution. Observe and record the colour changes.
(7) 
Repeat the same procedure for dilute ammonium hydroxide solution, dilute baking soda
solution, soap solution, dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled water. Observe and record the
colour changes.

32 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Observations :
Acidic/Basic/
Given solution Red litmus Blue litmus Phenolphthalein Methyl orange
Neutral
Lime Juice No colour Turns red Colourless Turns pink Acidic in nature
change
Vinegar No colour Turns red Colourless Turns pink Acidic in nature
change
Ammonium hydroxide Turns blue No colour Turns pink Turns yellow Basic in nature
change
Baking soda solution Turns blue No colour Turns pink Turns yellow Basic in nature
change
Soap solution Turns blue No colour Turns pink Turns yellow Basic in nature
change
Dil. hydrochloric acid No colour Turns red Colourless Turns pink Acidic in nature
change
Distilled water No colour No colour Colourless Orange Neutral in nature
change change
Inferences :
(1) Red litmus paper turns blue in alkali. (blue / yellow)
(2) Blue litmus paper turns red in acid. (red / yellow)
(3) Colourless phenolphthalein turns pink in alkali. (yellow / pink)
(4) Orange colour of methyl orange turns pink in acid and yellow in alkali. (pink / yellow)
(5) Distilled water is neutral in nature. (acidic / basic / neutral)
Thus certain indicators are useful in identification of acids and bases.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which of the following is a natural indicator?
(A) phenolphthalein (B) methyl orange (C) litmus (D) methyl red C
2. Which of the following colour do we get when methyl orange is added to lime juice?
(A) pink (B) blue (C) yellow (D) no colour change A
3. Which colour does it turn into when red litmus paper is dipped in the vinegar solution?
(A) red (B) blue (C) green (D) yellow A
4. Which colour do we get when phenolphthalein is added to ammonium hydroxide?
(A) blue (B) pink (C) yellow (D) red B
5. Which colour does it turn into when blue litmus paper is dipped in ammonium hydroxide solution?
(A) blue (B) red (C) green (D) yellow A

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :


Remember :
1. The substances which change their colours in presence of acid or base are called 'Indicators'.
2. Indicators are neither acidic nor basic and chemically inert in nature.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 33

 Experiment
Study of Propagation of Sound
13

Aim : To prove that a medium is necessary for propagation of sound.

Requirements : An electric bell, a bell jar, airtight cork, a disc fitted with pipe, a vacuum pump,
a plug key, a battery, etc.

Procedure :
(1) Suspend an electric bell inside a bell jar by passing the connecting wires through an airtight
cork fitted at the mouth of the jar.
(2) Complete the electric circuit of the electric bell, as shown in the figure.
(3) Place the bell jar over the disc which has a pipe connected to a vacuum pump, as shown in
the figure.
(4) Turn on the switch of the electric bell, and try to hear the sound of the bell when the vacuum
pump is not on.
(5) Then, with the help of the vacuum pump, pump out the air from the jar. Note the intensity of
the sound.
(6)  When most of the air has been removed from the bell jar, try to hear the sound.

Figure : Label the diagram :

Electric Ammeter
bell Battery
Plug key

Electric circuit

Bell jar
Electric bell
Gong Plug key

Disc fitted
with pipe
Ammeter Battery

Pipe connected to vacuum pump

Medium is necessary for propagation of sound

Observations :
(1) When the vacuum pump is not on, the sound of the ringing bell is heard properly.
(2) As the air is pumped out of the sealed bell jar, the sound intensity from the bell jar reduces.
(3) At a particular vacuum, practically no sound is heard from the bell, but it is seen that the
hammer continues hitting the gong. However, the sound is not audible to ears.

