Unit 2 Earth and Space

UNIT 2
Earth and Space

UNIT 2: Earth and Space
Overview
What will students learn about Earth and Space in Grade 8? As in the
previous grade, there will be three modules in this quarter: Module 1 is about
Earthquakes and Faults. Module 2 is on Understanding Typhoons, and Module 3 will
be about the Other Members of the Solar System.
In Module 1, we continue to emphasize the idea that our location on the globe is
intertwined with what we experience in our daily lives. For instance, the Philippines is
located along the Ring of Fire. This means that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
are normal occurrences in our country.
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We share the same fate with other countries that surround the Pacific Ocean,
including Indonesia to the south and Japan to the north. They too have faults in their
land where energy is locked for some time before it is unleashed in devastating
earthquakes.
Similar to our two neighboring countries, we are surrounded by the sea. And
whenever the seafloor is suddenly jolted by a strong earthquake, a tsunami is
generated and our coastal areas are swamped with deadly waves. Mindanao and
Mindoro have been victims in the not-so-distant past.
In Module 2, we find out why we are prone to typhoons, too. In fact, The
Philippines is hit by about 20 tropical cyclones each year. This number is an average,
so sometimes we get more than that. What conditions in the vicinity of our country
favor the formation of tropical cyclones?
Our country is located near the equator, surrounded by bodies of water. This
combination means there is heat to warm up the waters of the ocean and produce a
lot of water vapor. The rising warm air will soon turn into a lowpressure area that may
intensify into a tropical cyclone.
If only the Philippines were at a higher latitude, it would suffer less tropical
cyclones because the surrounding waters would be colder. Or if the Philippines were
at the equator, it would likely be free of tropical cyclones because there is no Coriolis
force to make the air spin.
Or if only there was a landmass in the way that would dull the edge of a
tropical cyclone that came in from the Pacific. Alas, there is no such luck. The
Philippines is located right where tropical cyclones form and there is nothing to do but
learn how to survive their annual onslaught.
In Module 3, we will take up comets, asteroids, and meteors. Luckily, the

Philippines is not a favored target. But even without a direct hit, everyone will be
affected if a really large chunk of rock came crashing from outer space. The last time
that happened, it ended the reign of the dinosaurs. So studying these foreign objects
may pay off in the long run.
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MODULEUn
it 2 1 EARTHQUAKES AND FAULTS

In Grade 7, the students learned that the Philippines is one of the countries
located along the Ring of Fire. The Ring of Fire refers to the region around the Pacific
Ocean that are commonly hit by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Earthquakes
will be covered in this grade level while volcanic eruptions will be tackled in the next.
Every now and then, a strong earthquake hits the Philippines, leading to
numerous deaths and widespread destruction. We cannot stop this natural event
from occurring. And up to now, scientists have not found a way to predict when an
earthquake will occur. Thus, students must learn about earthquakes in order to
survive.
Key questions for this module
Why do earthquakes occur?
What is the relationship between earthquakes and faults?
What is a Fault?
Earthquakes occur when rocks along a fault suddenly move. The first thing to
do then is to learn what a fault is. A fault is a break in the Earth’s crust along which
significant movement has taken place. Let us go through the definition in more detail.
The word “break” refers to a crack in the ground. The word “crust” refers to
the outermost layer of the Earth. We live on the surface of the crust. “Significant
movement” means that the rocks have been displaced or shifted considerably.
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Activity
1 A fault-y setup
Activity 1 is short and easy to do. All that is needed are sand and two pieces
of cardboard and the students are ready to go. Tell the students to work on top of the
newspaper to avoid sand spilling everywhere. The activity is supposed to simulate
what the ground looks like as rocks move along a fault.
Teaching Tips
1. Figure 1A is the starting point. Lay the two sheets side to side. Make the sand
top flat so everything can be seen clearly. The two parallel lines are there so
that the displacement will be obvious to the observer. Figure 1B, C, and D
shows how a crack forms in the sand.
Figure 1A-D. Sheets are moved in the direction shown by the arrows. A crack forms
in the sand and the lines are displaced.
2. Before doing this activity, experiment with sand of different sizes. If the sand
size is too big, the expected crack in the sand may not form or may be hard to
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see. Look at Figure 1B, C and D. See the crack that goes from left to right? The
students are supposed to see that.
3. After the activity, direct the students to Figure 4 in the student module. (This is
Figure 2 in this guide.) Ask the students to compare what they saw in the
activity to what is shown in the picture. The students are supposed to see that
the crack in the sand is similar to the break across the road in the picture. You
can then tell them that that is how a fault may look out in the field.
Figure 2. An example of a fault (Image courtesy of the GEER Association and

National Science Foundation)
Answers to questions
Q1. As you move the sheets, what is formed in the sand?

Answer: A crack, ‘line’ or break is formed in the sand.
Q2. What happens to the lines?

Answer: The lines are shifted or displaced.
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For advanced classes
In Activity 1, the movement along the “fault” is in the horizontal direction. That
is, the “ground” moves sideways. You can also demonstrate movement in the vertical
direction. The ground will be observed to move up or down. All that is needed is sand
and a narrow box cover.
Figure 3. Sand and a narrow box cover cut into two pieces
1. Get the box cover and cut it so that the length of one piece is twice the other
(Figure 3). If you cannot find a box cover, make one using cardboard.
2. Place the shorter box cover within the longer one (Figure 4, left photo). Put
sand in the nested box covers. Shake the box side to side so the surface of the
sand will become level (Figure 4, right photo).
Figure 4. (Left) The short box cover is put within the long box
cover. (Right) Sand is poured into the nested covers.
3. Now, slowly pull the sides of the box covers as shown in Figure 5. Ask the
students to observe carefully.
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Figure 5. The box covers are pulled outward.
As you can see in Figure 6, two parallel cracks form in the sand. If you continue to
pull, the sand in the middle of the cracks will subside (move down), forming a
depression. This simulates what happens when the ground is pulled apart by forces
within the Earth. Faults form, a portion of the land sinks, and a valley is formed.
Figure 6. (Left) As the box covers are pulled outward, cracks form in the sand. (Right)
With more outward pulling, the sand subsides.
5. Now, re-assemble the box covers as before. Do not forget to make the surface of
the sand flat. This time, push the sides of the box covers toward each other
(Figure 7). Let the students observe what happens.
Figure 7. The box covers are pushed toward each
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As can be seen from Figure 8, the opposite happens. Instead of the sand
sinking, the sand forms a tiny ridge. Unfortunately, this model does not show a crack
in the sand that would represent a fault. In the real world, a fault is formed when the
ground is squeezed by forces from inside the Earth. A portion of the land is pushed
up, and mountains are formed.
Figure 8. (Left) A tiny hump is formed in the sand. (Right) The hump as seen from
another angle.
Note: Use fine sand when performing this demonstration. Coarse sand does
not work as well. Experiment using different materials.
How do faults produce quakes?
Now that students have an idea of how faults look, let us show them how
earthquakes occur along faults. To answer this question, the students will perform
two short activities.
Activity
2 Stick ‘n’ slip
In this activity, two small boxes are needed. The cartons that fruit juice drinks
are packaged in are perfect. Setting it up is simple (Figure 9, left photo). The activity
can be performed in groups, or as a class demo if you are pressed for time. The
activity is supposed to show the sudden jerk that occurs when rocks move along a
fault in an earthquake.
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Teaching Tips
1. The students may find it tricky to attach the rubber band to the box. Just punch
two holes in the box, close enough so you can loop a paper clip (or a thin wire)
through them. Then attach the rubber band to the clip.
2. Look at the photos in Figure 9 so you know how it should be done. The student
is supposed to pull on the rubber band attached to one box while holding the
other box in place. The rubber band should be pulled forward and horizontally,
not sidewise, upward or downward.
3. Expected result: The box will not move at first because it is taped to the other
box which is being held. The rubber band will stretch. The tape will suddenly
come off. The box attached to the rubber band will jerk forward and the house
will topple over (Figure 9, right photo). This simulates the sudden movement
that occurs along a fault.
4. The success of this activity depends on the tape, which represents friction in
real life. If it is too sticky, the tape will never come off, no matter how much the
rubber band is pulled. Tape it on just enough for the rubber to stretch a bit
before the box jerks free from the tape.
Figure 9. (Left) Setup before simulated earthquake (Right) After

simulated earthquake.
5. In real world terms, this is what happens. Energy from inside the Earth exert a
force on the rocks along faults. But the rocks do not move right away because
of friction. The roughness of the rocks keeps them from slipping past each
other. But when the limit is reached, the rocks suddenly slip—earthquake!
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Answers to Questions
Q3. What happens to the rubber band?

Answer: The rubber band stretches.
Q4. What happens to the box attached to the rubber band?

Answer: The box jerks forward.
Q5. What happens to the “house”?

The “house” falls over.
Q6. Which is the “fault” in this setup?

The “fault” is the boundary between the two boxes.
While Activity 2 simulates the sudden movement along a fault, it does not
show the shaking that accompanies the sudden movement. Activity 3 will
demonstrate this.
Activity
3 Stick ‘n’ shake
This activity needs the simplest of materials: just two plastic rulers and some
clay. The activity is supposed to demonstrate the shaking that occurs when the rocks
along a fault suddenly jerk free from being locked in place.
Teaching Tips
1. Even if this activity is simple, it should be tried out first before doing it in class.
What is expected to happen? The rulers are held together at the ends by a bit
of clay (Figure 10). The rulers are then bent into an S-shape. When the bending
goes beyond a certain limit, the rulers separate, vibrating in the process.
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Figure 10. The right ruler is pushed away while the left one is pulled back
until the rulers are bent into an S.
2. Choose rulers that vibrate nicely. If the plastic rulers are stiff, they will not
vibrate. If the rulers are too soft, they will bend without separating. It is best if
the rulers are of the same kind and length. The rulers must be held tightly. If
they are held loosely, the rulers will not vibrate.
3. Experiment to find out the right amount of clay and how much the rulers should
be pressed together. If you use too much clay, it will take a long time before the
rulers separate. But if you use too little, they will separate before there is any
bending, and vibration will be less.
4. It is challenging for students to transfer what they learned in an activity to real

life. You could use the following drawings (Figure 11) to make this activity more
concrete. Let the students imagine the rulers to be rocks making up the ground.
Drawing A shows the land before fault movement. In B, the rocks have
undergone some bending. In C, friction has been overcome and the rocks have
snapped straight from their bent position. This “snap and shake” motion is not
possible to show in a drawing or picture. It is this motion that is demonstrated by the
vibrating rulers.
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Figure 11. A, before fault movement. B, rocks bend, storing energy. C, friction
is overcome, rocks snap straight, releasing energy in the form of earthquakes.
Q8. What happens when bending becomes too much?

Answer: The rulers separate and vibrate (Figure 11).
Figure 11. When bending is too much, the rulers snap straight and vibrate.
Focus and Epicenter
The students now know what a fault looks like. They also know that forces
from inside the Earth make the rocks along a fault move. But friction prevents the
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rocks from moving right away. The rocks are stuck together. When a certain limit is
reached, the rocks suddenly slip and shake, and an earthquake is born. But where
exactly does the earthquake begin?
Activity
4 Where does an earthquake start?
In this activity, the students will make a paper model of a fault. They will learn
the meaning of focus and epicenter. The latter term is always mentioned in news
reports about earthquakes. But do students know what it means? They will also
manipulate this model to explore the different ways that fault movement can occur.
Teaching Tips
1. For easier handling, the Fault Model may be pasted on a folder or cardboard
before cutting it out. The model is made of two pieces that fit each other. Each
piece has a top and sides but no bottom. When the model is assembled it will
look like Figure 12 (left photo).
Figure 12. (Left) The Fault Model consists of two pieces that fit together. (Right) The
planar surface where the focus is located is the fault plane.
2. Just go through activity with the students, providing clues and guide questions
along the way. It should be clear to the students that the model represents a
portion of the ground. The upper surface of the model represents the surface of
the Earth. To emphasize this, you may cut a small human figure and paste it on
top of the model.
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3. Let the students read the definition of a fault line (it is in the activity) and ask
them to point it out in the model. The “break” between the two pieces of the
model is the “fault.” But we can only see the part of the fault that is exposed at
the Earth’s surface. That is the broken line at the top of the model. That
represents the fault line (Figure 13).
4. Next, ask the students to identify the fault plane. The definition provided in the
activity will serve as a clue. If you separate the two pieces, the “fault plane” can
be seen. This is the flat surface where the focus is (Figure 12, right photo).
Fault movement occurs along the fault plane.
5. Next, ask the students to point out the focus and explain what it is. The focus is
the place where the first break happens, where the fault starts to slip, where
first movement takes place. It is the starting point of the earthquake.
6. Next, ask the students to locate the epicenter. The epicenter is on the surface
of the Earth directly above the focus. Figure 13 shows the location of the
epicenter (marked with a star) in the model. If a person stood on the epicenter,
the focus would be directly below him at the fault plane. Use Figure 15 to show
how the focus and epicenter are related in space.
Figure 13. Theepicenter

(marked with
a star) is the spot on the surface of the
Earth directly above the focus.
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Figure 14. Fault Model
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Figure 15. The place where the earthquake starts is called the focus. The focus is
underground, along the fault plane. The spot on the surface of the Earth that is
directly above the focus is called the epicenter. The trace of the fault is also known
as fault line.
Q9. Use your model to show different types of movement along a fault. How would
the surroundings be affected?
Answer: See Figure 16. Models A and B show horizontal movement. Suppose
a road is built across the fault, sooner or later, it would be displaced
sideways.
Models C and D show vertical movement. In Model C, a portion of the

“ground” dropped down, forming a low area. In Model D, part of the “ground”
was raised, forming a high region.
Figure 16. Using the model to show different fault movements.
How Strong is the Earthquake?

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Scientists use two different ways to describe how powerful an earthquake is.
One way is by noting the effects of the earthquake on people, structures, and the
surroundings. This is called the intensity of the earthquake. The Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) uses the following scale to describe the
intensity of earthquakes in the Philippines.
Table 1. PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS)
Intensity
Scale Description
I Scarcely Perceptible - Perceptible to people under favorable

circumstances. Delicately balanced objects are disturbed slightly. Still
water in containers oscillates slowly.
II
Slightly Felt - Felt by few individuals at rest indoors. Hanging objects
swing slightly. Still water in containers oscillates noticeably.
III Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of

buildings. Vibration is felt like one passing of a light truck. Dizziness
and nausea are experienced by some people. Hanging objects swing
moderately. Still water in containers oscillates moderately.
IV Moderately Strong - Felt generally by people indoors and by some

people outdoors. Light sleepers are awakened. Vibration is felt like a
passing of heavy truck. Hanging objects swing considerably. Dinner,
plates, glasses, windows, and doors rattle. Floors and walls of wood
framed buildings creak. Standing motor cars may rock slightly.
Liquids in containers are slightly disturbed. Water in containers
oscillate strongly. Rumbling sound may sometimes be heard.
V Strong - Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many

sleeping people are awakened. Some are frightened, some run
outdoors. Strong shaking and rocking felt throughout building.
Hanging objects swing violently. Dining utensils clatter and clink;
some are broken. Small, light and unstable objects may fall or
overturn. Liquids spill from filled open containers. Standing vehicles
rock noticeably. Shaking of leaves and twigs of trees are noticeable.
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VI Very Strong - Many people are frightened; many run outdoors. Some
people lose their balance. Motorists feel like driving in flat tires. Heavy
objects or furniture move or may be shifted. Small church bells may
ring. Wall plaster may crack. Very old or poorly built houses and
manmade structures are slightly damaged though well-built structures
are not affected. Limited rockfalls and rolling boulders occur in hilly to
mountainous areas and escarpments. Trees are noticeably shaken.
VII Destructive - Most people are frightened and run outdoors. People
find it difficult to stand in upper floors. Heavy objects and furniture
overturn or topple. Big church bells may ring. Old or poorly-built
structures suffer considerably damage. Some well-built structures are
slightly damaged. Some cracks may appear on dikes, fish ponds,
road surface, or concrete hollow block walls. Limited liquefaction,
lateral spreading and landslides are observed. Trees are shaken
strongly. (Liquefaction is a process by which loose saturated sand
lose strength during an earthquake and behave like liquid).
VIII
Very Destructive - People are panicky. People find it difficult to stand
even outdoors. Many well-built buildings are considerably damaged.
Concrete dikes and foundation of bridges are destroyed by ground
settling or toppling. Railway tracks are bent or broken. Tombstones
may be displaced, twisted or overturned. Utility posts, towers and
monuments may tilt or topple. Water and sewer pipes may be bent,
twisted or broken. Liquefaction and lateral spreading cause manmade
structure to sink, tilt or topple. Numerous landslides and rockfalls
occur in mountainous and hilly areas. Boulders are thrown out from
their positions particularly near the epicenter. Fissures and faults
rupture may be observed. Trees are violently shaken. Water splash
or slop over dikes or banks of rivers.
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IX Devastating - People are forcibly thrown to ground. Many cry and
shake with fear. Most buildings are totally damaged. Bridges and
elevated concrete structures are toppled or destroyed. Numerous
utility posts, towers and monument are tilted, toppled or broken.
Water sewer pipes are bent, twisted or broken. Landslides and
liquefaction with lateral spreadings and sandboils are widespread. the
ground is distorted into undulations. Trees are shaken very violently
with some toppled or broken. Boulders are commonly thrown out.
River water splashes violently or slops over dikes and banks.
Completely Devastating - Practically all man-made structures are
destroyed. Massive landslides and liquefaction, large scale
X subsidence and uplift of land forms and many ground fissures are observed.
Changes in river courses and destructive seiches in large lakes occur.
Many trees are toppled, broken and uprooted.
When an earthquake occurs, different places will have different intensities.

