Skip to main content

Tea header menu

  • TEA Website
  • Contact TEA
  • Sign Up For Updates
TEKS Guide logo

TEKS Guide Main navigation

  • Texas Gateway
  • TEKS Search
  • Contribute
  • Support
Back to TEKS search
  • Science
  • Grade 8
  • Force, motion, and energy

Science.8.8.B

Previous Next
The student is expected to explain the use of electromagnetic waves in applications such as radiation therapy, wireless technologies, fiber optics, microwaves, ultraviolet sterilization, astronomical observations, and X-rays.

A student expectation is directly related to the knowledge and skills statement, is more specific about how students demonstrate their learning, and always begins with a verb. Student expectations are further broken down into their component parts, often referred to as “breakouts.”

  • Overview
  • Alignments
Side-by-Side 

SCIENCE.8.8.B — Vertical Alignment

Vertical alignment shows student expectations in the same subject area at different grade levels that are related to or build upon one another.

Previous grade
S.4.8.A

investigate and identify the transfer of energy by objects in motion, waves in water, and sound;

S.5.8.A
investigate and describe the transformation of energy in systems such as energy in a flashlight battery that changes from chemical energy to electrical energy to light energy;
S.6.8.B
describe how energy is conserved through transfers and transformations in systems such as electrical circuits, food webs, amusement park rides, or photosynthesis; and
S.6.8.C
explain how energy is transferred through transverse and longitudinal waves.
S.7.8.A
investigate methods of thermal energy transfer into and out of systems, including conduction, convection, and radiation;
S.8.8.B
explain the use of electromagnetic waves in applications such as radiation therapy, wireless technologies, fiber optics, microwaves, ultraviolet sterilization, astronomical observations, and X-rays.
IPC.6.C
plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that energy is conserved within a closed system;
IPC.6.D
investigate and demonstrate the movement of thermal energy through solids, liquids, and gases by convection, conduction, and radiation such as weather, living, and mechanical systems;
IPC.6.E
plan and conduct an investigation to evaluate the transfer of energy or information through different materials by different types of waves such as wireless signals, ultraviolet radiation, and microwaves;
PHYS.7.C
apply the concept of conservation of energy using the work-energy theorem, energy diagrams, and energy transformation equations, including transformations between kinetic, potential, and thermal energy;
PHYS.8.A
examine and describe simple harmonic motion such as masses on springs and pendulums and wave energy propagation in various types of media such as surface waves on a body of water and pulses in ropes;
CHEM.13.B
investigate the process of heat transfer using calorimetry;
CHEM.13.D
perform calculations involving heat, mass, temperature change, and specific heat.
ENVIR.5.B
explain the cycling of water, phosphorus, carbon, silicon, and nitrogen through ecosystems, including sinks, and the human interactions that alter these cycles using tools such as models;
EARTH.8.A
evaluate heat transfer through Earth's systems by convection and conduction and include its role in plate tectonics and volcanism;
ENVIR.7.B
relate biogeochemical cycles to the flow of energy in ecosystems, including energy sinks such as oil, natural gas, and coal deposits;
ENVIR.7.C
explain the flow of heat energy in an ecosystem, including conduction, convection, and radiation; and
ENVIR.7.D
identify and describe how energy is used, transformed, and conserved as it flows through ecosystems.
Next grade

Recurring themes and concepts — Connections to the content

Recurring themes and concepts provide a connective structure for scientific ideas across disciplines. The connection(s) below show some ways that teachers can help students understand how the content they are learning fits into the broader understanding of science. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made but highlight some that are appropriate for this grade level.
Cause-and-effect relationships

Cause-and-effect relationships are relationships between two or more variables or phenomena whereby one variable or event leads to a predictable response. Events have causes—sometimes simple, sometimes multi-faceted.

Because X-rays have specific wavelengths (cause), they can be used to visualize the interior of objects and bodies (effect). The wavelength of microwaves cause water molecules in a substance to heat (effect).

Scale, proportion, and quantity in systems

It is important to consider how changes in scale, proportion, or quantity affect a system’s structure or performance. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to another object or its environment. Proportion is the ratio of one quantity to another. Quantity is a count of a set of objects or a measurement of a substance.

Each type of electromagnetic wave is defined by the measurement of its wavelength (quantity).

Relationship between structure and function

A structure is an organized arrangement of particles, parts, or elements in a substance, body, or entity. A function is the purpose or reason for something to exist in a system. The function of a structure depends on the shapes of and relationships among its essential parts.

The structure of a wave—its amplitude, frequency, and wavelength—allows it to perform its function. For example, X-rays have the appropriate amplitude, frequency, and wavelength to pass through tissue but not bone.

Cross-curricular Connections

The cross-curricular connections are designed to help educators make content connections between the science TEKS and math, English language arts and reading, social studies, and technology applications. The standards below illustrate alignment between grade level content areas which may help educators develop cross-curricular lessons. These connections do not represent all possible connections that might be made.
Expand All
Technology Applications

TA.8.4.A evaluate how changes in technology throughout history have impacted various areas of study

TA.8.4.B evaluate and predict how global trends impact the development of technology

TA.8.4.C transfer current knowledge to the learning of newly encountered technologies

TEKS Guide footer

  • Help Center
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Twitter
TEA logo
1701 N. Congress Avenue
Austin, Texas, 78701
(512) 463-9734

Footer One

  • Compact with Texans
  • Encrypted Email
  • Fraud Hotline
  • Complaints
  • Public Information Requests

Footer Two

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • ESCs
  • State of Texas
  • Texas Legislature
  • Homeland Security

Footer Three

  • Trail
  • Military Families
  • Where Our Money Goes
  • Equal Educational Opportunity
  • Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities
© 2007-2025 Texas Education Agency (TEA). All Rights Reserved.
Feedback