34 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Conclusions  / Inferences :
(1) When there is air inside the jar, sound travels through it up to the wall of the jar. This makes
the wall vibrate, which in turn, sends sound to us.
(2) When air is practically removed, sound from the bell cannot travel up to the wall of the jar
because now there is a vacuum between source of sound and wall of the bell jar. (matter /
vacuum)
This demonstrates that sound waves cannot travel through a vacuum . (material / vacuum)
(3) 
It means a medium is necessary for the propagation of sound. (medium / vacuum)

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which among the following is a medium that sound can travel through?
(A) gases only (B) solids only
(C) liquids only (D) solids, liquids and gases D

2. What particular effect does it have on air particles when sound travels through air?
(A) do not vibrate
(B) vibrate but not in any fixed direction
(C) vibrate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation
(D) vibrate along the direction of wave propagation D

3. Which among the following is a medium through that the sound waves cannot travel?
(A) vacuum (B) solid (C) liquid (D) gas A

4. Which of the following sound note has maximum frequency?

(A) ma (B) dha (C) ni (D) re C

5. Which among the following is the medium through that the sound travels fastest?
(A) a vacuum (B) the sea
(C) the atmosphere (D) a wooden stick D

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember :
1. A medium is necessary for propagation of sound.
2. Sound waves cannot travel through vacuum.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 35

 Experiment
Study of the Laws of Reflection of Light using a Plane Mirror
14

Aim : To study the reflection and the laws of reflection of light using a plane mirror.
Requirements : A plane mirror, a mirror stand, a drawing board, a white sheet of paper, pins,
drawing pins, a pencil, a protractor, a scale, etc.
Procedure :
  (1) Fix a white paper by drawing pins on a drawing board. Draw a straight line M1M2 on it. Draw
ON perpendicular to M1M2 at O. Draw a line OP making an acute angle with ON.
  (2) Set up a plane mirror with the help of a stand, with its reflecting surface vertical and on the
line M1M2.
  (3) Fix two pins P and Q upright on the line OP with a distance of about 5 cm between them as
shown in the figure.
  (4) Look into the mirror from the other side of the normal ON, with the line of sight parallel to
the plane of the figure. The mirror images of P and Q will be observed at P' and Q'.
  (5) Fix the third pin R upright on the other side of ON such that the bases of the images P' and
Q' and the base of R are in the same straight line. Similarly, fix the fourth pin S such that
its base is on the same line.
  (6) Remove the mirror from the paper. Also, remove the pins from the paper and mark their
positions as P, Q, R and S.
  (7) Join SR and produce it towards M1M2 to meet it at O.
  (8) Measure the angle of incidence PON and the angle of reflection SON.
  (9) Repeat the experiment two times, changing the measure of the angle of incidence.
(10) Draw suitable conclusions from your observations.
Figure : Label the diagram :

(Image of P)

(Image of P)

Plane mirror

Reflected ray

Incident ray
Normal

Reflection of light from a plane mirror

Observation table :
Sr. No. Angle of incidence (i) Angle of reflection (r)
1 30 o
30o
2 45o 45o
3 60o 60o

36 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

Observations :
(1) The incident ray and the reflected ray are on the opposite sides of the normal and all the three
are in the same plane. (line / plane)
(2) In each case, the angle of reflection (r) is found to be equal to the angle of incidence (i).
Ð i Ð r. (Ð e / Ð i)

Inferences / Conclusions :
(1) The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence. (greater than / equal to)
(2) The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal lie in the same plane . (line / plane)
(3) The incident ray and the reflected ray are on the opposite sides of the normal.
 (same / opposite)
This verifies the laws of reflection of light.

Multiple Choice Questions

8 Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which of the following term denotes the phenomenon by which the incident light falling on
a surface is sent back into the same medium?
(A) polarization (B) reflection (C) refraction (D) emission B

2. When light is incident on a polished surface what type of reflection takes place?
(A) regular (B) irregular (C) diffused (D) normal A

3. Which of the following relationship is true according to the law of reflection?

(A) i = r   (B) i > r   (C) i < r   (D) There is no relation between i and r A

4. A ray of light is incident on a plane mirror and the angle of reflection is 50°. What is the
angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray?
(A) 50° (B) 25° (C) 90° (D) 100° D

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember :
1. When light rays fall on an object, their direction changes and they turn back. This is called the
reflection of light.
2. When light rays fall on a regular surface they follow certain laws.
3. Of the three laws, one important law is : angle of incidence  angle of reflection, i.e. Ð i  Ð r.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 37