That is because different areas will experience different degrees of shaking. Near the
epicenter, shaking is great, so the intensity there will be high. Away from the
epicenter, the intensity is less.
The intensity also depends on the type of material that makes up the ground.
If the ground is made of solid rock, it will shake less. In comparison, loose materials
such as sand and silt will undergo greater shaking and will result in more damage.
Scientists have another way of describing how strong an earthquake is. They
measure the energy that is released in an earthquake. This is called the magnitude of
the earthquake. Magnitude scales use Hindu-Arabic numerals while intensity scales
use Roman numerals.
Magnitude 2 earthquakes are weak. Only instruments are sensitive enough to

“feel” them. Magnitude 4 quakes are strong enough to be felt by most people.
Magnitude 6 earthquakes can cause a lot of damage in populated areas. Magnitude
9 quakes are so powerful they can destroy whole communities at the epicenter.
Do You Live Near an Active Fault?
In this part of the module, the students are taught how to use a map to find
out if there is an active fault near their community. Active faults are those that have
moved and caused earthquakes in the past and are expected to do so again in the
future. In relation to this exercise, the students must participate in an earthquake drill
to be arranged by the school.
Teaching Tips
1. Now that students know that earthquakes originate from faults, the obvious
question is, where are these quake-producing faults? Where are they located?
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These faults have been mapped by PHIVOLCS and the map is available to the
public (Figure 17).
2. The first thing to do is to familiarize the students with the map of the
Philippines. The students should be able to point out the different provinces in
their own region.
3. Next, the students must know what the lines on the map mean. Solid lines tell
us exactly where the active faults are. Heavy dashed lines tell us the
approximate location of active faults. The meanings of the other symbols are
found in the legend but they will be discussed in detail in Grade 10.
4. The task of students is to use the map to locate the nearest active faults that
may affect their town. Those who live close to active faults must be extra
prepared for earthquakes. PHIVOLCS recommends doing the following:
Before the earthquake

Prepare homes or schoolrooms by strapping heavy furniture to the walls.
Check the stability of hanging objects. Breakable items, harmful chemicals and
flammable materials should be stored properly. Know exit routes.
Know where fire extinguishers and first aid kits are located. Prepare an
emergency supply kit that includes water, canned food, can opener, clothing,
blanket, battery-operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. Participate in
regular earthquake drills.
(Note: Earthquake drills should be led by school authorities.)
During the earthquake
Stay calm. If you are at home or inside a building, stay there. Duck under a
sturdy desk or table and hold on to it. Stay away from glass windows, cabinets,
and heavy objects. Beware of falling objects.
If you are outside, move to an open area. Stay away from trees, powerlines,
and concrete structures. Move away from steep slopes which could be affected
by landslides. If you are near the shore, move quickly to higher grounds.
Tsunamis may follow.
After the earthquake

Do not use elevators or enter damaged buildings. Check yourself and others
for injuries. Check for spills of chemical, toxic, and flammable materials. If you
need to evacuate, leave a message and bring your emergency kit. Listen to the
radio for updates.
What to do before, during, and after an earthquake is part of the Earthquake

Preparedness Guide which can be downloaded from the PHIVOLCS website. How to
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conduct an earthquake drill is too long to reproduce here and can be downloaded
from the same site. If this is not possible, please request assistance from the local
PHIVOLCS station and other government agencies.
Figure 17. Active Faults and Trenches
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Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Faults are found on land as well as at the bottom of the sea. When an
underwater fault suddenly moves, a tsunami may be formed. But not all fault
movements generate tsunamis. If the fault moves sideways, the water above it will
not be disturbed. The movement has to be in the vertical sense, a sudden upward or
downward motion.
Activity
5 Tsunami!
In this activity, the students will simulate the sudden upward movement of
rocks along a fault at the seafloor. The sudden push upward will disturb the water,
forming a wave.
Teaching Tips
1. The materials needed for this activity are simple. A laundry tub or batya can be
a substitute for the plastic tray shown in the photos. A piece of plywood can be
used instead of the plastic panel.
Figure 18. (Left) Setup for the tsunami activity. (Right) The plastic panel is jerked
upward.
2. Make sure the students will observe the following: a) When the plastic panel is
jerked upward, a wave is formed; b) the wave travels toward the rock; c) the
wave runs up the side of the rock.
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Figure 19. (Left) Before the wave reaches the rock, the water level by the rock goes
down. (Right) When the wave reaches the rock, the water level rises.
3. Find the best way to jerk the plastic panel up so that a nice wave is formed.
Between jerks, wait until the surface of the water is calm.
4. People often use the term tidal waves when they talk about tsunamis. This is
not right. Tsunamis are due to the sudden upward (or downward) movement of
rocks along a fault at the seafloor. Tsunamis are not related to tides, which are
caused by the action of gravity.
5. The reason a tsunami is so powerful is because the wave involves the whole
depth of the ocean, not just the water on the surface. And why does a tsunami
rise to such great heights when it reaches the shore?
The wave is long, about 100 km or so. When the “front” end reaches the shore,
it slows down. But the “tail” end keeps on coming at great speed. So the water
piles up and grows to dangerous heights, destroying everything in its path.
6. The Philippines is no stranger to tsunami. Mindanao had been affected by a

devastating tsunami in 1976; Mindoro was struck in 1994. For more information
about tsunamis, visit the PHIVOLCS website.
Q10. What was formed in the water by the sudden push of the plastic panel?
Answer: A wave was formed by the sudden push.
Q11. How was the water level by the rock affected by the wave?
The water level went up.
Q12. What does the water represent? How about the rock?
The water represents the sea. The rock represents land.
Q13. What does the plastic panel represent?

The plastic panel represents the rocks that suddenly move along an underwater
fault.
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What’s Inside the Earth?
Earthquakes are always linked with death and destruction. Is there anything
good at all about earthquakes? Well, scientists have used earthquake waves to figure
out the internal structure of the Earth.
When an earthquake occurs, vibrations or seismic waves start off from the
focus and travel in all directions. The seismic waves travel through the Earth and
carry information from the interior to the surface.
For instance, when seismic waves encounter a layer within the Earth, they are
reflected. Like an echo, seismic waves are bounced back. They are also refracted or
bent. This is how we know that the Earth has a crust, mantle, and core.
We know that the rocks get more dense with depth because the seismic
waves speed up as they pass through these rocks. We know too that there are
partially molten regions in the mantle because seismic waves slow down in those
areas.
Scientists have found out that one type of seismic wave, s-waves, cannot
travel through liquids. Since s-waves disappear when they reach the core, that
means the outer core must be molten (liquid).
Thus, scientists know about the Earth’s interior because of the occurrence of
earthquakes. But a more detailed description of the Earth’s internal structure will be
made when plate tectonics is taken up in Grade 10.
References
Brady, J.E., & Senese, F. (2004). Chemistry: Matter and its changes (4th ed.). River
Street Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Links
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uJN3Z1ryck&feature=player_embedded (Tsunami
in Japan 3.11 first person full raw footage)
MODULEUn
it 2 2 UNDERSTANDING TYPHOONS
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In the lower grades, we have taken up the following so far: types of weather;
how to measure weather components; characteristics of some weather disturbances;
patterns in the weather; and why we have seasons. In this grade level, we are
focusing on one of the weather disturbances that takes place in the Philippines every
year: tropical cyclones.
A lot of people are not familiar with the term tropical cyclone. This is the
reason why we are using the common word typhoon at the start to serve as a jumpoff
point. Hopefully, the students will see the distinction right away, that a typhoon is just
one category of tropical cyclones.
There are three activities in this module: a) Plotting the Philippine Area of
Responsibility; b) Tracking a Tropical Cyclone; and c) Dissecting a Tropical Cyclone.
The module ends with the signals that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) uses in warning the people during
severe weather.
Why is the Philippines prone to typhoon s ?
What conditions favor the formation of typhoons?
What is a Typhoon?
First, we have to clear up the meaning of some terms. Begin by asking the students
what they commonly experience during typhoons. Floods and landslides may come
up. But we will focus on two answers: excessive rain and strong winds.
Then show the students a picture of a typhoon taken from a satellite high
above the Earth. (Figure 1 shows a supertyphoon but a typhoon looks the same.)
The students are expected to see that the clouds are going around the center of the
typhoon in a spiral. Explain that the clouds are being blown by strong winds.
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Figure 1. Supertyphoon Melor, 2009 Image
by NASA Earth Observatory
Thus, apart from rain clouds, typhoons are characterized by winds that go
around a center. To support the point, show the students some newspaper clippings
or let them listen to recordings of radio or tv advisories about typhoons. The
weatherperson always states the speed of the wind.
At this point, introduce Table 1. Explain that we call bagyo is called tropical
cyclone by scientists. A tropical cyclone is just a system of thunderstorms that move
around a center.
The public uses the word bagyo for all types of tropical cyclones. But
scientists have subdivided tropical cyclones into four categories depending on the
speed of the wind.
Thus, when a tropical cyclone has a low wind speed, no more than 64
kilometers per hour (kph), it is called a tropical depression. If the wind speed is from
65 to 118 kph, then it is a tropical storm.
If the tropical cyclone has a wind speed from 119 to 200 kph, it is called a
typhoon. And if the wind speed is more than 200 kph, it is categorized as a
supertyphoon (Table 1).
Table 1. Tropical cyclone categories

Maximum Wind Speed
Category
kilometers per hour (kph)
Tropical Depression 64
27
Tropical Storm 118
Typhoon 200
Supertyphoon greater than 200
Demonstration
At this point, show a video or animation of a tropical cyclone where the clouds
are moving around the center, so the students will get a more concrete idea of how
this happens.
Alternatively, you can give a demonstration that will simulate the movement of
winds around a center in a tropical cyclone. You will need two plastic bottles with
caps, masking tape, and a drill.
Figure 2. Bottles, caps, and masking tape
Place the two caps back to back. Wrap them with masking tape (Figure 2).
Wrap the tape around several times to make the connection strong and leak-proof.
Drill a hole through both of them. If you do not have a drill, use a heated nail to make
a hole.
Fill one bottle with water. Then screw one of the caps onto the bottle. Then
screw the other bottle onto the other cap. You should get the setup in Figure 3, left
photo.
28
Figure 3. (Left) One bottle filled with water. (Right) Water swirls around
as it spills into the other bottle.
Now, turn the whole setup so the filled bottled is on top. Shake the filled bottle
with a circular motion (counter-clockwise) until a whirlpool is formed in the water
(Figure 3, right photo).
In this simulation, the water represents the wind going around the center of a tropical
cyclone. In the northern hemisphere, the winds blow in a counter-clockwise direction.
In the southern hemisphere, the winds spin around in the opposite direction,
clockwise.
The “funnel” in the center of the spinning water represents the “eye” of a
tropical cyclone. When scientists talk about the location of a tropical cyclone, they are
referring to the location of the eye.
Philippine Area of Responsibility
PAGASA starts monitoring tropical cyclones even before they enter the Philippine
Area of Responsibility (PAR). But everything shifts into high gear when the weather
disturbance is already inside the PAR. The PAR includes a big area east of the
Philippines because this is where most tropical cyclones come from.
Activity
1 Plotting the PAR
In the following activity, the students are required to plot the PAR on a map.
They already learned how to plot latitude and longitude in Grade 7. If the students are
a bit rusty, perform some drills.
29
Teaching Tips
1. Activity 1 can be done in groups or as a class activity. Have the map enlarged
and post it on the board. Call on students to come to the front and plot the
points. There are six points to plot, meaning there are six pairs of latitude and
longitude. So each point may be plotted by two students, one will find the
latitude and the other the longitude.
2. Note that the eastern boundary of the PAR is much farther from the country
than the western boundary. That is because most tropical cyclones that hit the
Philippines come from the Pacific Ocean. The wide area gives us more time to
prepare before the tropical cyclone hits land.
In the map below, the bold line marks the boundary of the Philippine Area of
Responsibility. The latitude and longitude of each corner is also shown.
Figure 4. Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)
30
Q1. If a typhoon is located at 15°N, 138°E, is it within the PAR?
Answer: No, the typhoon is outside the PAR.
Q2. How about if the typhoon is at 19°N, 117°E, is it inside the PAR?
Answer: No, the typhoon is outside the PAR.
Under What Conditions do Tropical Cyclones Form?
Now that the students know where PAR is, it is time for them to learn why tropical
cyclones keep on developing near our country. What conditions are present in the
vicinity of the Philippines that allow the development of tropical cyclones?
Show the following maps to the students. The maps are from the PAGASA website.
They show the tracks or paths of four tropical cyclones that entered the PAR in the
early to mid-2000s. Guide the students in answering the following questions:
Where did the tropical cyclones form? On land or in the ocean?
Before asking the question, make sure that the students still remember the
landmasses and bodies of water in the vicinity of the Philippines. If the students have
already forgotten, a short review may be in order.
It is clear from the maps that all four tropical cyclones started out in the Pacific
Ocean. Tropical cyclones usually form where there is warm water. The temperature
should be 26.5°C or more.
The warm ocean water heats up the air above it. The warm air then rises. The
rising warm air results in a low-pressure area. Air in the surroundings will then move
toward the area. This was taken up in Grade 7.
Now, there is water vapor in the rising warm air. The water vapor soon condenses
and heat is given off. The heat makes the air rise even more, and air in the
surroundings will keep coming in. The air starts to spin, and a tropical cyclone is
born.
What can you say about the temperature of the bodies of water in the vicinity of the
Philippines? Is the water warm or cold?
Our country is located near the equator. Thus, it is warm in the vicinity of the
Philippines, both on land and in the surrounding bodies of water. The warm water
supplies the water vapor that a tropical cyclone needs to keep it going.
In what direction did the tropical cyclones move?
31
From the map, the students can see that the tropical cyclones move in a
northwest direction. Not all tropical cyclones move this way. But this is the general
rule for those that start from the Pacific Ocean.
But look at the track of Yoyong. At the end of its path, it curves to the
northeast. Many tropical cyclones in the PAR do that. Instead of going straight toward
Mainland China, they veer to the northeast and go toward Taiwan and Japan.
There are different reasons why this happens. One, there could be a
lowpressure area in that region. So the wind in the surroundings move toward that
region and the tropical cyclone is carried along. Remember, winds blow toward
lowpressure areas.
Another reason is there could be a high pressure area in the path of the
tropical cyclone. So the tropical cyclone cannot proceed and is diverted along a
different way.
Which part of the Philippines was hit by the four tropical cyclones?
All the four tropical cyclones hit northern Philippines or the island of Luzon.
Note where the tropical cyclones start: at the latitude of the Visayas and Mindanao.
So when a tropical cyclone moves to the northwest, it ends up in Luzon.
This is the reason why Mindanao is not commonly hit by tropical cyclones.
Unless the following happens: a) the tropical cyclone starts at a latitude closer to the
equator, or b) the tropical cyclone moves directly to the west, instead of moving to the
northwest. This is what happened in Mindanao in recent years.
In the case of Agaton, Yoyong, and Huaning, where did they die out? Near
land or in the middle of the ocean?
Tropical cyclones weaken when they hit land. They die out over land because
they need warm water to sustain them. They need water vapor to keep them going.
Even when the tropical cyclone is still in a body of water, it may weaken and die out if
the water is cold.
32
Figure 5. Tracks (paths) of selected tropical cyclones
In the following activity, the students will work again with latitude and longitude. But
this time, they will apply their skill in plotting the track of a tropical cyclone as it
passes through the PAR.
33
Activity
2 Tracking a tropical cyclone
Unlike Luzon, Mindanao is not hit by tropical cyclones every year. This is why
people in Mindanao were caught by surprise when Sendong and Pablo came one
after the other in recent years.
In this activity, the students will plot the track of Tropical Storm Sendong
(International name: Washi). The students will use the map where they plotted the
PAR in Activity 1.
Teaching Tips
1. Ask the students to indicate which points are not within the PAR. The points
that are located at longitudes less than 115°E and more than 135°E will lie
outside the map. But even when a storm is still outside the PAR, PAGASA is
already monitoring it. And even when it has already left the PAR, there is still a
chance that it will return.
2. Like all tropical cyclones, Sendong formed in the Pacific Ocean from a
lowpressure area (LPA). It did not yet have a name at that point. Names are not
given to LPAs. Then the winds became stronger and the LPA became a tropical
depression. In other parts of the world, tropical depressions are not given
names; they may be given a designation such as 27W, for instance. On the
other hand, PAGASA gives names to tropical depressions.
Before Sendong crossed into the PAR, it had already become a tropical storm. That
means its winds have speeded up. Since it was already within the PAR,
PAGASA used its prepared list of names and called the tropical storm Sendong.
3. Ask the students what was the effect on Sendong when it hit Mindanao.
Expected answer: Sendong weakened because it was cut off from the sea. Ask
the students further what was the effect on Sendong when it reached the Sulu
Sea. Expected answer: Sendong intensified again.
Sendong then headed for Palawan. But when it encountered cold air beyond
Palawan, Sendong finally died out.
34
Figure 2. Bottles, caps, and masking tape
Figure 6. Track of Tropical Storm Sendong, 2011
Q3. Is it possible to plot all the points in the table on the map from Activity 1?
Answer: No, it is not possible. The points west of 115°E and east of 135°E
are beyond the coverage of the map from Activity 1.
Q4. Where did Sendong form?

Answer: Sendong formed in the Pacific Ocean.
Q5. When did Sendong enter the PAR?

Answer: Sendong entered the PAR on December 15, 2011.
Q6. When did Sendong leave the PAR?

Answer: Sendong left the PAR on December 18, 2013.
Q7. In what direction did Sendong move?

Answer: Sendong moved in a westward direction.
35
If you have the means, visit the following webpage and download the tracking data
of other powerful tropical cyclones such as Typhoon Pablo (International name:
Bopha): http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/w_pacific/2011H/index.php. Tracking
data include the latitude and longitude needed for plotting.
The plotted tracks can be used as basis for discussing all sorts of questions such as,
Where do tropical cyclones commonly form? Or conversely, where do they seldom
develop? What paths do they take? Which provinces are usually hit? Where do
tropical cyclones intensify? Where do they weaken and die out?
Inside Tropical Cyclones
The strong winds brought by a tropical cyclone are very dangerous. Many
people have been hurt or killed by flying objects blown by powerful winds. And unlike
earthquakes, tropical cyclones cause a lot of agricultural damage, destroying plants,
trees, and crops that cost up to hundreds of millions of pesos.
In the following activity the students will look inside a tropical cyclone and find
out where the winds are strongest and therefore most unsafe.
Activity
3 Dissecting a tropical cyclone
In this activity, the students will compare the air pressure and wind speed at different
places within a tropical cyclone. They will see that within the eye, the winds are slight.
But at the eyewall, the winds blow at deadly speeds.
Teaching Tips
1. Many students are challenged when they have to imagine objects in three
dimensions. Before the students proceed to answer the questions, make sure
that they understand the drawing in Figure 7.
36
Figure 7. (Top) View of a tropical cyclone at an angle. (Bottom) Drawing of a
tropical cyclone in cross-section. (Top image by NASA Earth Observatory)
The top image is a tropical cyclone as seen from above but at an angle. The drawing
below it is a cross-section of a tropical cyclone. It is like cutting a cake in half and
looking at it from the side. But in this case we are looking at a tropical cyclone and
the clouds that make it up.
2. If the students need guidance in finding out the relationship between the table
of air pressures and the drawing, let them write the numbers in the table on the
drawing itself. For example, let them write 930 mb near letter A in the drawing;
960 mb near letter B; and so on. Then ask them if the air pressure is increasing
or decreasing toward the eye.
3. If the students need guidance with the table of wind speeds, let them do the
same as in the previous number. Help the students imagine “wind speed.” The
wind is invisible so it is hard to imagine how fast it is. Compare it to something
they know, such as the speed of a car on the highway—about 100 km/h.
4. If it is possible, bring an anemometer to class and let the students see how it
spins faster when wind speed increases.
37
Q8. Compare the air pressures at A, B, C and D. What do you notice?

Answer: The air pressure at A (within the eye of the typhoon) is less than the
air pressures at locations away from the eye.
Q9. Compare the wind speed within the eye and at the eyewall. What can you
say?
Answer: The wind speed at the eyewall is much greater than the wind speed
at the eye.
The activity is supposed to show that the air pressure is lowest at the eye of a
tropical cyclone. This is the reason why the surrounding air blows toward the eye. A
barometer will show decreasing air pressure as a tropical cyclone approaches.
In contrast, as a tropical cyclone comes nearer, the wind speed increases.

The wind speed is greatest at the eyewall, at the dense clouds surrounding the eye.
When PAGASA quotes a wind speed, it is referring to winds at the eyewall.
But at the eye itself, the wind is light. So when the eye is over an area, people
there think the weather has turned for the better. They may relax and lower their
guard. But the tropical cyclone is far from over.
As the tropical cyclone leaves, the other side of the eyewall can still do much
damage. That is because structures have already been battered earlier. It is just a
matter of time before something worse will happen.
Are You Prepared?
Tropical cyclones by themselves are already dangerous. But they also cause other
hazards. Those who live near hill and mountain slopes are susceptible to landslides
during stormy weather.
Those who live near the coast are vulnerable to storm surges. And those who
live in low-lying areas are helpless against flash floods. Remind students to always
listen to advisories and obey the authorities.
We end the module by familiarizing the students with the early warning
signals that PAGASA uses in their bulletins and advisories. There are four levels of
Public Storm Warning Signals. (Visit the PAGASA website for the complete texts.)
The phrase is rather long, so PAGASA shortens it to PSWS # 1, PSWS # 2, etc.
Each signal refers to a certain wind speed that will affect the locality. To
acquaint the students with the storm signals, collect some newspaper clippings and
let the students read these in class. Then ask them what corresponding wind speed
is expected given a certain signal. (If it is possible, record some radio broadcasts and
play them in class.)
38
When a signal is raised for the first time, that means that the effect of the tropical
cyclone is still in the future. When PSWS # 1 is announced over a certain area, the
effect is expected within 36 hours. That is still one and a half days in the future.
People have time to prepare.
With PSWS # 2, the lead time (the time people have to prepare) is 24 hours;
PSWS # 3, 18 hours; and PSWS # 4, 12 hours. But the lead time is applicable only
when the signal is announced the very first time. If at a later time, the same signal is
broadcast, the lead time is now less because the tropical cyclone has already moved
closer.
To round up the lesson, ask the students to put together an emergency kit for
use at home. Water is the most important thing that should be included in the kit.
That is because during tropical cyclones, floods are likely to happen. And floods will
contaminate our usual water sources, especially in rural areas. Thus, clean drinking
water will be very hard to find during such times.
References and Links
Tarbuck, E.J., & Lutgens, F.K. (2004). Earth Science (10th ed.). First Lok Yang Road,
Singapore: Pearson Education (Asia) Pte Ltd.
http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/
http://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/tropical.php
http://weather.unisys.com/hurricane/w_pacific/2011H/index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_Storm_Washi
http://people.cas.sc.edu/carbone/modules/mods4car/tropcycl/index.html
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=40584
39
MODULEUn
it 2 3 COMETS,
METEORS
ASTEROIDS, AND
Recent advances in space technology have allowed scientists coming from

different background like physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to collaborate on
studying Near-Earth Objects (NEO) like comets and asteroids. With more powerful
telescopes and space probes, the study of comets and asteroids provides more clues
about the origins of our solar system. Over the past three years, amateur and
professional astronomers have discovered several NEO’s that came close to Earth,
the most recent asteroid being Asteroid 2012 DA14. It made a very close approach to
Earth as it orbited the Sun on February 16, 2012. On the morning of February 16,
2012, a meteoroid exploded in Earth’s atmosphere over Lake Chebarkul in Russia
hurting about 1,000 people in the process. These two events triggered superstitions,
fears, and doomsday prophecies held by different cultures. But do these things have
scientific basis?
Has Earth ever been hit by a comet or an asteroid? If yes, how

have such impacts affected Earth? How often does a comet or
an asteroid hit Earth?
Introduction
The pre-assessment activity will take 30-35 minutes of one class period. After
the pre-assessment activity, give an introduction about comets and asteroids for the
last 25-30 minutes of the period. In the introduction, focus on the comparison of key
characteristics of a comet and an asteroid. Use the Student Learning Material as a
guide for preparing your introduction.
Pre-assessment Activity (Eliciting Prior Knowledge)
40
1. Give a pre-assessment of what students know about comets, asteroids, and
meteors. The following activities can be done. Choose the activity/ies which you
think would best match the ability and interest of your class.
a. Guessing game
Variation 1:
 Show three pictures (a comet, asteroid, and a meteor) to the class and
ask them if they recognize what these objects are. If the students cannot
recognize any of these three objects, tell them that one of the pictures is a
comet, an asteroid, and a meteor. Make them guess which object
corresponds to each picture.
 After the students give their guesses, tell them that in the course of the
unit, they will learn if their guesses are correct. Also, at the end of the
lesson, the group will be awarded points as part of their recitation grade
for every celestial object that they correctly identified.
Variation 2:
 Divide the class into smaller groups. Distribute to them three blank strips
of paper and a crayon (for writing).
 Tell the class that you will post a picture of a celestial object. The groups’
goal is to identify what this object is. They have 15 seconds to discuss as
a group to come up with their guess, and then they will write their answer
on the strip of paper.
 After 15 seconds, ask for a representative from each group to post their
paper strip on the board, just beneath the photo of the celestial object.
 Do this for the other two celestial objects (asteroid and meteor shower).
 After the students give their guesses, tell them that in the course of the
unit, they will learn if their guesses are correct. Also, at the end of the
lesson, the group will be awarded points as part of their recitation grade
for every celestial object that they correctly identified.
b. Brainstorming
 Divide the class into smaller groups. Give each group ½ Manila
paper/whole cartolina/old, big calendar and a crayon (for writing).
 Tell the groups to prepare a table with three columns (as shown below)
and write the following words on each column: comet, asteroid, and
meteor.
Group ________
What we know about…
Comets Asteroids Meteors
 Tell the groups to list down everything they know about these terms in the
appropriate column. Give the class five (5) minutes to finish this.
41
 After five (5) minutes, call a representative from each group to post their
output on the board.
 Tell the class to examine the output of the other groups. Ask them if they
see similarities in the things they have listed about each term, and to point
out these things.
 Tell the class that in the course of the unit, they will learn if the things they
have listed under each term are correct. From time to time, you will ask
them to revise the things they have listed about each term as they learn
more about them.
c. Filling up a Venn Diagram

 Give the Venn Diagram activity found in the Pre/Post test part at the end
of this TG.
 Call representatives from each group to present their answers and explain
as necessary.
d. Story telling
 Call three to four volunteers to share about what they know or a past
experience about comets, asteroids, or meteors based on recent events.
Activity
1 What happens when a comet or

an asteroid hits Earth?
This activity is a simulation of a comet or asteroid hitting Earth. Explain to the

class, while briefly going over the materials for the activity, what is being represented
by the materials. The coloured flour or starch represents Earth’s crust. The pebble
represents a comet, asteroid, or fragments coming from either a comet or an
asteroid. Remind the class that the activity is a group work. The group must arrive at
a common answer so they must all observe and take turns in making “pebble
craters”. Students may throw the pebble into the coloured flour at any angle and
position they want as long as the pebble hits the flour.
Teaching Tips
4. If you have internet access, there are many photos and video clips available
which you can download and save to show to the class. Some of them are
shown below.
 Module on Comets, Asteroids, and Meteors from the Canadian Space Agency:
http://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/astronomy/module5/content.asp#5
 A Naked-eye Comet in March 2013: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZlenAvqLCI
42
 Asteroid 4179 Toutatis: http://echo.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroids/4179_Toutatis/toutatis.html
 What Exploded over Russia? http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-
atnasa/2013/26feb_russianmeteor/
5. Try out the student activity before performing it in class.

6. Prior to performing the activity, prepare materials for each group. Prepare
colored flour by mixing ordinary flour or starch with powdered food coloring,
plant extract, or dye (e.g., jobos). Adding color to the flour is done to make
observations of “pebble craters” easier to see. The rectangular container should
have the dimensions of at least 22.86 cm (9 inches) wide, 30.48 cm (12 inches)
long, and 7.62 cm (3 inches) high. If a rectangular container is unavailable, a
round one can be used, about 30.48 cm (12 inches) in diameter and 7.62 cm (3
inches) high.
7. Encourage the groups to repeat the activity several times to allow every
member the chance to perform the activity.
8. Make sure that the students make observations and discuss their answer to the
questions based on their observations.
9. Before asking the groups to share their observations and results, ask them
reflect on the activity they performed if they think they were able to do enough
trials, make good observations, had a genuine exchange of ideas to come up
with answers; and if their answers can be supported by evidence.
10. During the presentation of observations of all groups, encourage the students to
compare their observations and constructively scrutinize the observations made
by other groups.
11. Give feedback on the quality of their group work, focusing on delegation,
discussion, and team work at the end of the activity (oral or written).
12. Remind the students that they do not need to memorize names of comets and
asteroids.
Drawings a & b will depend on the students’ actual observations. They should be
assessed for the accuracy of the drawing. More or less, the pebble crater should
have a rounded shape but a slight oblong shape is also correct.
Q1: The answer will depend on the students’ actual observations. More or less,
they should see that the shape of the crater is similar to the ones shown in
the photos.
Q2: The plants and animals living in that area are most likely to have died on
impact.
Q3: An asteroid because it has a shorter orbital period and its origin is most likely
from the Asteroid Belt which is nearer than the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud.
Discussion on the Activity
During the discussion of the activity, highlight the similarities and differences
of the two guided by Table 1 found in the Student LM. In addition, mention that
comets and asteroids rotate in their own axes. In addition, mention that while
asteroids usually come from the Asteroid Belt, some may originate from other parts of
43
the solar system. Tell the class that while a comet or asteroid orbits the Sun, some
parts may break off from the comet or asteroid. These fragments are called
meteoroids. Comets, asteroids, or their fragments come from very distant places
within and beyond the Solar System.
Stress that when a comet or asteroid enters and passes through Earth’s
atmosphere, it will be changed physically and chemically. Usually, the fragments from
space are completely burnt and only cosmic dust reach Earth. But when these
fragments do survive passing through Earth’s atmosphere, the fragments can be as
small as a sand grain or as big as a boulder. The impact releases great amounts of
energy that can damage hundreds of miles from the point of impact. In fact, the
discovery of an impact crater at the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico is being touted by
scientists as the strongest evidence to support the Impact Theory which explains the
extinction of dinosaurs and other species of animals in plants 65 million years ago.
Include in the discussion that an asteroid impact 65 million years ago is being
considered by scientists as the most probable cause of extinction of dinosaurs and
other plants and animals that ended the Cretaceous Period. This was based on an
initial study of sediments in marine layers by Luis and Walter Alvarez (father-and-son
team of geologist).
Emphasize to the class that the scientific community does not just accept new
findings easily. Rather, further studies by different groups of scientists proposing
supportive or competing theories about mass extinction, findings compared, and then
discussed and decided on by an international community of experts just like how the
Alvarez Hypothesis was finally endorsed in March 2010 as the most probable cause
of the mass extinction that killed the dinosaurs and other plants and animals 65
million year ago (refer to the Student LM). Similarly, students should also exhibit the
same scientific attitude of critical thinking and scepticism in face of new or differing
observations, and to openly discuss and validate findings with that of other groups
before arriving at conclusions in class.
Suggested Investigation (for advance sections):
1. Guide the class in identifying possible factors that can affect the shape and size
of an impact crater. Take up each characteristic one at a time.
2. After the class has enumerated several factors that can affect the shape of the
crater, tell each group to choose one factor to investigate (i.e., size of the
meteoroid, angle of contact with Earth’s surface, speed of the approaching
meteoroid).
3. Guide each groups in formulating an investigable question based on the factor
they have chosen.
4. Then, instruct the groups to come up with an illustration of their experimental
setups using the materials listed in the activity sheet. Ask each group what
variable or factor they will make the same, and what they will make different.
5. Remind them to make their own data table and label appropriately.
6. Remind the group’s to have at least three setups and conduct three trials for
each.
Activity
44
2 Meteor, meteoroid, and meteorite:
How are they related?
This activity will allow the students to know the difference among meteor, meteoroid,
and meteorite and how these three are related. By this time, the students should
know the difference between a comet and an asteroid. Review of these concepts by
making the students compare and contrast the characteristics of a comet and an
asteroid.
Teaching Tips
1. Look for three different objects (found in the classroom or anywhere in the school
grounds) that have the approximate size of a meteoroid and a meteorite. You will
use this in helping the students visualizing the size of a meteoroid and a
meteorite.
2. Depending on your assessment of your class’ reading skills, choose to give
Activity 2 as an individual, paired, or group activity.
3. Remind the students that they do not need to memorize the names of the
meteorites and the comet or asteroid source of the meteor showers.
Q1: A meteor is a light phenomenon or a streak of light as observed from Earth

when a meteoroid passes through Earth’s atmosphere.
Q2: A meteoroid is a fragment from a comet, an asteroid, Moon, or even Mars that
orbits around the Sun, following the orbit of its parent or source.
Q3: Meteoroids can come from comets, asteroids, the Moon, and Mars.
Q4: A meteor is observed when a meteoroid passes through Earth’s atmosphere
and burns up in the process.
Q5: When viewed from Earth, a meteor moves fast while a comet moves slow.
Also, a comet is very difficult to see with an unaided eye due to its distance
from Earth. A meteor is more readily seen on a cloudless night.
Q6: Use the following symbols for each:  meteor;  meteoroid; and  meteorite.
Outer Space


Atmosphere (Earth)

Crust
45
Note: Dimensions are not drawn to scale.
The placement of the legends need not be exact but the meteoroid should be
just a little above the atmosphere (white space), the meteor in Earth’s
atmosphere (white space), but the meteorite should be on the crust (line).
Q7: A meteoroid is the space rock fragment before it enters Earth’s atmosphere.
When it enters the said atmosphere and burns up, a light phenomenon is
observed and is called a meteor. When a meteoroid or part of a meteoroid
survives passing through Earth’s atmosphere, the space rock fragment that
lands on Earth’s crust is now called a meteorite.
Q8: A meteor shower is an annual light phenomena characterized by many
meteors appearing in the sky in a short period of time.
Q9: A meteor shower happens when Earth passes through the orbit of a comet
(or an asteroid) where fragments and dust remain in orbit and orbits the Sun
as well while Earth goes around the Sun. Since there are more dust and
fragments, there are more meteoroids that may burn up in Earth’s
atmosphere as Earth passes the orbit of the parent comet or asteroid.
Q10: The meteors in a meteor shower seem to come from one point in the sky
because they are travelling in parallel paths with the same velocity.

Emphasize to the class that a comet or an asteroid may break apart while
orbiting the Sun. When this happens, the fragments from comets or asteroids still
orbit the same path as their mother comet or asteroid. These smaller fragments are
called meteoroids. Use real-life objects to approximate and visualize the size of
meteoroids (some can be as big as an asteroid or as small as a grain of sand).
Stress the concept of a meteor and a meteor shower as light shows or light
phenomena in the sky. Refer to the report on a meteoroid explosion in Russia in
February 2013 which was reported as a meteor crashing on Earth; with the class,
correct the terms used in the said report.
Highlight how the scientific community made use of meteorites collected in

Earth, as well as newer studies made on orbiting comets and asteroids in learning
more of Earth’s past, including how past impacts with Earth changed the climate the
planet leading to mass extinctions of plants and animals including the dinosaurs; and
contributed to the variety and abundance of certain rare metals in impact crater’s
area, and the implications of such to astro mining in the near future.
46
Activity
3 Do superstitions about comets,

asteroids, and meteors have
scientifc basis?
This activity aims to address existing superstitions that the students have or
superstitions that they will discover through library research. Stress to the class that
since the activity is a group work, they must plan a way to make their library
research, online research, and interview with elders effective and efficient. Suggest
that they distribute members to do each of the research tasks. After giving general
instructions, accompany the students to the library. Observe how they work in groups
so that you can give feedback to the group on the following day. They will utilize the
rest of the period to do the research needed. Those who will be doing interviews will
be doing it as homework. The results of their research will be consolidated,
discussed, and finalized on the next day.
Teaching Tips
1. Teach the students how to properly cite references found from different books,
magazines, or journals in the library, as well as how to cite online resources.
2. Teach the students on how to search in the library for books using the card
catalogue (you can ask the school librarian to do the orientation) or how to use
key words in searching for references online (if computers with internet access
are available). For example, key words would include “superstitions +
Philippines + comets”, “comets + superstitions”, etc.
3. Facilitate the presentation of group outputs in such a way that there is a free
exchange of ideas happening in the class. Ask the class why they think these
superstitions are hard to change and why people believe in them despite
scientific evidence that says otherwise.
All the answers to the activity will depend on the students’ research. The
rubric below is a guide for assessing their output. You may change the percentages,
add more criterions, or revise the description of the related criterion.
Table 4
Sample Rubrics
Weight/ Criterion Description
Percentage
25% Quality of research All possible sources of information were
exhausted (library, internet, people interviews)
25% Evidence-based Evidence gathered to support the group’s stand
stand is well supported by accurate scientific facts
47
and information (latest or up-to-date information
whenever possible).
25% Impact of proposed Proposed actions are doable, suited to the
actions target audience, and effectively lessened the
superstitious beliefs of the target audience.
25% Group work Tasks are well delegated among members;
everyone participated in doing research or
interviewing people; everyone participated and
carried out their task well in implementing the
proposed actions.

Point out to the class that the need for evidence-based stands and arguments
are important in the scientific community to highlight that information we now know
changes as more information come into light after sufficient data gathering, sharing of
data, and discussion of results and inferences. This highlights the nature of science
as being tentative and evidence-based. More so, remind the class that in the course
of addressing the superstitions of other people, they must also exercise sensitivity
towards the religious and cultural background of the people they are trying to reach.
References
Bely, P. Y., Christian, C., & Roy, J. R. (2010). A question and answer guide to
astronomy. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.
Jones, T. & Stofan, E. (2008). Planetology: Unlocking the secrets of the solar system.
U. S. A.: National Geographic Society.
Plait, P. (2002). Meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites: Oh my! The impact of meteors
and asteroids. Bad Astronomy. U. S. A.: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Links
American Meteor Society. (2013). Meteor FAQs. Retrieved from

http://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-faq/#1
Burns, P. R. (2009, May 12). Meteors, meteoroids, and meteorites. Retrieved from
http://www.pibburns.com/catastro/meteors.htm
Canadian Space Agency. (2004). Module 5: Comets, meteors, and asteroids.

Retrieved from http://www.asc-
Csa.gc.ca/eng/educators/resources/astronomy/module5/content.asp#5
Lawrence Hall of Science. (2013). Hands-on universe program: Cosmic cataclysms.

Retrieved from http://www.globalsystemsscience.org/studentbooks/acc/ch1
48
Lunar and Planetary Institute. (2012). About comets. Retrieved from
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/comets/background/
Mihos, C. (1997-2006). Asteroids. Retrieved from

http://burro.astr.cwru.edu/stu/asteroid.html
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2004). Asteroid 4179 Toutatis.