 Experiment
Biotic and Abiotic Factors in an Ecosystem
15

Aim : To study the biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem in the surroundings.
Requirements : Writing materials, thermometer, pH paper, binoculars, collection bags, forceps,
nets, etc.
Procedure : Choose an ecosystem near your school or house so that studying can be convenient to
you. Daily observations of this chosen ecosystem must be done. A huge tree can also be an
ecosystem. Any one of the following can be selected for a study : A lake or a pond, a small area
of nearby forest, a seashore or a garden in your own school campus.
Observations :
(1) 
Observe the plants and animals present in the ecosystem that you have chosen. These
observations will form a data of your biotic factors.
(2) Collect the soil samples if you have chosen the terrestrial ecosystem. Study the nature of the
soil, whether it is sandy, muddy or loamy. Note the colour of the soil too.
(3) Now also note down daily temperature using a thermometer. If the ecosystem chosen by you
is aquatic ecosystem, observe the colour, odour and pH of the water sample.
(4) The pH paper can be used to check the pH.
(5) Also observe the turbidity of water.
(6) If there is simple instrument of salinometer in your school, you can even take the reading of
salinity of the water.
(7) Enter all your observations in a tabulation given below :

Ecosystem School garden Readings 1 Readings 2 Readings 3

Data Date of observation 08-07-2022 09-10-2022 12-12-2022

Abiotic factors Temperature 30o C 33o C 25o C

pH

Colour
As terrestrial ecosystem is selected pH, colour, odour,
Odour
turbidity and salinity are not measured.
Turbidity

Salinity
Loamy, water loamy Loamy but dry
Soil conditions
–
drenched
Biotic factors Plants (Flora) Trees with green Shrubs and Green leaves are
foliage, grass, herbs trees turning yellow and
falling
Animals (Fauna) Houseflies, squirrels Squirrels, Butterflies, birds,
few birds migratory bird species

38 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Note : Students should enter their own observations in the table. There are no standard answers for such observation
[
table, they will differ as per season, time of collection, region, etc. Students are also expected to identify species of flora
and fauna and the details in table.]

Inference : The functioning of the ecosystem depends upon the relationship between the abiotic and
biotic factors of the ecosystem. The food chains and food webs in the ecosystems are dependent
upon the abiotic and biotic factors present in the ecosystem. The man-made changes in the
ecosystem can cause the disturbance in the functioning of the ecosystem.

Conclusion : Write the conclusion based on your study of the ecosystem that you chose.

Multiple Choice Questions

l Choose the correct alternative and write its letter (A), (B), (C), (D) in the box : Ans.
1. Which one out of the following is not biotic factor?
(A) humidity  (B) rabbit  (C) snake  (D) bacteria A

2. Which climatic factor causes migration of birds in certain regions of the earth?
(A) humidity and rainfall (B) ambient temperature
(C) amount of carbon dioxide (D) amount of plant matter B

3. Which abiotic factor mainly distinguishes marine water from the fresh water?
(A) temperature  (B) dissolved oxygen  (C) salinity   (D) surface tension C

4. Why is creek water different from the river water?

(A) Creek water is more polluted than the river water.
(B) Creek water is less salty than the river water.
(C) Creek water is more saline than the river water.
(D) Creek water is less turbulent than the river water. C

5. Which land biome shows presence of cacti plants more?

(A) polar regions  (B) grasslands  (C) rainforest  (D) desert D

Date :  Teacher’s Signature :



Remember : In a balanced ecosystem, the abiotic and biotic factors are interdependent on each
other. We should not disturb this balance.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 39

 PART 2 : ACTIVITIES

Activity
System of Classification
1

(Textbook page 1)
8 Complete a concept map to show five kingdom system of classification.