Retrieved from http://echo.jpl.nasa.gov/asteroids/4179_Toutatis/toutatis.html
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (2004). What exploded over Russia.
Retrieved from http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-
atnasa/2013/26feb_russianmeteor/
Notkin, G. (2005-2013). Types of meteorites and classification. Retrieved from

http://geology.com/meteorites/meteorite-types-and-classification.shtml
Phillips, T. (2012). Big asteroid tumbles harmlessly pass earth. Retrieved from
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2012/12dec_toutatis/
The Meteoritical Society. (2002-2012). Meteorites from the Philippines. Retrieved

from Meteoritical Bulletin Database
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php
University of California Regents. (2000). The comet’s tale: Characteristics. Retrieved

from http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/segwayed/lessons/cometstale/
frame_characteristics.html
University of California Regents. (2000). The comet’s tale: Orbits. Retrieved from
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/segwayed/lessons/cometstale/frame_orbits.html
University of California Regents. (2000). Asteroid. Retrieved from

http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/segwayed/lessons/cometstale/glossary/glossary_6
th_new/asteroid.html
49
UNIT 3
Matter
50
UNIT 3: Matter
Overview
In Grade 7, the development of ideas about matter began with learning about
common properties of solutions and becoming aware of materials in terms of the
components they are made of—substances, elements, and compounds. These
concepts were encountered by the students in the contexts and life situations that
they were most familiar with. The focus was more on the ‘macro’ view (the tangible
and visible). Such approach is how science concepts should be taught initially. As
students move to Grade 8, they will now delve into what matter is made of and will go
beyond what their eyes can see. In this unit, students will begin to explain some
everyday situations at the sub-microscopic level (atomic level).
There are three modules in this unit: Module 1 is about the Particle Nature of
Matter, Module 2 is about Atoms: Inside Out, and Module 3 is on The Periodic Table
(PT) of the Elements. A variety of visual, multimedia, physical, and conceptual
models to develop students’ understanding will be used to teach about atoms,
molecules, and elements.Many properties of matter as well as its changes in state
51
can be explained in terms of the arrangement and motion of atoms and molecules. In
the long term, students must grasp the particle model of matter to have a meaningful
understanding of topics in the physical, life, and earth sciences.
While one view of learning science involves the mastery of content knowledge
and science inquiry skills, another view sees students as taking an active role in
building their own knowledge by modifying their existing conceptions of science ideas
through the process of conceptual change. Students need to be engaged in a
process of restructuring their conceptual understanding. The first important step in
doing so is to determine their initial or prior ideas. Research has shown that students
must undergo a conceptual change for them to move to a submicroscopic view of
matter.
The approach taken in the first module of this unit is for students to observe
more closely different everyday phenomena that will help them gradually understand
the particle model of matter. The activities in Module 1 provide opportunities for
students to think, draw, represent, talk about, and explain ordinary changes of state
such as evaporation, boiling, condensation, melting, and freezing using the particle
model of matter. This strategy enables the teacher to take note of students of
students’ misconceptions and give them the opportunity to deal with them as
teaching goes on.
It is hoped that after the first module, students are ready to examine the
structure of the atom and explain how ions are formed In Module 2. They will have a
number of opportunities to appreciate the atom’s structure through the use of
multimedia and other strategies. In Module 3, students will gain a better
understanding of how the periodic table was developed and appreciate the value of
the periodic table as an organizing tool in terms of knowing the properties of the
elements.
Most of the activities in this unit are by themselves formative assessment. As

you collect students’ answers to questions, the results will indicate how far they have
learned and what misconceptions they still hold. At certain portions of the module,
you may use their outputs as part of your summative assessment for one module.
52
MODULEUn
it 3 1 THE PARTICLE NATURE OF

MATTER
This module on the Particle Nature of Matter shifts students’ thinking from the
macroscopic view of materials, which was emphasized from Grades 3 to 7 to the sub-
microscopic view of matter.
Key question for this module
What is matter made of?

How does the particle model of matter explain some observed
properties and changes in matter?
Students’ understanding of the particle nature of matter is crucial to how they

will understand much of what is taught in the life, physical, and earth sciences. In
addition, understanding the particle nature of matter helps students explain concepts
such as chemical bonding, chemical reactions, the effects of pressure, temperature,
and volume on gases, changes in state of matter, properties such as density and
compressibility, and topics in life science such as osmosis and diffusion.
What Research Says about Teaching and Learning the Particle

Nature of Matter
Research gives evidence that one of the most difficult concepts for students
to understand is that of the particle nature of matter. One reason why students find
this difficult is that books and instructional materials simply present the idea to
students without helping them develop these concepts. Often, the particle nature of
matter is introduced either as a short paragraph or as a chapter on the atom and the
history of the atom (Harrison & Treagust, 2002). After a brief explanation of the
particle nature of matter, students are not given the opportunity to apply and reapply
these ideas to explain everyday situations. A number of research studies
(Nakhleh,1992; Novick, S.& Nussbaum, J., 1978&1981; Lee, O., Eichinger, D.C.,
Anderson, C.W., Berkheimer, G.D., and Blakeslee, T.D., 1993) have shown that
students at the elementary and high school levels fail to fully understand the
important aspects of the particle model of matter. These aspects of the model include
the following: (1) matter is composed of tiny particles, (2) these particles have spaces
53
between them, (3) the particles are moving all the time, and (4) the particles of matter
attract each other. Students find these aspects of the model difficult since these they
are more familiar with the observable properties of matter based on their “sensory
perception.”
Students find it difficult to learn the particle nature of matter is because it is

represented at a level which is not observable to them. According to Johnstone
(1991), concepts in chemistry should be learned at different levels of representation.
These are the (1) macroscopic level, which refer to students’ observable everyday
experiences; (2) sub-microscopic or particulate level, which can be used to describe
the structure of atoms and molecules, as well as the movement of particles and
electrons; and (3) symbolic level, which includes the various pictorial representations,
algebraic and computational forms.
However, at the elementary and junior high school levels, students still do not
have a sub-microscopic or particulate view of matter. They think of particles as
smaller parts or pieces of a bigger object (Skamp, 2009). In particular, students
cannot imagine the empty space in matter, including that of gases.Thus, it is very
important for teachers to properly guide students so they can build their ideas about
the sub-microscopic particles, like atoms and molecules.
Building Ideas Through the Use of Models
To help students better understand the particle nature of matter, a number of

researchers (Harrison & Treagust, 1996; Harrison & Treagust 1998; Harrison &
Treagust 2002) have recommended the use of scientific models. Scientific models (1)
are used to think about, explain, and predict scientific phenomena, (2) represent
objects, systems, events or ideas, (3) describe or predict the behavior of objects,
systems, or events, and (4) may be physical, mathematical, or conceptual, such as
the particle nature of matter and the nuclear model of an atom. Therefore, the use of
models help students make sense of their observations and visualize their ideas.
These studies have shown that students still hold misconceptions about the
nature of sub-microscopic particles, like atoms and molecules even if they can
reproduce the diagrams that teachers have taught them. Students fail to realize that
different models represent different aspects of the same situation. Teachers should
keep in mind that students do not see things the way adults do. Thus, students
should be assisted in visualizing ideas by letting them build pictures or models step
by step.
In particular, the particle nature of matter is an abstract concept, which can be

understood through the use of models. The teacher can monitor students’ way of
sub-microscopic thinking as the students talk about, draw or illustrate their ideas.
With this approach, it is possible for the teacher to notice misconceptions and deal
with them immediately as the teaching proceeds (Kabapınar, 2009). Teachers need
to develop and build the particle model of matter gradually among students since
understanding the model does not happen in a single step (Department for Children,
Schools & Families, 2008).
54
It is in this context that this module is developed. Since students have already
been exposed to macroscopic, clearly observable, and concrete situations and
events, as well as hands-on experiences from Grade 3 to Grade 7, it is important that
teachers guide Grade 8 students to a higher level of explaining ideas and concepts.
Activity
1 Which is matter? Which is

not?
In this module, the development of the activities is geared towards building

the correct sub-microscopic view about matter. It starts with probing students’ ideas
about matter. This step is important to find out the nature of the students’ initial ideas
and determine what they have understood so far from previous grade levels (Smith,
2001). According to Stavy (1988), there is no point in teaching the particle nature of
matter when students do not know what we mean by matter. In Activity 1, students
are asked to distinguish which is matter from those which are not. They will identify
the common characteristics of matter.
Teaching Tips
1. Let the students do the activity first before initiating a class discussion about
what is and what is not matter.
2. Your objective in Activity 1 is to uncover students’ ideas and reasons for

classifying what is matter and what is not matter. Make sure that they give
their reason for their classification.
3. Research has shown that most students agree that solids and liquids are
matter. But, many students think that gases, heat, and light are not matter.
4. You have to spot areas of agreement and disagreements while students

express their ideas.
5. Encourage students to share their ideas before coming to a consensus that

matter has mass and occupies space.
Table 1. Identifying which is matter

Sample Is the sample matter? Reason for your answer
Yes No Not
sure
55
sugar granules 
water 
stone 
air inside ball 
leaves 
smoke 
heat 
light 
Q1. The mass of the first 6 samples (sugar granules, water, stone, air inside ball,
leaves, smoke) can be measured.
Q2. The mass of heat and light cannot be measured.
Q3. Not all of the samples occupy space.
Q4. If collected in a container and covered afterwards, it will be observed that smoke
occupies space and its mass can be obtained.
Q5. No, heat and light do not have mass. They do not occupy space because these
are not matter. Heat is energy in transit and light is a form of energy.
Activity
2 What si matter made of?
In Activity 2, students will infer from given situations or observable events

what matter is made of and then explain how these observed situations or events
give evidence that matter is made up of tiny particles.
Based on the study of Novick and Nussbaum (1978), three aspects of the
particle model are least understood by students because these “contradict their
sensory perception of matter.” These aspects include: empty space (or the vacuum
concept), continuous motion of particles, and interaction between particles. Research
has demonstrated that many students cannot visualize space which is “empty.” When
56
students draw or represent “empty space”, they fill the space with more particles,
dust, or air. In their 1981 study, Novick and Nussbaum showed that most students
even at the initial years of university education” do not retain a uniform distribution
picture of the particles in a gas.” Their study also revealed that senior high school
and university students have difficulty imagining a vacuum or “empty space” between
particles of matter.
Teaching Tips
1. To maximize time, go around each group and interact with the students by
asking questions and clarifications regarding their observations, explanations
and/or drawings.
2. Make sure that their drawings have explanations written beside the
illustration.
3. You do not need to ask all the groups to share their explanations or drawings
to the whole class. What is important is for you to collect the drawings of one
or two representatives of each group.
57
Q1.
The resulting mixture tastes sweet.
Q2. The mixture is sweet because sugar is still present but we cannot see it
anymore. The sugar particles mixed well with the water particles.
Q3. (Expect students to give a volume less than 70 mL.)
Q4. The volume of the resulting mixture is less than the sum of the volumes of the
unmixed sugar and water.
Q5. The combined volume is less than the sum of 20 mL sugar plus 50 mL water.
This shows that water is made up of tiny particles with spaces between them.
The sugar particles are able to fit into these spaces because the sugar
particles that dissolved in water are very small. These could not even be
observed with the unaided eye.
Q6. The food coloring flowed along the side of the bottle and spread slowly towards
the bottom of the container and began to spread through out the water.
Q7. After one day, the food coloring has totally spread through out the water since
the resulting mixture has a color almost the same as that of the food coloring.
Q8. Since both the food coloring and water are made up of particles, the particles of
food coloring are able to fit into the spaces of the water molecules.
Activity
3 Are the particles of matter moving?

What is between them?
From Activity 2 until Activity 3, you are developing students’ understanding of

the particle model of matter. As previously mentioned, research has shown that
students cannot imagine the empty space in matter, including those in gases.
Hence, they have difficulty understanding compression and expansion of gases.
According to Lee, Eichinger, Anderson, Berkheimer, and Blakeslee (1993),

“students believed that air flows like water from one place to another and, thus, is
unevenly distributed.” When students compressed air in a syringe, some middle
school students thought that “air was pushed forward and moved to the opening of
the syringe.”
58
Poor understanding of the four basic aspects of the particle nature of matter
will affect how students think about changes of state. In this module, you are
building the students’ present understanding of the particle model so that they will
form more connected ideas over time. Your goal is to let the students understand
the importance of using the particle model of matter to explain and predict change of
state when they do Activities 4 to 6. Eventually, they will be able to use the particle
model to explain situations or events they encounter in daily life, specifically various
phase changes.
Teaching Tips
1. Please refer to Teaching Tips numbers 1 to 3 of Activity 2. The same tips

hold true for Activity 3.
2. Emphasize that a gas can be expanded and compressed; it can be

added to or removed from a container with a fixed volume.
3. Make sure that their explanations and/or drawings include the following
aspects of the particle nature of matter:
a. Solids, liquids, and gases are made up of tiny particles which are too
small to observe with the unaided eye.
b. There is nothing between the particles.
c. The particles move and collide with each other and with the walls of
the container.
d. There are forces that act between the particles.
4. At this stage, point out the general differences between a liquid from a
gas.
a. Gases are easily compressed as they have observed Activity 3.

b. Gases can expand to fill up its container.
c. Liquids take the shape of their container but do not expand to fill
them up.
d. Liquids are not as easy to compress as gases because the spaces
between the particles in a liquid are much smaller than in gases.
No, the plunger cannot be pushed all the way through the syringe. (The
plunger can be pushed until the 15-mL level of the syringe and then it goes
back near the 26-27 mL level).
59
Q1.
Q2. The plunger of the syringe could be slightly pushed. The springiness of the air
inside the syringe can be felt. This gives a hint about the distance between the
particles of air.
Q3. We cannot push the plunger in the syringe with water inside.
Q4. We were able to push the plunger of the syringe with air in it but the plunger of
the syringe with water in it could not be pushed. We felt the resistance of the
water to being compressed.
Q5. Air, being a gas, can be compressed because there are large spaces between
the particles so the particles can be made to come closer to each other. The
plunger could not be pushed in the syringe with water because water is not as
compressible as air. The particles of liquid water are closer to each other and it
is difficult to push them even closer to each other.
Q6. Yes, water flowed freely as it is poured into another container. Water
maintained its volume and took the shape of the container.
Q7. Water poured on the flat surface of a dinner plate spread out to fill all the space
available.
Q8. When the bottle cap inside the bottle was transferred to the dinner plate by
tilting the bottle, the bottle cap simply slid along the side of the bottle. The
bottle cap retained its shape and volume.
Q9. The salt sample may or may not take the shape of the container depending on
the diameter of the container and the amount of salt used. (But if the container
has a narrow diameter, and there are more salt used, then salt takes the shape
of the container.) The little pieces of salt or sand maintained their shape.
As students construct and revise their models while they discuss with you
and their classmates, they realize that solids, liquids, and gases are made up of tiny
particles too small to see and they have spaces between them. After doing Activities
2 and 3, they will be able to infer that the particles move based on their observation
that the drop of food coloring slowly mixed with water even without being stirred.
According to Novick and Nussbaum (1978), the particle model becomes significant
to the students if “several of the aspects are taken together and understood.”
Activity
60
4 What changes take place when water is
left in an open container? In a closed
container?
Activity 4 allows the students to use the particle model of matter to explain
evaporation, the change that takes place when particles of a liquid are changed to a
gas. They will observe evaporation in two different situations: in an open container
and in another container which is covered.
Teaching Tips
1. Please refer to Teaching Tips numbers 1 and 3 of Activity 2. The same tips
2. Point out that during evaporation, the water molecules evaporate only from
the surface of the liquid.
3. Students should realize the difference between the open and the closed
containers in terms of how evaporation is taking place. Explain that in the
open container, the molecules of water that evaporate from the surface mix
with the surrounding air and the chance that they will return to the liquid is
very small. All the water molecules will eventually evaporate.
4. In the closed container, the water in the gaseous state (or what we call
vapor) accumulate above the liquid. They cannot escape. Some of these
molecules return to the liquid state. Over time, the amount of vapor increases
until the number of molecules that evaporate is equal to the number of
molecules that go back to the liquid state.
The cover of container No. 1 had droplets of water on it.
Q2. There is no more water left on container No. 2. (In some cases, there may be a
very small amount of water left, depending on the area of the room where it
was placed overnight.)
61
Q1.
Q3. In container No. 2, the water from the watch glass turned from liquid to gas and
escaped to the air. (Some student may already know about evaporation. So,
they would write, “water evaporated to the air above the liquid water.”
Q4. Yes, it will be different if container No. 2 was heated. In a very short time, most
of the water on the surface of the liquid will turn from liquid to gas because the
higher temperature will cause the particles of water to move much faster and
have more energy to escape from the surface of the liquid.
Activity
5 What changes take place when water

is heated or cooled?
The study by Vanessa Kind (2004) revealed that many students up to 18 years of
age still find it difficult to explain what happens when a gas is heated or cooled. She
found out that students do not realize that particles are constantly moving. In the
study of Novick and Nussbaum (1981), 40% of the 16-year olds thought that
“particles are forced apart” when a gas is heated. Further, Kind (2004) showed that
the idea that the motion of particles decreases when cooled seems to be harder to
understand than the fact that particle motion increases when heated.
Activity 5 will give you the opportunity to observe the extent to which your students
have grasped the different aspects of the particle model of matter. While the activity
is commonplace, the students should be able to explain the phenomena of boiling
and condensation beyond what they could observe with their eyes.
Teaching Tips
1. Please refer to Teaching Tips numbers 1 to 3 of Activity 2. The same tips

2. Point out that some differences between evaporation and boiling.
62
a. During evaporation, the water molecules evaporate only from the surface
of the liquid but during boiling, water molecules evaporate both from the
surface and within the liquid.
b. Evaporation can occur even at low or high temperatures, but boiling

takes place at specific temperatures and pressures, depending on the
liquid that is used.
3. A common misconception that might arise in the discussion within the groups
or in class is that the temperature of a liquid increases as it boils. If this
misconception arises, recall what they did in Quarter 1 of Grade 7 or do a
short class demonstration to show that the temperature of a liquid remains
constant when it has reached its boiling point.
Q1. There are bubbles formed at the bottom of the beaker and bubbles in the
boiling water. There is also steam observed above the liquid.
Q2. The bubbles are water in the gaseous state. (It is very common for students to
say that the bubbles formed are air. At the start of the heating process,
however, the tiny bubbles that form are due to the air dissolved in the water.
This is not boiling.)
Q3. The volume of water in the beaker will decrease if water will be kept boiling for
more than 10 minutes because there will be rapid evaporation of water.
Q4. As the water is heated and the temperature of the water rises, the molecules
gain more kinetic energy and they move faster. More molecules have the
energy to overcome the forces of attraction of the neighboring molecules.
These molecules escape to the gaseous phase.
Q5. Students’ drawings will vary. What is important to note is how students
represent and explain the escape of fast-moving molecules of water from the
surface of the liquid to the air. Also, their representation or drawing of water in
the gaseous state should show that the molecules of water are very far apart.
63
Q6. As the water began to cool, droplets formed under the watch glass that covered the
beaker containing hot water. There are also drops of water formed on the inside wall of
the beaker. Some of these drops of water were observed falling to the water inside the
beaker.
Q7. The water droplets at the bottom of the watch glass are the molecules of water that
escape from the liquid and go into the gaseous phase. These water vapor rise and some
molecules touch the glass.
Q8. Students’ drawings will vary. Their illustrations should show that the particles or
molecules representing water in the gaseous state should be very far apart and as the
water begins to cool, the particles should be drawn closer to each other.
Q9. When a gas is cooled, the motion of the particles slows down. If the particles lose enough
energy, their attraction for each other can overcome their motion and cause them to
come closer with one another to become a liquid.
Activity
6 What changes take place when ice turns

into liquid water?
Activity 6 completes the common examples of changes of state observed in daily life
which can be explained by the particle model of matter. After performing Activities 4 to 6,
students should be able to understand that the solids, liquids, and gases differ because of the
arrangement and motion of the particles in each state as well as the attraction between them.
It should also be clear to the students that the same particles of matter are involved when
these changes happen. No new substances are formed.
Teaching Tips
1. Please refer to Teaching Tips numbers 1 to 2 of Activity 5. The same tips hold true for
Activity 6.
2. Since this is the last activity for the module, be on your guard that students do not
simply say or define the aspects of the particle model of matter without supporting their
statements with drawings or cartoons. As Liu and Lesniak (2006) pointed out in their
study, teachers must be aware of students’ ideas about matter.
At this stage, you should have bridged the students closer to the more scientific model of
matter. Liu and Lesniak (2006) said that “developing understanding of matter needs to
64
help students attend to all aspects of the matter concept and develop meaningful
relations among the aspects.”
Q1. After one to five minutes (depending on the room temperature), the ice begins to turn into
a liquid. (Some students may write that “the ice melted.”) When ice, which is a solid,
turns into a liquid, the particles or molecules of solid water vibrate faster due to the
higher temperature in the room compared to the freezer. Eventually, the particles or
molecules break away from their fixed positions and so they turn to a liquid.
Q2. The liquid will turn into solid when transferred to the freezer.
References
Brady, J.E.,& Senese, F. (2004). Chemistry: Matter and its changes (4th ed.). River Street
Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Frank, D. V., Jones, T.G., Little, J.G., Miaoulis, B., Miller, S., & Pasachoff, J.M. (2008)
California focus on physical science. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Harrison, A.G. &Treagust, D.F. (2002).The particulate nature of matter: Challenges in

understanding the submicroscopic world. In J.K. Gilbert, O.D. Jong, D. F. Treagust, &
J.H. van Driel (Eds.), Chemical Education: Toward research-based practice (pp 189-212).
Dordrecht, The Netherlands:Kluwer.
Harrison, A.G. & Treagust, D.F. (1996).Secondary students’ mental models of atoms and
molecules: Implications for teaching chemistry. Science Education, 80 (5), 509-534.
Johnstone, A. H. (1993). The development of chemistry teaching: A changing response to

changing demand. Journal of Chemical Education, 70(9), 701-705.
Kind, V. (2004). Beyond appearances: students’ misconceptions about basic chemical ideas
(2nded.). Retrieved
fromhttp://www.rsc.org/images/Misconceptions_update_tcm18-188603.pdf
Krajcik, J. S. (2012). The importance, cautions and future of learning progression research. In
A.C. Alonzo & A.W.Gotwals (Eds.), Learning progressions in science: Current challenges
and future directions (27-36)Rotterdam, Netherlands: Sense Publishers.
Retrieved from https://www.sensepublishers.com/media/593-
learningprogressions-in-science.pdf.
65
Lee, O., Eichinger, D.C., Anderson, C. W., Berkheimer, G. D., & Bladeslee, T. D. (1993).
Changing middle school students’ conceptions of matter and molecules. Journal of
Research in Science Teaching, 30 (3), 249-270.
Merritt, J.D., Krajcik, J. & Shwartz, Y. (2008).Development of a learning progression for the
particle model of matter.ICLS’08 Proceedings of the 8th International Conference for the
learning sciences, International Society of the Learning Sciences 2, 75-
81.Retrievedfromhttp://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1599881
Nakhleh,M. (1992). Why some students don’t learn chemistry, Journal of Chemical Education,
69(3), 191-196.
Nakhleh, M., Samarapungavan, A., & Saglam, Y. (2005). Middle school students’ beliefs about
matter. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 42 (5), 581612.
Novick, S. & Nussbaum, J. (1978). Junior high school pupils’ understanding of the particulate
nature of matter: An interview study. Science Education, 62 (3), 273-281.
Novick, S. & Nussbaum, J. (1981). Pupils’ understanding of the particulate nature of matter: A
cross-age study. Science Education, 65(2), 187-196.
Skamp, K. (2009). Atoms and molecules in primary science: What are teachers to do? Aust. J.
Ed. Chem., 69, 5-10. Retrieved from
http://www.raci.org.au/sitebuilder/divisions/knowledge/asset/files/38/ausjecissu
e69(pdffile)[1].pdf
United Kingdom. Department for Children, Schools & Families (2008).Using models, science
study guide. Retrieved from http://www.iteach.ac.uk/LinkClick.aspx?
fileticket=wc0DUlOOxMQ%3D&tabid=10 06&mid=7745
Wilbraham, A.C., Staley, D. D., Matta, M.S., & Waterman, E.L. (2007).Chemistry: Teacher’s
edition for California. Boston, Massachusetts: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Unit 3
MODULE
2 ATOMS: INSIDE OUT
66
In the earlier module, students learned about the particulate nature of matter. They
have learned that elements, the simplest form of matter, are made up of basic units called
atoms. In this module, the students will delve deeper into the atom and look at its structure. It
is imperative that the students recognize that the atomic structure they are studying is a
scientific model. It is not the real thing as no one has ever seen what the atom really looks like,
as pointed out in the Teacher’s Guide for Unit 3 Module 1. However, several scientists design
experiments that may manifest the composition and structure of the atom which may lead
them to propose a model for the atom. Proposed models are tested further, sometimes by
other scientists, to determine their validity. If new evidence would disprove a model, another
model is proposed. In this module, students will realize that scientific models may evolve and
the one that is currently accepted may still develop as modern scientists continue to
investigate about the atoms.
With the discoveries about the atom that are yet to come, the students can be enjoined
to partake in this exciting possibility. They can start by equipping themselves with knowledge
as they explore the atoms inside out.
What makes up an atom?
How do these components differ from each other?
How are these components arranged inside the atom?
How are atoms different from ions?
Science Ideas
67
•Atom is regarded as the smallest, basic unit of matter. Even if it is the basic unit of
matter, it is still composed of parts.
•The parts are the electrons (-), protons (+), and neutrons (0).
•An atom has equal number of protons and electrons. This makes the atom neutral.
•Protons and neutrons are relatively heavier than electrons. They compose the
nucleus and collectively called as nucleons. The mass of an atom is mainly
determined by the mass of the nucleus.
•Several models have tried to show how the subatomic particles are arranged in an
atom. Thus far, the accepted model places the protons and neutrons in the center of
the atom; or the so-called, nucleus. Moving rapidly around the nucleus are the
electrons.
•Atomic number, or the number of protons of an atom distinguishes an element from

the others. This number is the same for all atoms of a particular element.
•While the number of protons is fixed for an atom of an element, the number of
neutrons may vary. Atoms having the same number of protons but different number
of neutrons are referred as isotopes. The isotopes are identified through their mass
number which is the sum of the number of protons and the number of neutrons in
an atom.
•Information on the subatomic composition of an element may be represented

through shorthand notations.
68
Figure 1. Concept map for atom
Activity
1 “Charge” it to experience!
The students might find it surprising that all objects contain charged particles;
not everything they touch gives them an electric shock. This activity provides
students an “experience” to deduce that even those objects that appear to be
neutral contain charges. In these objects the positive charge equals the negative
charge. To bring in this idea, the students are given this “experience” to remember
that neutral objects may be “charged”.
Teaching Tips
1. Let the students do the activity first before initiating a class discussion.
2. Your objective in Activity 1 is to let students realize that objects contain

charges. This will be the jump-off point of the charged particles that compose
the atoms. Perhaps, after the activity, you can pose a rhetorical question such
as “where do all these charges come from?”. Expectedly, there will be no way
for students to see with their very own eyes these charged particles.
However, the experience they will have in this activity will show that objects
contain charges.
3. You may access http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/balloons* for a

simulation of how charges are transferred between objects. This simulation
also used balloons. You may ask the students the net charge of the balloon
after it was rubbed against their hair. Moreover, ask them about the charges
of their hair and the frame glass.
*Note: Some rights reserved. Please read about the organization’s terms and
conditions on the use of their software. You may access this in
http://phet.colorado.edu/en/about/licensing
4. Please take care of handling the picture frame glass in Procedure 3. In case it
is not possible to monitor each student while performing the activity, it is
advisable to make this part as a class activity. You may prepare one setup for
the whole class. Ask a representative to perform this part of this activity for
the whole class to observe.
5. This might be the students’ first time to encounter the word, relative. It might
be advisable to find an opportunity in giving them an idea on what relative
71
means. They will encounter this word several times in the module such as
relative masses, relative charges, size relative to-.
You may include the discussion below when Table 2 is presented to them.
Discussion: You may

notice the word, relative,
as part of the headings in
Table 2. What do you
mean by relative? It simply
means that you have
considered the relationship
of something into a
standard. Let us take for
example the three persons
on the image on the right.
Among these three, the
height of the person in the
middle was chosen to be
the standard or the basis
for reference in comparing
the heights. Relative to
that standard height, the
person on the extreme left
(facing you) is shorter
while the person on the
extreme right is taller. What if the height of the person in the extreme left is the
standard or the basis for comparison? Are the heights of the other two people
relatively shorter or relatively taller? Right, they are relatively taller than the person on
the extreme left.
Take a look at the relative charges in Table 2. Charges are measurements

themselves. You use an instrument to know a measurement value. For example, you
use a ruler to measure the length of an object and report the measured length in units
such as meter. Similarly, an instrument is used to measure charges and the
measured units may be expressed in coulombs. For the electrons, the actual charge
is -1.602 x 10-19 coulombs; while for the protons it is +1.602 x 10 -19 coulombs. Now, try
to compare those values. What do you notice? How are the numerical values
related? The numerical values are just the same, isn’t it? The numerical value is
1.602 x 10-19. With this, can you think why the relative charge of electron is -1, for
proton is +1, and the neutron is 0?
Q1. The balloons pushed away each other. They moved toward opposite directions.
72
Q2. The balloons acquired the same charge since they repelled one another; like
charges repel.
Q3. The balloons moved toward the glass.
Q4. The glass and balloon have different charges since they got attracted with each
other; unlike charges attract.
Activity
2 The big difference
In this activity, students will be able to visualize through different ways of

representation (bar graph, pie chart, seesaw), the big difference in mass of the
protons and neutrons compared to the electrons. The numbers, alone, especially
expressed in negative exponents might not give them enough idea on the said
difference. This activity will then give them a visual feel of the relative masses of the
subatomic particles. Transforming these values in different ways, including converting
it to number of particles (Q5), may give them a picture of this difference. Moreover,
the process skill of plotting and interpreting graphs are enhanced.
Ultimately, the students will deduce that the electrons do not contribute
significantly to the mass of the entire atom. Having this in mind, they will later on
connect this with the concept of mass number.
Teaching Tips
1. Student mathematical and graphing skills such as working with exponents and
plotting the values may be challenged in this activity. They might need some
help as they go about the activity.
Q1. Electrons
Q2. Neutrons
Q3. Neutrons and Protons
Q4. The masses of the protons and neutrons are almost the same. (Drawing:
seesaw is just a little lower in the neutron side)
Q5. 1836 electrons
73
Computation:
no. of electrons (mass of 1 electron) = mass of 1 proton

no. of electrons (9.109 x 10-28 grams) = 1.672 x 10-24 grams
no. of electrons = 1.672 x 10-24 grams / 9.109 x 10-28 grams
no. of electrons = 1836
Q6. Neutrons and protons
Activity
3 Small but terrible
In the previous part of the module, students learned about the subatomic
particles that compose the nucleus. They will learn in this activity that the model of
the atom we currently hold true is a product of discoveries of different scientists.
However, the group given the greatest recognition is the team of Rutherford with their
discovery of the nucleus through their alpha scattering experiment. They bombarded
a very thin sheet of gold foil with heavy positively-charged alpha particles. The
observations were surprising! They never thought that there will be a certain region in
the atom that would be “small but terrible”. This very small region of the atom is
where most of the mass and all the positively-charged (+) particles of the atom are
situated. The effect of hitting it with another (+)-charged particle was quite
unexpected! In Rutherford’s words. “It was as if you fired a 15-inch shell at a sheet of
tissue paper and it came back to hit you.”
Teaching Tips
1. Advance preparation for Part A. Cut out different shapes (e.g., triangle, star,
U-shape) as the “mystery objects”.
2. As pointed out in Module 1, models are used to represent things that are
unobservable by the eyes. In this module, the model that the students will
learn about is on the structure of the atom. They will learn some features of
the current model of the atom such as:
a) at the center of the atom is the nucleus which is composed of protons and
neutrons; the nucleus is massive and very small relative to the entire atom
b) moving rapidly around the nucleus are the electrons; and
74
c) most of the atom’s volume is just empty space.
3. You may access http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/rutherford-scattering* for

a simulation of Thomson’s plum pudding (raisin bread) model and Rutherford’s
alpha scattering experiment. You may use the plum pudding (raisin bread)
simulation to reinforce your discussion after the students have finished Part B.
Let them finish part C and use this simulation again to add to your discussion.
4. Students should realize that models may change over time. Emphasize that
models may evolve as new observations are made, much like how Thomson’s
raisin bread model was replaced by Rutherford’s nuclear model.
5. Below is a sample drawing for the schematic representation of the alpha

scattering experiment. The drawing of the student may not be exactly the same.
Important things to note are:
a) Most of the alpha particles were undeflected.
b) Some alpha particles were deflected in an angle.
c) Few alpha particles deflected almost towards back to the source.
75
Part A
Q1. Depends on the sample
Q4. Inside the box, the marble was rolled over and around. There are times that the
marble bumps the object inside the box. This gave helpful clues to infer the
size, shape and location of the “mystery object”.
Part B
Q1. The coins came passing through the pieces of paper.
76
Part C
Q1. It will be repelled causing the positively-charged alpha particle to move at an

angle away from the positively-charged nucleus.
Q2. It will be repelled but the repulsion will be stronger compared to the repulsion
when the positively-charged alpha particle only came close to the
positivelycharged nucleus. The alpha particle will be more strongly deflected
since it hits a particle with a bigger mass, the nucleus of the gold atom.
Q3. The nucleus is much tinier than the ones drawn in the diagram; therefore, there
will be more alpha particles that will pass through.
Q4. There is a very small chance of hitting the target (the nucleus) since it is very
tiny.
Activity
4 What’s in a number?
In this activity, the students will deal with atomic number and mass number.
They will learn that both these numbers tell information about the subatomic
composition of an element. The atomic number, or the number of protons,
distinguishes one element from others. The mass number, or the total number of
protons and neutrons, distinguishes an isotope of a particular element to its other
isotopes. The average mass number of the element’s naturally occurring isotopes
multiplied with their abundance gives the atomic mass of the element. On the other
hand, they will also learn that the number of electrons of an atom may change
resulting in the formation of ions. Depending on the number of electrons, an atom
can be a positive ion (fewer electrons than protons) or a negative ion (more electrons
than protons). Moreover, they will learn to write all of these information in shorthand
notations.
Teaching Tips
1. You may access http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/build-an-atom* to

reinforce the concepts of atomic number, mass number, and ions. This may
provide visual appeal on the inventory of subatomic particles they have done
in Activity 4. Moreover, the visual addition may give the students insights such
as:
a) only a change in the number protons changes the identity of the element
77
b) atoms of an element may have different number of neutrons; and the net
charge remains zero
c) ions are formed by the addition or removal of electron/s
d) a positive ion is formed when electrons are removed from an atom and the
number of electrons becomes less than the number of protons while a
negative ion is formed when electrons are added to an atom and the number
of electrons becomes more than the number of protons.
e) electrons do not have anything to do with mass number since their

contribution to the mass of the atom is negligible
f) adding electrons may increase the size of the atom
Also, the students can assess their learning by clicking on the Game tab.
2. You may access http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/isotopes-and-

atomicmass* to reinforce the differences in atomic mass of the element’s
isotopes. Direct the students to notice that the atomic mass of an element is
closest in value to the mass number of its most abundant isotope.
3. Post-activity Discussion.
a) Q5 and Q6. You may emphasize the difference in the number of neutrons of
the isotopes of an element.
b) Q7. For simplicity and for this grade level only, you may not include mole in
expressing the atomic mass. The mole concept will be dealt in Grade 9. Also,
reinforce the students’ learning from Activity 2, i.e., electron’s mass is
negligible with respect to the entire atom, by asking them the reason why it is
only the protons and neutrons that are considered to contribute to the atomic
mass.
c) Procedure 5. Let the students analyze the completed table. Direct them to
realize that:
78
- the number of neutrons may be different from the number of protons
and electrons
- there is a net charge when there is unequal number of electrons and

protons; in a positive ion (cation) there are less electrons than protons
while in a negative ion (anion) there are more electrons than protons
d) Procedure 6, Shorthand notations. Note that the subscripts which indicate

the atomic number are the same for all the isotopes of iron. They are
isotopes of the same element, iron.
Q1. Phosphorus
Q2. 15 protons
Q3. 13 protons
Q4. Hydrogen
Q5. 6 protons; 6 neutrons
Q6. 6 protons; 7 neutrons
Q7. Mg: 24.30 grams; K: 39.10 grams
Q8. 3 protons
Q9. 4 neutrons
Q10. 2 electrons
Table in Activity 4
79
Isotope Element Name # of p+ # of e- # of n0 Charge
B-6 Boron 5 5 1 0
N-14 Nitrogen 7 7 7 0
F-19 Fluorine 9 10 -1
10
Ne-20 Neon 10 10 10 0
Mg-24 Magnesium 12 10 12 +2
Al-27 Aluminum 13 10 14 +3
Si-28 Silicon 14 14 14 0
S-32 Sulfur 16 16 16 0
K-35 Potassium 19 18 16 +1
Shorthand notation for the naturally occurring isotopes of iron, showing mass number
and atomic number
54 56 57 58 Fe Fe Fe
Fe
26 26 26 26
References
Brady, J.E.,& Senese, F. (2004). Chemistry: Matter and its changes (4th ed.). River
Street Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Bucat, R.B. (Ed.). (1984). Elements of chemistry: Earth, air, fire and water, Vol. 2.
Canberra City, A.C.T., Australia.
Elvins, C., Jones, D., Lukins, N., Miskin, J., Ross, B., & Sanders, R. (1990).
Chemistry one: Materials, chemistry in everyday life. Port Melbourne, Australia:
Heinemann Educational Australia.
Hill, J.W. & Kolb, D.K. (1998). Chemistry for changing times (8th ed.).Upper Saddle
River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
80
Philippines. Department of Education. (2004).Chemistry: Science and
technology textbook for 3rd year. (Revised ed.). Quezon City: Author.
Silberberg, M.S. (2007). Principles of General Chemistry. McGraw-Hill: New York
Links
Interactive Simulations: http://phet.colorado.edu/