Living Organisms

Prokaryotes Eukaryotes

Unicellular
Unicellular Multicellular

Kingdom 1 Kingdom 2 Kingdom 3 Kingdom 4 Kingdom 5

Monera Protista Fungi Plantae Animalia



Activity
Non Contact Forces
2

 (Textbook page 15)

8 Take two plastic bottles with rectangular shape. Close their openings by fitting the lids tightly, Keep
two small bar magnets on them and fix them neatly using a sticking tape.
8 Fill a big plastic tray with water and leave the two bottles floating with magnets at the top.
8 Now observe the movements of two bottles when you bring one bottle near to the other in two
different ways as shown in the Figures 1 and 2.

Initial positions of bottles The movement of bottles after releasing

Figure 1 :
The bottles will start moving towards each other.

N – S poles facing to each other

Figure 2 :
The two bottles will move away from each other.

N – N poles facing to each other

40 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

8 Write the reason for the movement or direction of motion of two bottles in both the above cases.

Case Reason

Case – 1 Because unlike poles of a magnet attract each other.

Case – 2 Because like poles of a magnet repel each other.

8 Write due to which force the above phenomenon occurs.

Ans. Non contact force between the two magnets.



Activity
Buoyant Force
3

 (Textbook page 20)

8 Take a long rubber band and cut it at one point. At one of Figure :
its end tie a clean stone as shown in the figure.

8 Hold the other end of the rubber band in left hand and
make a mark with a pen on rubber band with right hand.
Keep the stone hanging in air and with right hand measure
the length of the rubber band from the stone to the mark
made earlier using the measuring scale. (See Fig.)

8 Now take water in a pot and hold the rubber band (from
mark made earlier) at such a height that the stone sinks
in it. Again measure the length of rubber band up to the
Buoyant force
mark made earlier. Observe the change. Verify the change
by repeating the same procedure again.

8 Write what you have observed when the stone immersed in the water.

It is observed that when stone is immersed in water the rubber band gets shrinked in length.
Therefore, the length of rubber band becomes less than previous one.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 41

8 Give reason for your observation.

When the stone is sunk in water, a buoyant force of water acts on it in the upward direction. This

buoyant force reduces the effect of weight of the stone which acts downwards. As weight of the

stone is (apparently) reduced the length of the rubber band becomes shorter.

8 What conclusion or inference can you draw from this activity?

Every liquid has its buoyant force. When an object is partially or fully immersed in a fluid, a force

of buoyancy acts on it in the upward direction.



Activity
Electromagnet
4

 (Textbook page 26)

8 Take a metre long flexible copper Figure :

wire having resistive coating and

wind tightly on a long iron screw.

Connect the two ends of the wire

in a circuit as shown in the figure.

Electric current is on Electric current is off
Also connect an electric cell and a

plug key in the circuit. Keep 2-4 iron pins/small nails near the screw. Now start the current in the

circuit by plugging the key.

8 Observe the movements of pins and small nails kept near the screw. Now switch off the electric
current passing through the wire and observe the changes.

8 Write your observations in the table.

Observation – 1 (When current is on) Observation – 2 (When current is off )

When the electric current flows in the wire, the When the electric current does not flow through

pins/nails stuck to the tip of the screw. wire, the pins/nails falls down from the tip of

the screw.

42 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

8 Write the reasons for these changes.

Reason – 1 (When current is on) Reason – 2 (When current is off)

When the electric current flows through the As soon as the current is stopped, this magnetism

wire, magnetism is produced in the coil around due to electricity vanishes and pins/nails detach

the screw and because of that the screw also from the head of the screw.

attains magnetism. Due to the magnetic property

acquired by the screw, the pins/nails attract

and attach to the head of the screw.

8 What does the ‘Electromagnet’ mean?

The system of the coil and the screw in this activity is called an electromagnet.



Activity
Survey of Pollution
5

1. Survey your residential area and identify the polluted locations. Try to identify the pollutant at each
polluted location and write your findings. (Try this, Textbook page 54)

Students are expected to perform the above activity by themselves. However, for guidance certain

points are suggested here :

(1) Observe the polluted area if any, near your residence or near your school.

(2) Observe if there are any spots where, E-wastes are thrown, whether there are industries for

recycling of the old matter.