Some rights reserved. Please read about the organization’s terms and conditions
on the use of their software. You may access this in
NISMED’s AgIMat website: http://curriculum.nismed.upd.edu.ph
Unit 3
MODULE
3 PERIODIC TABLE OF
ELEMENTS
81
The development of the Periodic Table could be traced back in 1817 with the
work of Johann Dobereiner, a German chemist who formed the triads of elements
with similar properties like the triad of calcium, barium and strontium. In 1863, John
Newlands, an English chemist proposed the Law of Octaves. He based his
classification of elements on the fact that similar properties could be noted for every
eight element in order of increasing atomic masses. Around 1869 two scientists
determined a way to put the elements in order. Lothar Meyer and Dmitri Mendeleev
both came up with periodic tables that showed how elements should be grouped.
Both scientists were teachers living and working in different places. Meyer lived and
worked in Germany while Mendeleev in Russia. Both arranged the elements in order
of increasing atomic mass. Their arrangement made sense since such arrangement
had the properties of elements repeat periodically. Later, in 1914, Henry Moseley, an
English physicist observed that x-ray frequencies emitted by elements could be
correlated better with their atomic numbers. This observation led to the development
of the modern periodic law which states that the properties of elements are periodic
functions of their atomic numbers.
In this module, the first activity is designed with a historical perspective and
will provide students an experience similar to those of the early scientists who
developed the periodic table. They would be able to come up with ideas on how and
why things could be periodically arranged. The information which they would refer to
on the element cards is the kind that Mendeleev and Meyer would have had at their
disposal and will assist them on how the elements would be arranged. The second
activity will make use of the periodic table to predict the reactivity of the metals.
How did thePeriodicTable develop?
What information about elements can be obtained from

this organizing tool?
Science Ideas
82
•The periodic table is a chart containing information about the atoms that make
up all matter.
•Early scientists developed the periodic table by arranging elements in order of

increasing atomic mass.
•The modern periodic table shows elements arranged in order of increasing

atomic numbers.
•A periodic property repeats itself at regular intervals when elements are

arranged according to a common criterion.
• The properties of undiscovered elements can be predicted based on their

position in Mendeleev’s table.
•The modern periodic law states that the properties of elements are a periodic
function of their atomic numbers.
•Elements may be classified into groups. Members of the same group exhibit
similar properties.
•The modern periodic table is divided into groups or families- vertical columns
and periods or series – horizontal rows.
•There are two sets of families: the representative elements and the transition
elements.
•The uses of the different elements are based on their properties.
Activity
1 Tracking the path and

constructing the Periodic Table
83
The periodic table was developed as a result of years of painstaking work by
different scientists. Its present form was a result of meticulous and thorough study by
scientists. The first activity provides you an experience similar to those of the early
scientists who developed the periodic table.
Teaching Tips
1. Advance preparation. Print out the element cards found in the appendix.
2. Let students answer the following questions before doing the activity.
a. What is an element? How many different kinds of atom an element is
made of?
b. Define atomic mass of an element.
c. What is the atomic number of an element?
3. Arrange the element cards on the board in one horizontal line and in the order
of increasing atomic mass. Instruct the class to perform Part A for at least 20
minutes. Make sure that students identify what is recurring property did they
use as basis for moving the elements into groups. They should also know the
operational meaning of periodic to understand the concept of periodicity.
Anticipate that the students may find difficulty in placing the last two element
cards, tellurium (Te) and iodine (I). Let it be. Allow the students to think this
over. You may discuss their experience on this as Q4 is answered.
4. The table in page 5 shows the expected arrangement of the element cards in
Part A. Assuming that the element cards have been arranged by the class this
way, discuss the table as the whole class answers Q1 to Q4. Expected
answers are found in the succeeding pages.
Discuss with the class their experience in constructing their table of elements.
Perhaps, it was similar to what the early scientists have experienced, in terms
of grouping together elements with similar characteristics in rows and
columns. Tell them also that they were not given the entire element cards,
rather just some of the elements that had been discovered at the time
Mendeleev and Meyer were working on their periodic tables. When answering
Q3, allow them to remember their experience with the cards for Te & I. Guide
them that similar properties have to take precedence over atomic mass.
Discuss that maybe Mendeleev made the same switch or adjustment.
Explain, too, that at present it is known that the atomic numbers, rather than
atomic masses of the elements form a better basis for ordering them in the
periodic table Mendeleev had no way of knowing this since protons had not
yet been discovered during his time. He thought that the masses of iodine
and tellurium may have been measured incorrectly and that eventually better
measurements would show iodine to be heavier than tellurium. In answering
Q4, they may be able to guess that these gaps represent elements not yet
discovered in 1870. Discuss that Mendeleev predicted that elements would
84
be discovered in the future to fill these gaps. The prediction was realized with
the discovery of gallium by the French chemist Paul-Emile Lecoq de
Boisbaudran in 1875 and of germanium by Clemens Winkler, a German
chemist, in 1886.
5. After telling students these facts, introduce part B. Ask the groups to try to fit
the cards of gallium and germanium in their respective tables. Do the same
with the cards for noble gases.
Part A
Q1. There are 7 families in the table. The noble gases constitute the 8th group but
will be realized after doing Part B.
Q2. The properties of the element and the compounds formed
Q3. Iodine and tellurium broke the trend in terms of properties. The properties are
quite dissimilar with the other elements belonging to the same column or group.
Q4. There are gaps in the family of boron and aluminum and in the family of carbon
and silicon. These gaps might indicate that there were elements not yet
discovered during Meyer’s and Mendeleev’s time.
Part B
Q1. Gaps were filled. Gallium was placed in the family of boron and aluminum while
germanium was placed in the family of carbon and silicon. The noble gases, on
the other hand, were arranged into a new family.
Q2. Our table of elements did not include the transition elements like the modern
periodic table. The table stops at xenon and it is organized by atomic mass
rather than atomic number.
Q3. While tellurium has a higher atomic mass than iodine, iodine has the higher
atomic number. It is the atomic number and not the atomic mass that is the
organizing principle of the periodic table.
85
149
150
Q4. The existence of aluminum and silicon gave Mendeleev an idea that gallium and
germanium should also exist. Since Mendeleev did not know about any member of
the noble gas family, he didn’t have an inkling that others might also exist.
Q5. Element 120 would be placed below radium and element 121 would be placed
below actinium.
Q6. The new element would belong to the group or family of carbon, silicon, and
germanium.
Activity
2 Metal . . . Metal: How

reactive are you?
This activity allows students to revisit metals. They will look at their chemical property
by comparing the reactivity of some common metals. Reactivity is the ease and speed
with which a metal reacts with other substances. Moreover, they will be discussing
ways to prevent corrosion of metals.
Teaching Tips
1. Do the following before the activity.
a. Using the Periodic Table, identify the portions corresponding to metals,

nonmetals, and inert gases.
b. Tell the students that they will be using aluminum as one of the metals in
this activity. They will examine familiar objects made of aluminum such as a
softdrink can, a disposable plate, heavy-duty aluminum foil, and aluminum
foil. Compare the shape, thickness, and general appearance of the objects.
Let them observe what happens if they bend and unbend each object.
Based on the properties they have observed, let the students infer and explain
why this metal was used to make each object.
c. Proceed with the discussion of the reactivity or non-reactivity with other

substances.
d. Bring them back to their experience in Grade 7 Acids & Bases. Ask the
students what would happen if some metals like iron will continue to be
reactive with some substances in the environment? Can we stop reactivity
of metals? How?
89
2. Students will perform the activity in groups and discuss answers to questions.
3. Remind students to be cautious when handling muriatic acid. Ask students to

wash their hands in running water and rub the affected part with baking soda.
4. Guide the students to infer from the Activity Series of Metals that the more
active metal can react with other substances by displacing or replacing a less
reactive element from its compound. The activity series can be used as a
reference to determine a metals’ reactivity.
5. Important Ideas
a. The metals in a group or family in the periodic table have similar properties
and these properties change gradually across the table. The reactivity of
metals tends to decrease from left to right across the periodic table and
increases from top to bottom in a family.
b. The Group 1 metals, from lithium to francium are called the alkali metals.
These metals are so reactive that they are never found as uncombined
elements in nature.
c. Group 2, the alkaline earth metals are not as reactive as the Group 1
metals, but are more reactive than most other metals. Like the metals in
Group 1, they are also never found uncombined in nature.
d. Elements in Group 3 through Group 12 are called the transition metals.
They are less reactive than the metals in Groups 1 and 2.
e. Only some of the elements in Groups 13 and 15 of the periodic table are
metals. These metals are never found uncombined in nature.
f. The 2 rows of elements placed below the main part of the periodic table are
the lanthanide series at the top row and the actinide series, at the bottom
row. Different lanthanides are usually found together in nature and are
always combined with other elements.
6. If there is a shortage of glass graduated cylinder, an empty glass bottle or vial

can be calibrated to 10 mL and will be used as a measuring device.
Q1. Iron, aluminium and zinc reacted with muriatic acid while copper did not.
Q2. Iron, aluminium and zinc, the metals that reacted with muriatic acid (HCl), are
higher than hydrogen in position in the activity series, hence they are reactive.
Copper on the other hand is below hydrogen in the activity series, hence less
reactive. This means that it cannot displace hydrogen.
Q3. The reactivity increases as it goes from top to bottom of the periodic table.
90
Q4. Yes, Group 2 metals followed the same trend for Group 1 metals in terms of
reactivity.
Q5. The reactivity decreases as it goes from left to right of the periodic table.
Q6. a. Na is more reactive than Mg with HCl

b. Al is more reactive than Ag
c. Zn is more reactive than Fe
Q7. When metals react with other substances, the gradual wearing away or corrosion
of a metal results. This may lead to the deterioration of metals.
Q7. Give ways of preventing corrosion of metals.
Q8. There are several ways of preventing corrosion of a metal:
1. Keep air and moisture away from the metal by covering the metal. This is
done by painting, plastic coating, greasing, chromium plating, zinc plating or
galvanizing and tin plating.
2. Fix small pieces of a more reactive metal to its surface.
Table 1.Data for Activity 2
Observable Reactions with Muriatic Acid (Check

Metal and describe the metal observed )
Violent Slow No Reaction
iron Reacts slowly to form rust;
accompanied by formation
of bubbles due to
formation of hydrogen gas
copper No reaction.
aluminum Reacts vigorously. The

metal tarnishes;
of bubbles due to formation
of hydrogen gas
zinc Reacts vigorously. The
metal tarnishes;
of bubbles due to formation
of hydrogen gas.
91
References
Elvins, C., Jones, D., Lukins, N., Miskin, J., Ross, B., & Sanders, R. (1991).
Chemistry one: Materials, chemistry in everyday life. Port Melbourne,
Australia: Heinemann Educational Australia.
Frank, D., T. Griffith Jones, J. G. Little, B. Miaoulis, S. Miller, & J. M. Pasachoff

(2008). California focus on physical science. Upper Saddle River, New
Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Hill, G., J. Holman, J. Lazonby, J. Raffan, & D. Waddington (1990).Chemistry, the

salters’ approach.Oxford: Heinemann Educational Books Ltd.
Magno, M. et al. (1995).Science and technology for a better life series

(Chemistry) (2nded). Teachers Manual.Diwa Scholastic Press Inc. Makati,
Philippines.
Magno. M. et al. (1990). Science and technologyIII.Teachers Manual. Raquel

Commercial Press. Philippines.
Magno. M. et al. (1991). Science and technology III. Book Media Press. Philippines.
McDougal Littell (2007). Science focus on physical science. Sacramento,CA: Houghton

Mifflin Company.
Mendoza, E.E. &Religioso, T.F. (1997).Chemistry. Phoenix Publishing House, Inc.

Quezon City.
PASMEP et al. (1991).Teaching resource package-chemistry.
Philippines. UPNISMED (1991).Science and technology textbook III. Quezon City,

Philippines: Instructional Materials Corporation.
Pedregosa, E. F. (1982). Secondary science for learning and living 3 - Chemistry.

Quezon City, Philippines: Phoenix Press, Inc.
The American Chemical Society (1988).Chemistry in the community. Dubuque, Iowa:

Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.
The Collins Paperback English Dictionary (1986). William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd.
Great Britain.
Links
92
http://www.slideshare.net/AmrHassaan/patterns-of-reactivity http://amrita.olabs.co.in/?
sub=73&brch=3&sim=59&cnt=1
2008 Chemical Heritage
Foundation.hhtp://www.gofoster.com/downloads/twe/chap06.pdf.
http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=Mark+Buchanan+Periodic+Table
Appendix: Element Cards for Activity 1 (you can make this bigger)
Part A
H Li
Lithium
Hydrogen
Atomic Mass: 6.941

Atomic Mass: 1.008
Description: soft gray metal,
Description: odourless gas, very
reacts with water
flammable
Compounds: Li2O, LiCl
Compounds: H2O, HCl
93
Be B
Boron
Beryllium
Atomic Mass: 10.81

Atomic Mass: 9.012
Description: gray metalloid,
Description: gray metal
semiconductor
Compounds: B2O3, BCl3

Compounds: BeO, BeCl2
C N
Nitrogen
Carbon
Atomic Mass: 14.01

Atomic Mass: 12.01
Description: odorless gas, rather
Description: black solid (graphite)
unreactive
or transparent crystal (diamond)
Compounds: NH3, NCl3
Compounds: CO2, CCl4
94
O F
Fluorine
Oxygen
Atomic Mass: 19.00

Atomic Mass: 16.00
Description: yellowish gas, extremely
Description: odorless gas, very
reactive reactive
Compounds: HF, NaF, CaF2
Compounds: H2O
Mg
Na Magnesium
Sodium
Atomic Mass: 22.99 Atomic Mass: 24.31
Description: soft gray metal, reacts Description: gray metal, flammable
vigorously with water
Compounds: Na2O, NaCl Compounds: MgCl2, MgO
95
Al Si
Silicon
Aluminum
Atomic Mass: 28.09

Atomic Mass: 26.98
Description: silvery metal
semiconductor
Compounds: SiCl4, SiO2

Compounds: AlCl3, Al2O3
S
P Sulfur
Phosphorus
Atomic Mass: 32.07

Atomic Mass: 30.97 Description: yellow solid powder
Description: white, red, or black,
spontaneously Compounds: H2S, SCl2

flammable Compounds: PH3, PCl3,
PCl5
96
Cl K
Chlorine Potassium
Description: greenish gas, extremely Description: softgray metal, reacts
reactive violently with water
Compounds: HCl, NaCl, CaCl2 Compounds: K2O, KCl
As
Ca Arsenic
Calcium
Description: hard silvery metal, Description: gray metalloid

flammable
Compounds: AsH3, AsCl3, AsCl5

Compounds: CaCl2, CaO
97
Br
Se Bromine
Selenium
Atomic Mass: 79.90

Atomic Mass: 78.96 Description: red-orange liquid, very
Description: gray or red solid reactive
Compounds: HBr, NaBr, CaBr2

Compounds: H2Se, SeCl2
Rb Sr
Srontium
Rubidium
Atomic Mass: 87.62

Atomic Mass: 85.47
Description: soft silvery metal
Description: soft gray metal, reacts
violently with water

Compounds: SrCl2, SrO
Compounds: Rb2O, RbCl
98
In Sn
Indium
Tin
Atomic Mass: 114.8

Atomic Mass: 118.7
Description: soft silvery metal
Description: silvery- white metal
Compounds: InCl3, In2O3

Compounds: SnO2, SnCl4
Sb Te
Tellurium
Antimony
Atomic Mass: 127.6

Atomic Mass: 121.8
Description: silvery-white metalloid,
Description: bluish- white metalloid,
Semiconductor
semiconductor
Compounds: H2Te, TeCl2
Compounds: SbH3, SbCl3, SbCl5
99
I
Iodine
Atomic Mass: 126.9
Description: dark-purple solid,

reactive
Compounds: HI, NaI, CaI2
Element Cards for Part B
100
Ge Ga
Gallium
Germanium
Atomic Mass: 69.72

Atomic Mass: 72.59
Description: silvery metal, melts at
just above room
semiconductor temperature
Compounds: GeO2, GeCl4 Compounds: GaCl3, Ga2O3
He Ne
Neon
Helium
Atomic Mass: 20.18

Atomic Mass: 4.003
unreactive
unreactive
Compounds: none known
101
Ar Kr
Krypton
Argon
Atomic Mass: 83.80

Atomic Mass: 39.95
unreactive
Compounds: KrF2
unreactive
Xe
Xenon
Atomic Mass: 131.3
unreactive
Compounds: XeF6, XeF4
102
103
UNIT 4
Living Things and Their
Environment
104
UNIT 4: Living Things and Their Environment
Overview
Science is about asking questions and looking for answers.
Each of the five modules on Living Things and Their Environment for Grade 8
starts with questions that guide students in their journey of constructing the big ideas
105
through activities that are interspersed in the modules. The students are provided with
opportunities to develop the inquiry skills as well as their critical thinking, problem
solving, and communication skills.
There are five modules in this quarter:
Module 1: Biodiversity
Module 2: Interactions
Module 3: The Digestive System
Module 4: Nutrition and Wellness
Module 5: Cellular Reproduction and Genetics
.
Module 1 starts with the big picture - the diversity of organisms in various
ecosystems. Module 2 follows which zeros in energy-matter interconversion.
Organisms then need to break down the complex molecules during digestion (Module
3) to yield energy that leads to health and wellness (Module 4). The nutrients takes in
by organisms will provide the energy for metabolic processes such as cellular
reproduction (Module 5).
Activities in the Learning Materials are designed to help students connect the
concepts and help them construct the big ideas. Some of the activities may be
performed as groupwork while others may be performed individually. It is strongly
urged that students read the activities before performing them. It is also important that
the students take note of the safety measures.
In the course of using these materials, it is important to engage in effective

classroom discussions. These discussions provide students the necessary scaffolds
to make connections and deepen their understanding of the concepts. These
discussions also provide formative assessment opportunities. Feedback gained from
these formative assessment opportunities will provide the essential data to determine
the succeeding strategies that may be employed to reach the desired learning goals.
Maintaining students’ curiosity about the world requires making them confident
that they can use the methods of inquiry to find answers to their questions. The K to
12 curriculum spirals and increases in difficulty at each grade level so as to provide
challenges appropriate to the students’ age. As they acquire the tools and habits of
inquiry, they would develop into effective and productive citizens of the 21st century.
106
107
MODULEUn
it 4 1 BIODIVERSITY
The module will enhance what students already know about organisms found in
almost all places in the world. It will initially bring to mind in students what have been
previously learned in the lower grades, and connect these to what they are going to
study in Grade 8.
This module will introduce students to the system by which scientists have
classified and named organisms for an organized and orderly keeping of information
about them. It will let students explore the similarities and differences of the various
groups of organisms and their representative examples. Through the module, students
will know more of the uses and harm these organisms may bring to humans, other
organisms and the environment.
Activity 1 will make students see that people from different places may call a
particular organism with different names. Thus, it will help them recognize the need to
classify and name them to avoid confusion.
Activity 2 will give students the opportunity to see and identify bacteria used in
making food. At the same time it will make them adept in using the microscope.
Activity 3 will familiarize students with the life cycle of an insect that spread
dengue. It will further help them develop practices that minimize the occurrence of this
deadly disease.
After students survey the different groups of organisms, students will analyze
situations which will enable them to realize the advantages of high over low biodiversity
in Activity 4. Activity 5 will engage students in an activity towards the protection and
conservation of their community’s biodiversity.
The discussions, thought and developmental questions, and activities, will help
students answer the key questions in the module. In addition, this should encourage
them to take seriously what they have learned and will still learn about biodiversity.
Hopefully, learning about the topic will culminate in students’ realization of the
importance of biodiversity in their lives and participate actively in protecting and
conserving it.
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Why is biodiversity important?
What human activities destroy or endanger the existence of rate and
economically important species?
Have students read page 1 of the module. Then, ask them to recall what they
have learned in Grade 7 about fungi and algae. You may need to pose questions like:
Are fungi or seaweeds/algae also plants? Are birds animals? Why do you say so?
Accept their answers and tell them they will be able to answer these and other
questions as they discover more about organisms on Earth through the module.
Activity
1 What’s in a name?
Activity 1 can be done by groups (8 groups per class) for convenience in

procuring pictures of different organisms. Animal pictures can be pasted on colored
paper as this will be more attractive to students.
Advanced Preparation
Gather pictures of any four of the following organisms. Paste each picture on a piece
of paper. Prepare pictures according to the number of groups in your class.
Shark Hibiscus (gumamela)

Dove Coleus (mayana)
Periwinkle (tsitsirika) Turmeric (Luyang Dilaw)
Eucheuma (gozo) Lagundi
Green algae: (lato or ar-arusep) Sambong
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Teaching Tips
1. Two days before Activity 1 you may suggest to students to communicate with
relatives and friends in other places (e.g., in other islands within the country)
through text or email on how birds, shark, or green algae (lato/ar-arusep) are
called in their area.
2. During the activity, tell students to start with the name used for an organism in
their own locality. Accept all other names given by different students to a
particular organism. Inform them that there’s no need yet to come to a
consensus how these organisms are to be called.
3. To save on time, you may request only particular groups to present their
outputs. After the activity, discuss with the students how these organisms are
named in different places in case they will not be able to get information from
other areas in the country:
BIRD (as a group): Ibon (Tag.), Pispis (P. Bis.), Langgam (C. Bis.), Mammanu
(Ibanag)
SHARK
Common/Local Names: Pating (Tag), Bagis (Bis., P. Bis), Iho (Surigao),
ihotiqui (Bohol)
DOVE
Common/local Names: Kalapati (Tag), Pating (P. Bis.)
HIBISCUS
Common/Local Names: Gumamela (Tag), Kayanga (Ilokano, Bik.), Tapulanga
(Negros)
COLEUS:
Common/Local Names: Mayana/Malaina (Tag.)
Lampunaya/Lapunaya/Daponaya (Bis.), Saimayu
(Sulu)
PERIWINKLE
Common/Local Names: Tsitsirika /Atay-bia/Amnias (Tag.), Lubitos (Ivan.),
Sirsirika (Bik.), Pinggan-pinggan(P. Bis.)
GREEN ALGAE: Caulerpa lentillifera or C. racemosa

Common/Local Names: Ar-arusep (Ilokano), Gulaman/Lato (Bis.)
TURMERIC: Curcuma longa Linn.