(3) Check if wastes from factories or industries are thrown anywhere. Is the effluents from any

industries is released untreated in any nearby water body? If it is done so are the living

organisms affected due to this effluent?

(4) A student studying in VIIIth standard will not be able to carry out chemical tests to identify

the pollutants. You can only observe and note the facts.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 43

2. Complete the following table : (Textbook page 56)

Air pollutants Source Effect

1. SO2 Factories where coal and fossil Irritation of eyes, respiratory

fuel is burnt tract, cough

Vehicular and industrial smoke Lowering oxygen carrying

2. CO
capacity

3. Methane Industrial leakage Skin cancer, poisoning, asthma

4. Dust Construction work, vehicles Silicosis



Activity
Solid Waste Management
6

(Textbook page 60)

8 Discuss the issues like ‘dry waste – wet waste’ and ‘toilet in each home’ with your classmates and
write information in your own words.

Wet wastes consist of biodegradable wastes such as fruit peels, vegetable refuse, spoilt food, etc.

We can decompose it in our own house by methods of composting or also by vermicomposting.

Earthworms fasten the process of decomposition. Dry waste consists of plastic, papers, wrappers,

etc. This type of waste should be classified and stored separately. Then it should be sent to

kabaddiwalla or at the shops where such items are purchased. You can discuss with your classmates

about different modes of disposal used at every house. Solid waste management is the most

important issue in cities and villages. Every citizen should have vision about it and participate in

reducing the load of solid waste, so that the heaps of garbage seen in cities and villages can be

properly managed.



44 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 Activity
Soil Pollution due to Wastes
7

(Textbook page 60)

8 Give five examples each of domestic waste, biological waste and agricultural waste and write in your
own words about soil pollution due to those wastes.

(1) Domestic waste Reasons for soil pollution

1. Plastic bags Because all these are non-biodegradable, they remain

2. Wrappers of biscuits in the environment for many years without getting

decomposed. The fine chemicals and other toxic

substances are released in the soil.

3. Torn clothes

4. Wastes from fruits and Initially it emanates bad odour, but later these are

vegetables converted into compost. Compost makes a good

fertilizer.

5. Old battery cells, bulbs Battery cells contain lead, which leaches into the soil.

The glass pieces of bulb get mixed up with soil causing

loss of texture of soil.

(2) Biological waste Reasons for soil pollution

1. Wastes from slaughter house Organic wastes do not cause soil pollution. But when
2. Spoilt and discarded blood from such substances decompose, they emanate foul odour.
blood banks
If substances are inorganic, they may contain heavy
3. Body parts amputated at
metals which are pollutants.
hospital
4. Decaying fruits
5. Stubble from crops

(3) Agricultural waste Reasons for soil pollution

1. Pesticides Many toxic substances mix in the soil. Some of such

2. Chemical fertilizers substances show biomagnification according to food

chain.

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 45

 3. Chemicals and salts They mix in the soil and cause loss of fertility of soil.

4. Water flowing through excessive Soil may become saline due to excessive irrigation.

irrigation

5. Excreta of farm animals Nitrogen content of the soil increases.



Activity
Breathing Movements
8

 (Textbook page 77)

8 Observe the movements in the region below thoracic cage occurring during breathing and discuss
it in the class. Write the outcome of your discussion.

During breathing thoracic cage and diaphragm moves up and down with a regular rhythm.

The diaphragm separates thoracic and abdominal cavity from each other. On an average, there are

12 to 20 times breathing movements during one minute. However, this may differ according to age,

state of the health and position of body.

Ribs are raised up with lowering of the diaphragm. This results in decrease in the pressure in lungs.

It forces the air from outside into the body through nose. When ribs come back to their normal

position and diaphragm rises up there is increased pressure in the thoracic cavity which forces the

air out.



Activity
Counting Number of Heartbeats
9

 (Textbook page 79)

8 By using a two-feet long rubber tubing and a funnel fitted to its one end one can listen to the
beating of one’s heart. By using a stop watch, count the number of beats that take place in one
minute. Repeat the readings thrice. Enter the results.