Common/Local Names: Luyang Dilaw/Dilaw(Tag.), Kulyaw(Ilk.),
Kalawag(Mbo., Bis.), Salampawyan(Bag.)
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BLUMEA CAMPHOR
Common/Local Names: Sambong(Tag .), Subsob/Subosob(Ilk), Alimon
Alibum/Alibhon (P. Bis.), Kaliban/Kalibura (Tagb.), Dalapot (C. Bis.)
FIVE-LEAVED CHASTE TREE

Common/Local Names: Lagundi (Tag., Ibn., Bik., P. Bis.), Dangla/Limo-
Limo
(Ilk.), Dagtan (If.)
EUCHEUMA
Common/Local Names: Gozo (Tag.)
4. Let students proceed with the topics contained in the module clarifying points
which they may not understand or have questions. Discuss the inclusion
of the three-domain classification system. You may need to assist them
in analyzing Table 1 or in answering Questions 4 to 7. Students may
wonder why scientific names are in the Latin language. Explain that
Latin is an unchanging language. Mention that the genus-species name
tells something about what the species is, where it is from and who
discovered it. Mention that scientific names are sometimes written with
an incomplete genus name like E. coli.
KINGDOM ARCHAEBACTERIA
Electron micrographs (Figures 1 and 2) are pictures of things and

organisms observed using the electron microscope.
The cell walls of halophiles contain the pigment carotenoids which are
yellow and orange in color. This accounts for such colors of salt ponds where
they are present in large numbers. This can be observed in certain areas in
Bulacan, Pangasinan, Mindoro Occidental, Davao, and Misamis Oriental where
salt is produced. Encourage students to use the internet or library books to be
able to answer Q9.
KINGDOM EUBACTERIA
Spirilla may occur in three forms, namely spirillum, vibrio and spirochete.
Spirillum is thick, rigid and spiral shown in Figure 3 in the module. Vibrio is
curved or comma-shaped while a spirochete is thin, flexible, and spiral.
In areas where White cheese (kesong puti) is produced, local people

use the term ”starter”. It is rennet or coagulant which contains the lactic acid
bacterium. Rennet is added to fresh unpasteurized milk of cow, carabao or goat
to produce kesong puti.
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Several strains of Lactobacillus are added to milk during the production
of yogurt. These include Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus caseii and
Lactobacillus reutri. Bifidum bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium animalis and
Bifidobacterium lactis, are also used in making yogurt.
Activity
2 How dobacteria in yogurt look

like?
Advanced Preparation
Two or three days before the activity, procure plain yogurt without flavour from
grocery stores or supermarkets and store in the refrigerator. Request methylene blue
from your laboratory technician or get from a scientific supply store ahead of the class.
To dilute yogurt, add two teaspoons of water to one-fourth (1/4) teaspoon of yogurt.
Prepare this just immediately before students do the activity.
Teaching Tips
1. Ask students if they have any idea what fermented foods or drinks are.
According to their response, you may mention that these are made using
bacteria. Ask for examples that they might know and the availability of these in
their area. In places like Sta. Cruz and Los Baños, Laguna, Bulacan, Isabela,
Nueva Ecija and Cagayan Valley, “kesong puti” is made. You may mention
other products like yogurt, Yakult, cheese and most recently Probiotic drinks.
2. Activitiy 2 is a good activity for students to do for schools with microscopes. You
can review students on the proper way of using the microscope, if needed,
especially if they have not done it in Grade 7. Thoroughly washed droppers
from infant medicines can be used if no laboratory droppers are available.
3. If you still have time or if you have advanced students in the class, you can also
let them do the alternate activity below using fermented milk like Yakult or any
Probiotic drinks available in your locality. For Probiotic drinks use the unflavored
one.
3a. For areas where yogurt is not available, any fermented milk (as mentioned
above) can be used. You must be aware that this is popular with kids.
Introduce the use of bacteria in making yogurt and fermented milk. Tell
them that they will do an activity to observe bacteria in fermented milk
using the microscope. Give the following procedure for students to do.
112
Activity
How do bacteria in fermented

milk look like?
Materials Needed:
dropper cover slip

glass slide fermented milk
methylene blue microscope
Procedure:
1. Place a drop of fermented milk on a slide.
2. Add a drop of methylene blue and cover with a cover slip.
Q1. What is the purpose of adding methylene blue to the specimen?
3. Observe under the LPO and HPO of the microscope.
Q2. Describe what you see under the HPO.
Q3. What is the name of the bacteria involved in making this fermented milk drink?
Teaching Tips
1. Questions may arise regarding probiotic drinks. Probiotics refer to

microorganisms that naturally live in the intestinal tract. They are “friendly
bacteria” and believed to strengthen the immune system. It is helps in the overall
maintenance of good health. Explain that fermented milk/probiotic drinks are also
made by adding beneficial bacteria to skimmed milk. The process involved is the
same as that in making yogurt. It occurs because bacteria break down
substances into desirable products like food or drink. Tell students that they will
understand more of the fermentation process in Grade 9.
2. For students to answer Q3, show them the container of the fermented/probiotic
drink you used. Sometimes the bacteria used is in the list of ingredients found in
the plastic package for 6 bottles of the fermented milk. You can ask from the
saleslady this plastic cover to show to your students. Fermented drinks in the
market may use Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain or Lactobacillus paracasei. A
113
bacterial strain is a subgroup of a species having particular characteristics
developed by breeders.
Answers to Questions in the Alternate Activity:
Q1. For clearer observation of the specimen.
Q2. Possible answers: Rodlike/cylindrical/long structures can be seen
Q3. It depends on the fermented milk used: Lactobacillus paracasei (in probiotics);
Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain (in Yakult)
In case your school does not have microscopes, show the following pictures
of Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus as seen under the
compound microscope.
Lactobacillus bulgaricus Streptococcus thermophilus x 1000
Bacillus thuringiensis protein crystals have been developed as an effective

biopesticide in tablet and powder form. It can be sprayed to crops to control corn
borers and diamond backmoth. It is also used to regulate increase in population of
mosquitoes carrying disease-causing organisms.
Some bacterial cells are rich in protein and are utilized as alternative sources of
food. They are cultured in the laboratory as Single Cell Proteins(SCP). SCP can be
mixed with a food base to add protein for cattle diet.
Whether in urban or rural areas those who waded in floodwaters or mud or

stagnant waterlike farmers, veterinarians, pet shop owners and sewage workers are
at risk of contacting leptospirosis. This also includes people who are into camping,
hiking, rafting, canoeing. These people can swallow contaminated food or water and
through contact with broken skin or with mucosal surfaces of the eyes or nose.
Warn students of the danger of wading or playing in floodwaters especially if

they have cuts in the skin. If it cannot be avoided, remind them to thoroughly wash
114
hands or shower with soap. Leptospira bacteria are killed by soap, disinfectants, and
drying. They should use footwear especially when walking in mud or moist soil. It is
also safe to wear gloves while gardening. Feeding raw offal to dogs must be avoided.
Most importantly, homes and surroundings must be clean. No food sources must be
lying around uncovered so rats can be controlled.
Anthrax is endemic in the Philippines. It can be treated when detected early.

Students should help people understand about the danger of eating “double dead
meat.” They should be on the look-out for reports in the news on anthrax cases as they
provide excellent real-world connection and resources for learning more about the
disease-causing bacteria. Encourage them to consult the barangay health officers on
this matter.
Protists
Some books also refer to the group as Kingdom Protoctista. Chlorophyll in algae
can be masked, thus, other than green algae, there are golden, brown and red ones.
Caulerpa lentillifera is eaten as salad with tomatoes and onion. Clarify that seaweed as
a term applied to Caulerpa and other green algae can mislead people and mistake it for
a plant. Remind students to correct this misconception.
Alginate, the brown powder form of alginic acid, is naturally present in other
brown algae. It is used as stabilizing, thickening or gel-forming agents in ice cream,
candy, toothpaste, and cream cosmetics. Iodine can also be found in brown algae.
Carageenan, a complex carbohydrate from red algae, is used as a suspending

agent in foods, medicines, and cosmetics. It is also a filtering agent in beverages.
Microbiologists use agar as a solidifying agent in the growth medium for
microorganisms and plant tissue culture.
If a prepared slide of euglena is available in your school, have students view it

under the microscope. You can get your specimen from an aquarium or pond water.
Humans develop malaria when infected with any of the protozoan parasites
from the genus Plasmodium. The four species include: Plasmodium falciparum,
Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium malaria.
Fungi
Certain fungi cause wilting of tomato, papaya, corn and banana. Fungi can also
live together with a single-cell alga forming a lichen.
The figure below shows the structure of a poisonous mushroom. Students must
be reminded of not just eating any kind of mushroom they find in the woods. A
poisonous mushroom has a death cup, white spores, and a ring on the stalk. It contains
amatoxin, a deadly substance which when ingested damages the kidney and the liver.
115
remnants of
universal veil
cap
gills
ring
stalk
death cup
(Adapted from: Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II. Textbook
(Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation. p. 266.)
Yeasts are also utilized as SCP.
THE PLANT KINGDOM
As students start to study the plant group, discover if there are still students who
think that all plants are colored green and that green algae are plants. Clarify that
pigments can mask the green color of chlorophyll.
Clarify the term “lumot.” In the Philippines it is applied to algae, cyanobacteria

and mosses. Students should be able at least to differentiate one from the other by
Grade 8.
116
Vascular Plants Tracheophytes
Photo by: Alvin J. Encarnacion Photo Courtesy of Michael Anthony B. Mantala

Asplenium nidus bird’s nest Azolla sp.
Start with how ferns are called in your locality. Show pictures of other fern
examples. Or you can show them some species planted in flower pots that may be
found in your school.
The giant fern of the genus Angiopteris (Figure 15a) in the student module has
grown to about 206 centimeters from the base to the highest point of a leaf. In
answering Q31, they should be able to see the height of Angiopteris almost as high as
the first floor of the building.
Azolla can be cultured so that it will be readily available for use in science
classes. The places you can ask about how and where you can get the plants are the
Department of Agriculture offices in your locality, commercial plant gardens, pet shops,
aquarium stores and the UP NISMED website. Here are the materials you need and
the procedure in raising and maintaining an azolla culture:
In an artificial pond, medium sized-basin or pail, put about 2 inches of loam soil.
Add water from an existing aquarium or pond, creek, river, artesian well or faucet. Add
a handful or a few azolla plants and if a pail or basin is used, place in a shady area.
You may stir the soil from time to time for the nutrients to be easily absorbed by the
plants. These can be left to grow and may reproduce fast and can soon fill up your
whole container or pond. During hot days, their leaves may turn brown or red but can
recover during the rainy or cooler season. You can mention that azolla is also used as
food for tilapia.
Other members of the spore-reproducing plants include the whisk ferns, club
mosses and horsetails.
117
Athyrium esculentum (Retz.) Copel or Diplazum esculentum Retz. called “pako”
is an edible fern. Some eat them raw as salad or steamed with tomatoes. Dried nito
stems are good sources of fiber and are made into handicraft items.
Gymnosperms
If you or your school has internet connection, look for images of Welwitschia at
darkroastedblend.com., Dark Roasted Blend: The Strangest Plant on Earth.
Gymnospersms are excellent sources of timber. The bark of pine trees yield
tannin used in tanning animal skins in producing leather. Tannin is also used to make
ink.
Angiosperms
Angiosperms are plants that belong to Phylum Anthophyta. Water plants like
Quiapo, water lily, duckweed, water hyacinth Hydrilla and Vallisneria which grow in
freshwater habitats may need to be introduced to students. Water hyacinth, is often
mistaken as water lily. Water hyacinths have green heart-shaped leaves, bladders and
smaller violet flowers. It also serves as a depollutant, being able to absorb pollutants in
water. In salt waters, seagrasses like the eel grass are found in coastal areas. Students
will see in the next module that aquatic plants play an important role in food chains.
Have students recall from the earlier grades about aerial plants they know. Add
that the endemic orchid Waling-waling is an endangered species. There is also a move
in congress to make it the second national flower.
An activity or project about medicinal plants can be done by students in this

topic. It will make students aware of the plants in their locality that may be used in
preventing or curing particular diseases.
Harmful Plants
People sometimes forget the importance of weeding. Remind students of the

bad effects of competition for nutrients between weeds and economically important
crops.
Some plants harm animals. Young sorghum leaves contain a toxic substance
that can cause cyanide poisoning. Others like Kantutai/coronitas/baho-baho, and
Hantalakaw/malasili contain chemicals that can be fatal to animals. Morning glory is
also host to the snout beetle (sweet potato weevil) that greatly lessen sweet potato
harvest.
118
Dieffenbachia maculata (dumbcane), an ornamental house and garden plant,
can be dangerous to children. The leaves and stem with its bitter and poisonous juice
burns the mouth. This causes swelling of the tongue that can affect speech and block
the air passage that may lead to death.
Many cases of tuba-tuba poisoning which led to death of some have been
reported in several areas in the country. Give warning to students about eating any part
of unfamiliar plants.
THE ANIMAL KINGDOM
To start the discussion on animals have students recall what they learned about them
in the lower grades. The first invertebrate that students will study are members of
Phylum Porifera, the sponges, also called pore-bearing animals ( from porus meaning
“pore,” and fere meaning “to bear” ).
Cnidarians
Most members of Phylum Cnidaria live in salt waters. Adult corals, sea anemone and
the freshwater hydra live attached to solid materials. Jellyfishes differ from them as the
young are attached but become free-swimming adults. Hydra may be observed under
the microscope using water from bottom portion of ponds or aquarium.
Encourage students to open internet links for more information about corals. Mention
that coral reefs once damaged take a long time to restore. Bring up incidents of oil
spills in Guimaras, General Santos/Sarangani areas and other places and the latest
damage to the Tubbataha reefs. Discuss the destruction of coral reefs in relation to fish
stock decline resulting to less fish catch, increase in fish prices, less food supply and
economic effects to fishermen.
Several cases of box jelly fish attacks and even deaths in the Philippines have been
reported in the news and feature shows on TV. The sting cause itchiness and leave
severe marks in the body. Warn students to be cautious while swimming in beaches. If
stung by jelly fish, wet cotton with vinegar and place in the affected area. Ask for
suggestions of ways to protect coral reefs.
Flatworms
Flatworms belong to Phylum Platyhelminthes (in Greek platys means flat,

helmins means worm). Encourage students to find out if their towns have
slaughterhouses where beef and pork meats are strictly checked for the presence of
tapeworm cyts. Livestock slaughtered by local people in their homes must be checked
too.
Roundworms
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Roundworms such as pinworms and Ascaris are notorious parasites in children.
Hygienic practices are important to avoid being parasitized by these worms. Young ipi-
ipil seeds are usually eaten to expel these worms.
Segmented Worms
Emphasize the role of earthworms in agriculture and of leeches in medicine. Care,

however, must be taken by farmers or researchers in muddy fields so as not to be
victims of the blood-sucking leeches.
Mollusks
Point out the thin and flexible skeleton of squids and the white “cuttlefish bone” usually
fed to birds to add calcium to their diet.
A lot of mollusks are used as food by humans and also by other animals. Many shells
are collected for ornaments while others produce pearls.
The marine seashell Turris dollyae (synonymous to Turris crispa),

present in the Philippines and Queensland, Australia was found to
have medicinal value. Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera, its discoverer, has
named it after Dr. Dolores (Dolly) Hernandez, in honor of her
Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Baldomero M. Olivera

outstanding contributions to Philippine Science Education. Dr. Olivera
is a Professor of Biology at the University of Utah.
Overcollection of mollusks for food as well as pollution caused

by pesticides used in farming that have reached bodies of water have
killed some mollusks have caused their populations to decline.
Echinoderms
The sea star is what was previously referred to as the “starfish.”

Point out that spines of the sea urchin are long while those of the
sand dollar are short as shown below.
120
(Source: Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II. Textbook (Rev.
ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation. p. 293).
Arthropods
Students usually mistake spiders as insects. Point out the differences between
insects and arachnids, specifically, the number of body sections and legs. They should
also be able to distinguish a centipede from a millipede as they may be bitten by a
centipede which is painful and with venom.
Aedes aegypti is the principal carrier (vector) of the virus causing dengue. The
disease is endemic to the Philippines being a sub-tropical country. The activity will
help students understand the life cycle of this insect so occurrence of dengue can be
controlled. Point out that research has found out that young people are at greater risk
of getting sick with the disease because of their lifestyle, that is, wearing of shorts and
sleeveless shirts or blouses and staying in cool dark places.
Activity
3 What can you do to prevent

dengue?
Teaching Tips
121
1. In studying the life cycle of A. aegypti, students should take note of what
happens in each stage for them to be able to answer the questions.
2. In answering Q52, they should take note of the white spots, number of body
sections, wings, antenna and legs. For Q54, they must think of any place
where nonflowing and clean water exists.
3. Ask students what larva of mosquitoes are called in the locality. In other
places, they are called ”waya-waya.”
4. Other questions that may be asked of students include: How many stages
does Aedes aegypti go through in its life cycle; how would you describe a
pupa; in which stage does a young mosquito stop eating and which stage/s
is/are easy to destroy or eliminate?
Emphasize that at present there is still no cure nor vaccines for dengue. A
person may also get sick of the disease four times in his/her lifetime. The reason is
there are four strains of the virus that cause dengue. Remember, the next attack by
another strain is more critical. When a person is sick with dengue they are just given
medicines to relieve the symptoms and prevent complications brought by the disease.
Early detection is important in the recovery of dengue patients. When there is sudden
onset of fever that lasts for two days, extreme body and joint pains and chills or rashes
are observed, the patient should immediately be examined by the doctor.
Methods to prevent spread of the disease are: 1) control of the vector, that is,
preventing reproduction of the mosquito by removing breeding places, 2) avoiding
mosquito bites by using mosquito nets or installing screens in windows and door, 3)
using safe repellants, trapping and killing larvae and 4) employing biocontrol by
introducing predators of mosquitoes such as dragonflies. Have students recall the
use of Bacillus thuringiensis as microbial pesticide. Mention that it is also applied to
breeding places of mosquitoes that spread diseases.
The Department of Science and Technology- Industrial Technology

Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) has developed an Aedes Mosquito Ovi/Larvicidal
Trap System which is a safe and cheap way of controlling mosquito populations. For
details please visit the following websites: www.science .ph;
www.dengueoltrappcti.com; youtube.com- type “Oltrap”. It is also available in all
Mercury Drug outlets. Or contact the licensee of the technology, Heritage Veterinary
Corporation. They can be reached at Tel. No. 921-8978 and 579-9379.
Another mosquito-born (A. aegypti) disease to watch out for is Chikungunya.