Generally the heartbeats are 70 to 72 times per minute. However, age, exercise physical status

46 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

 are some of the reasons that can raise or lower heart rate accordingly. Students should count

heartbeats for different persons and note these reading accordingly.



Activity
Functions of Blood
10

 (Textbook page 80)

8 Make a concept diagram to show different functions performed by blood.

Transport of respiratory gases Transport of nutrients

Formation of clot by
Transport of waste materials
fibrinogen

Blood
Maintaining the balance of Protection of the body by

Na  and K  immune response

Transport of enzymes and

Thermoregulation
hormones



Activity
Making of Natural Indicators
11

 (Textbook page 84)

8 Rub red petals of Hibiscus flower on the white filter paper. Dry it. Cut into strips to get Hibiscus
indicator paper.

8 Take turmeric powder and add little water in it. Stir the solution well. Dip white filter paper in
the turmeric water for some time. Dry the paper and cut into strips to get turmeric indicator paper.

8 Put leaves of red cabbage in small quantity of water and boil it. Cool the solution of cabbage
leaves. Dip white filter paper in this solution and dry it. Make strip of dried paper. Now test some

Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 47

 solutions to find if they are acidic or basic by using the above natural indicator papers prepared
by the above methods.

Natural
Sr. No. Sample solution Colour obtained Acidic/Basic
indicator

1. Hibiscus Lime juice Red Acidic

2. Turmeric Lime juice Yellow Acidic

3. Red cabbage Lime juice Red Acidic

4. Hibiscus Lime water (calcium hydroxide) Dark green Basic

5. Turmeric Lime water (calcium hydroxide) Bright red Basic

6. Red cabbage Lime water (calcium hydroxide) Bluish green Basic

8 By this simple activity we can prepare natural indicators and we can identify acidic or basic
substances.


Activity
Chemical Change
12

 (Textbook page 90)

8 
Figure :
Take some freshly prepared lime water (solution of
calcium hydroxide) in a small beaker. Blow air into it
with a blow tube for nearly 10 minutes.

8 Observe the change in colour of the lime water.

8 Observe white insoluble solid that settles at the bottom
of the beaker.

8 Write the change observed in the colour of the lime water

after blowing air through it.

Colourless lime water turns milky.

8 Write the change in the state of the lime water after blowing the air through it.

Liquid state of the lime water becomes (solid  liquid) state.

8 Write the chemical word equation of this change.

Carbon dioxide  Calcium hydroxide IIIIIJ Calcium carbonate  Water

48 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII

8 Do you think that during this change, composition of original substance has changed to form new
substance with a different composition and properties?

Yes, during this change new substances are formed.

8 If yes, what type of change is this?

This is the chemical change.



Activity
Relative Sensation of Temperature
13

 (Textbook page 96)

8 Take three similar vessels. Label them ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’. Figure :

8 Fill A with hot water and B with cold water. Put some
water from A and B in C.
8 Dip your right hand in A and left hand in B, and keep
them immersed for 2 to 3 minutes.
8 Now dip both the hands in C.
8 After dipping both the hands in C, what are your feelings
about the temperature in C?

Write your feelings about the right hand Write your feeling about the left hand

Right hand feels the water in C is cold. Left hand feels the water in C is hot.

8 Write the reasons for these different feelings.

The right hand feels the water is cold because it loses heat to water in C. The left hand feels

the water is hot because it gains heat from water in C.

8 Write the inference of this activity.

We cannot determine the temperature of an object accurately by simply touching it.



Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII 49

 Activity
Ecosystem
14

 (Textbook page 122)

8 Sketch a memory map to show different components of an ecosystem.

Ans.

Memory Map

Ecosystem

Abiotic factors Biotic factors

Producers
Physical factors Chemical factors

Air Gases Inorganic substances Consumers

Water Vapour Hydrogen Primary
Sunlight Oxygen Secondary
Soil Landforms Nitrogen Tertiary
Calcium Decomposers
Iron
Sodium
Potassium

Organic substances

Proteins
Carbohydrates
Fats



50 Navneet General Science Practical Book : Std. VIII