It affects anybody and exhibit the same symptoms but not as deadly as dengue. It is
distinguished from dengue by the presence of anti-CHK antibodies in blood samples
of patients. Cases of chikugunya have been reported in Metro Manila, Laguna,
Pangasinan, and some parts of Mindanao.
The DOH has launched the 4-S Campaign against dengue, namely:
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1. Search and destroy breeding places of dengue virus-carrying
mosquitoes. This is done by removing all possible breeding places of
mosquitoes. Examples are: changing water in flower vases once or
twice a week, regular cleaning of roof gutters which can retain water,
draining water from unused old tires, flower pots, tin cans, bottles, and
plastic cups and keeping them in areas where they cannot collect water,
and covering water containers like drums or pails and draining water
from tree holes, base of leaves like those of the bromeliads, coconut
shells and bamboo posts.
2. Self-protection measures that include wearing of long sleeves and

pants, using mosquito nets and applying mosquito repellants.
3. Seek early consultation when symptoms appear, meaning when one

has fever for two days and begin to have rashes, he/she must
immediately consult the doctor at the nearest health center or
hospital.
4. Say no to indiscriminate fogging unless there is an outbreak.
Chordates
Not all members of Phylum Chordata have backbones. Acorn worm is another
chordate without a backbone.
Vertebrates
Vertebrates have an internal skeleton that gives them more flexibility in moving.
Fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are members of the vertebrate
group.
Fishes
Students should know that not all sharks attack humans. Except for the
great white, tiger and bull sharks, whale sharks (Butanding) are friendly species.
Studies have discovered that sharks, attack people mistaking them for prey or food
especially those wearing silvery wetsuits. Seals, food to sharks have silvery
covering. Some shark species are attractions in zoos and ecotourism spots. Care,
however, should be taken that these fishes are not abused.
Fish supply has also decreased because of another fishing practice like use
of big boats and fine nets. You can then ask students how this method cause
decrease in fish population. Emphasize the need for people of all ages to be aware
of conserving fish species by following rules set by the government for marine
sanctuaries and laws against dynamite and cyanide fishing. For students living in
fishing villages, they should help the Bantay-dagat in their efforts to implement
these laws. Those living in urban or mountain areas may check the internet, listen
123
to news or watch TV features and inquire from local government officials on what
these organizations are doing to protect and conserve fish species.
Amphibians
Point out differences of frogs and toads which are the more familiar
amphibians. Mention that there was a time when toads were introduced to the
Philippines to control mosquito population. Mention too that in other places frog legs
are eaten with some restaurants serving them as exotic food. They should however
be aware that these vertebrates also suffer from population decline due to loss of
wet or moist areas where they live.
Reptiles
The large saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus are not a threatened

species. They are found in rivers, large lakes, coastal waters, mangroves and
especially in estuarine or brackish water. It can swim long distances. In the
Philippines, they have become extinct in certain areas where they abound before.
“Lolong,” the largest caught saltwater crocodile of Agusan Marsh in Mindanao,
which died recently should be teaching people a lesson on biodiversity. Check out
the internet for an article (http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/23498-lolong-
angelalcala) written by a Filipino expert on crocodiles. Because of this incident, a
nongovernment organization encourages government to ban capture of animals
from the wild.
The smaller threatened Philippine crocodile can be found only in Philippine

rivers, freshwater lakes and creeks. This crocodile species should be given priority in
study and conservation activities.
Birds
Some members of the bird group have also become a major source of food to
humans like chickens and ducks (including their eggs).
If you are in areas other than those mentioned where Philippine Eagles live,
ask students what they have read or heard about causes of the destruction of the
birds’ habitat.
In 2010, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has
declared the Philippine Eagle as critically endangered species. Aside from the causes
of its decline in number presented in the student module, add to these illegal hunting
and collection, lessening availability of food, pollution brought by mining and use of
pesticides in nearby farmlands close to where they live. Students should know that
pollution affect the eagles’ breeding. It causes the thinning of their eggshell resulting to
nonhatching of the eggs. Encourage students to read more about activities of the
IUCN.
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Mammals
The spiny anteater lives on land. It has spines in between the hairs all over its body.
Platypus on the other hand have thick water proof fur and lives both in water and land.
Mention that whales are mammals that lack hair. Dugong is also called sea cow. Ask
students to give their observations regarding differences of humans and other
primates.
Ask students if they are aware of television shows that teach about biodiversity.
Convince them that current technologies must be used for learning and not just as
entertainment.
LOW AND HIGH BIODIVERSITY
Tropical rainforests are found mostly in Latin America. Others are in West Africa, the
Pacific Islands and South East Asia including the Philippines. Add that rainforests
serve to trap rainwater that flows into rivers and streams. Plants that abound in forests
minimize soil erosion, landslides and floods. They are also sources of crops that may
resist pests and diseases or produce more harvest and chemicals that can be made
into medicines.
Discuss monocroping. Let them describe and classify it as to having low or high
diversity. This would help them in doing Activity 4.
Activity
4 What is the importance of

biodiversity to ecosystems?
Teaching Tips
1. This is a group work. Make copies of the following photos depending on the
number of groups. If not, just provide names of ecosystems and have members
discuss each for them to be able to answer the questions in the activity.
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A tropical rainforest
Rice Farm
(Source: Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II. Textbook
(Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation. p. 337 & 340)
Lake Rotting Log

(Adapted from: Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II. Textbook
(Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation. p. 335)
126
Mangrove
(Source: Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II. Textbook (Rev. ed.). Pasig
City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation. p. 338)
2. Answers to Q69 will depend on the ecosystems you presented.
3. Students should be able to recognize that a banana plantation is an example of

monocroping.
4. In answering Q75, have them recall the discussion about the sea star, crown of
thorns.
5. In answering Q78, encourage students to think of familiar places that have low
biodiversity.
Protecting and Conserving Biodiversity
Pose the questions: What are your responsibilities towards biodiversity for a
sustained supply of food and other resources for all organisms? What actions must you
take to protect and conserve biodiversity? If some of the abundant species present
thirty or fifty years ago in your community are lesser now or have disappeared, what
would the future look like for these organisms?
Activity
4 I create the future
Teaching Tips
127
1. Have ready copies of the “Priority Pyramid” and the “Making it Happen”
handout. There should be one for each student and for each small group.
2. Part I: My Future World. Brainstorm students’ ideas about the conditions that
they want to see present in the world they will live in the future. Direct students
to answer the questions, “What do you want the future world to be? “What
things or conditions do you want to see 50 years from now?” Give them time to
individually list down about five of such conditions. Then, get them to share
their ideas to the class. Write on the board students’ ideas.
3. Once students have shared their ideas, give them a copy of the “Priority
Pyramid” worksheet. Explain to them that they are going to fill up the blocks in
the pyramid with what they consider as important conditions of the future that
they want. Direct them to the ideas written on the board. Tell students to rank
the conditions from most important to the least. They are supposed to write on
the topmost block the most important condition, the second most important
conditions on the second level, and so on. Students may write down up to ten
conditions. Assist students so that they are able to arrive at a pyramid with at
least three levels (about six conditions).
4. Assign students to groups of four or five. If students have previously been

grouped, you can split their original group into two. Have the students share
their pyramids with their groupmates. They should show their pyramid and
explain how they arrive at the ranking. Then, have students work together to
arrive at a group pyramid. Be ready to help groups who may have difficulty
arriving at a consensus.
5. Then, call the small groups to a whole-class sharing of their pyramids. Ask each
team’s representative to share their top three priorities. The representative can
also briefly talk about how they were able to reconcile their differences to come
up with a group pyramid.
As each group presents their priorities, discuss with them what their priorities
entail. For example, if they prioritized “food for all people”, then they should see
that vast spaces with the appropriate environment and resources are needed
so that a great variety of plants and animals that serve as food can survive and
grow.
As students discuss each condition, they should realize that everything they
want to see in their future world can be traced, at least in part, to a healthy
environment.
6. Part II: Making it Happen. Lead students to discuss strategies that will help
make their dream future to happen. Distribute copies of the “Making it Happen”
handout. The handout contains various projects, initiatives, legislations that are
on-going and in effect that may in one way or another already contribute to the
realization of the conditions that students wish to happen in the future.
128
In preparing the Project/Legislation descriptions, you can include projects that are
initiated by government agencies (local and national), non-government
organizations (national, regional and global), private sector, and even
individuals. You can farther help students to appreciate what other people are
already doing and the value of taking action by describing projects and
legislations that affect their community or locality. When choosing a law or
policy on protected areas for example, you can describe those that pertain to
their locality or community. A great site for information and resources on
biodiversity conservation projects is the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau
(PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(http://www.pawb.gov.ph).
7. Part III: Future Log. Require students to keep a future log for a week. Explain to
them that they should use the log as a diary, where they write all their activities,
behaviors, conversations and thoughts each day of the week. To make their log
easier, instruct them to write these in bullet form, instead of complete sentences
and paragraphs the way they would on a diary. Encourage students to realize
that their actions, words and thoughts can actually affect their future. At the end
of each day, require them to think and write about how each item in their
bulleted list may affect the world around them, either positively or negatively,
and what the consequences could be for the future.
As students progress from day to day, encourage them to add more ways, that
is, engage in more actions, thoughts and words that will help them contribute to
the conservation of biodiversity in their locality.
“Ocean Treasures”, is a video lesson developed by UPNISMED that can be

used as an alternate activity. It identifies both plant and animal resources found in our
oceans. It also shows how these resources can be used wisely by protecting and
maintaining balance in the different shallow ecosystems in the ocean. The package
consist of a DVD and a Teacher’s Guide with emphasis on concepts, what questions to
ask, a short activity and some formative assessment items which teachers can give as
students view it. You can check out the UPNISMED website for details on how to
procure it.
Remind students that with understanding of what biodiversity can do for humans and
the whole world, there is no choice but to care for and conserve them. Encourage them
to help in promoting awareness of the importance of biodiversity, help minimize threats
to biodiversity and actively participate in programs and projects for the protection and
conservation of biodiversity.
As a culminating activity, you may have students have a field trip to just a
nearby forest park, zoo or even your school’s medicinal or botanical garden. They then,
can make a report of the biodiversity in such areas.
129
To summarize the lesson, ask some students what they have learned from it.
Take note if they have alternative conceptions in any of the topics taken up. Check if
they are able to answer the key questions found at the beginning of the module.
Q1. Answers may vary. It is possible that in their community organisms may have a
local name and thus, organism/s may be called with the same name. Or due to
parents’ background, may differ. Examples should be given for those with same
names.
Q2. Answers may vary. Examples should be given for those which are differently
named.
Q3. Students may say that they are confused which is really to be used or they may
wonder why organisms are called in different ways.
Q4. Domesticated cat, dog, wolf and lion.
Q5. Dog and wolf. They belong to the same category up to the genus level.
Q6. No, they cannot produce a fertile offspring because they belong to different
species. Only organisms that belong to the same species can breed and produce
fertile offspring.
Q7. The species row consist of two words/names.
Q8. The first name refers to the genus, the second one to the species.
Q9. Water in both is up to ten (10) times more salty than sea water or both are very
salty environments.
Q10. Possible answers: dirty, small, disease, harmful, present in some food, used in
making medicine, vaccine.
Q11. Cocci are round/spherical/circular. Bacilli are rod-like/narrow
and cylindrical/long. Spirilla are spiral/coiled/twisted.
Q12. Avoid wading, swimming or playing in flood waters which may be contaminated
with animal urine, wear gloves in gardening, cover cuts on the skin while
working in farms, wear footwear in walking in mud, keep homes and
surroundings clean, thoroughly wash hands with soap, wash vegetables well
before cooking.
Q13. Farmers, veterinarians, people involved in raising carabaos, people who have
the practice of eating meat from animals which are suspected to die from the
disease (carabaos).
Q14. For clearer observation of the specimen.
Q15. Possible answers: Rodlike/cylindrical and round structures/bacteria.
Q16. The rod-shaped are Lactobacillus, while the round ones are Streptococcus
bacteria.
Q17. Bacillus bacteria are rod-like and cocci bacteria can form chains and called
streptococcus.
130
Q18. Crops will be supplied with usable form of nitrogen for their growth and
development.
Q19. Through the bladders brown algae would be able to capture light energy by
chlorophyll present in their cells.
Q20. Light is important to algae because they need it to produce food (for
photosynthesis).
Q21. These clams may have fed on the dinoflagellate with poison causing paralysis of
the diaphragm
Q22. Foraminiferans have threadlike extensions, radiolarians have sharp needlelike
extensions while amoeba have blunt extensions.
Q23. They produce food for organisms, green algae serve as food, some brown algae
are source of alginic acid, some red algae are source of food and agar and
carageenan.
Q24. Ascus, ascopores.
Q25. Basidiospores, basidium.
Q26. Many fungi would grow.
Q27. In moist/damp, humid, dark places.
Q28. Liverworts are flat and ribbonlike. Mosses have many small leaflike structures.
Hornworts grow flat leaves on top of each other.
Q29. They have no true roots, stems and leaves that can transport food and materials
to different parts.
Q30. It has big leaves and it is tall almost reaching 1st floor of the building
Q31. They will provide usable nitrogen to plants or serve as natural/organic
fertilizer.
Q32. Some serve as food, or used in making handicraft items.
Q33. In cool, elevated areas.
Q34. Less oxygen will be available. There will be erosion, less timber, no home for
birds and other animals.
Q35. Alternate cashew, radial garlic, opposite coffee.
Q36. Dicot.
Q37. Monocot.
Q38. Food (meat and juice), cleaning implements, oil, etc., (accept right answers of
students)
Q39. Home for birds, provide seeds for food, nectar for butterflies, leaves food to
worms, etc. (accept other correct answers)
Q40. Production of oxygen, food for other organisms.
Q41. Weeds, which often grow along with food crops, compete for nutrients needed by
the latter. Such competition results in decreased harvest.
Q42. Animals react quite rapidly to stimuli. (act fast, move fast)
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Q43. Sea fan, sea pen (enumerate those in sand ). Jelly fish, etc.,(enumerate those
floating in water).
Q44. They feed on digested food.
Q45. Two.
Q46. They have a single shell. Bivalves have two shells.
Q47. Bivalve, univalve, bivalve.
Q48. Arthropods have exoskeleton, echinoderms have endoskeleton.
Q49. For protection.
Q50. Arachnids.
Q51. Arachnids have four pairs of legs, insects have three pairs.
Q52. The adult A. aegypti has white spots/bands on its body and legs. It has three
body parts: head, thorax and abdomen. It has a pair of wings, three pairs of
legs and pair of antenna.
Q53. It breeds in clean, non-flowing or standing water.
Q54. Possible places in the home where Aedes mosquito can breed include:
containers with water placed under the table’s legs, flower vases, old tires left
outside which can collect rainwater, roof gutters which can retain rainwater,
containers placed under flower pots that collect excess water, tin cans, bottles,
and plastic cups left outside which can collect rainwater, uncovered water
containers like drums and pails, tree holes, bamboo posts of fences around the
house. Breeding places in the school can be flower vases, containers
placed under flower pots, plastic cups or bottles left in the grounds which
collect rainwater, and also tree holes and bamboo posts.
In the surroundings, it can be animal food containers, clean stagnant waters in
canals, potholes, and any container or items that can collect and retain water.
Q55. It will die.
Q56. Water is important to Aedes mosquito because it is where they reproduce. If
there is no clean, nonflowing water available, no egg will develop into adult
mosquitoes.
Q57. Reproduction of Aedes mosquito can be stopped by removing all possible

breeding places of mosquitoes. The following are some ways to do this:
• changing water in flower vases once or twice a week,  regular cleaning of

roof gutters which can retain water,
• draining water from unused old tires, flower pots, tin cans, bottles, and
plastic cups and keeping them in areas where they cannot collect water,
• draining water from containers placed under flower pots or table legs from
time to time,
• covering water containers like drums or pails, and
• draining water from tree holes or bamboo posts
132
Q58. Insects because it has three body parts: head, thorax and abdomen. It has a pair
of wings, three pairs of legs and a pair of antenna.
Q59. Skeleton of the shark is made of cartilage, that of tilapia is made of bone.
Q60. Toad and tree frog.
Q61. Caecilian.
Q62. Sharp hooked beaks bite, cut or tear prey into pieces, Q63.
Only the legs of birds have scales.
Q64. Possible answers: hunting for food or income, kaingin
Q65. Whales, dolphins, dugong and manatee live in salty waters.
Q66. Some answers are: humans have the ability to walk erect, they have well
developed arms and hands, nails in fingers and toes, lemurs, monkeys and
apes live in trees, humans have communities.
Q67. Mammals differ from other animals in that they have mammary glands that
produce milk to nourish their young and most have hair or fur.
Q68. It has a single or few number of species.
Q69. The answers will depend on the pictures shown.
Q70. Low diversity.
Q71. Many of the banana plants will be affected/damaged or die.
Q72. Banana plants will be toppled down, some may be washed to other areas, or
whole plantation will be wiped out. Small animals living in the plants will also
die.
Q73. Farm helpers will have no income (cannot be paid by owner) and owner will lose
his harvest and consequently his profit.
Q74. There are corals, fishes, sponges, algae, molluscs, seastars, sea anemone etc.
(Students may give other answers as long as they should be organisms
associated with a coral reef)
Q75. Fishes come to the coral reef to breed, molluscs eat the algae present, sponges
will feed on the floating algae near the reef, clownfish feed on leftover food of
sea anemone, etc.
Q76. Crown of thorns may eat all the algae in the reef that provide oxygen to the other
animals, leading to death of these organisms.
Q77. With high biodiversity, the risk of damage from pest infestation is minimized
leading to better income or profit, low input of pesticides because different pests
feed on different plants, various soil nutrients will be available to different plants
because of presence of other organisms or nutrients are recycled, it can
support more organisms
Q78. Competition among organisms is less as there are more choices for food, more
shelter and water available to organisms, balance of consumers and
decomposers, less possibility of species extinction, support more organisms.
133
Biodiversity is important to ecosystems because of interdependence of
organisms to one another.
Q79. Mango plantation, ranch containing grass and a few trees and cows only, coffee
plantation.
Q80. Actual students’ answers. May include: cure for illnesses, food for all people, etc.
Q81 to Q84. Actual student answers.
Q85. Examples of acceptable answers: Bantay Dagat, Clean Air Act RA
8550(Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998), local resolutions on conservation of
important species and protection of the environment by the town, city or
provincial governments
Q86. DENR, Local government units, PAWB, BFAR Q87.
Actual student answers.
Q88. Actual student answers.
134
Priority Pyramid Page
195
Making It Happen
(Note: These are some examples. Each project to be included should be described
in detail to enable students to match the project to their priority conditions for the
future.)
1. Programs and projects of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of
the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
a. Invasive Alien Species Project
b. New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project
c. The Coral Triangle Initiative
d. Peatland Project
e. Integrated Coastal Resource Management Project
f. Samar Island Biodiversity Project
2. Laws and Policies related to protection and conservation of biodiversity in the

Philippines
a. Republic Acts (e.g., Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999: Republic Act 8749)
b. Executive Orders (e.g., Guidelines for Ecotourism Development:
Executive Order No. 111)
c. Presidential Proclamations (declaring certain places as protected areas
and buffer zones)
d. DENR Administrative Order (declaring certain places for specific
biodiversity conservation activity; e.g., DENR AO 2011-10 declaring
Cabusao Wetland Area in Camarines Sur as critical habitat)
e. DENR Memorandum Circular/Order (e.g., DMO No. 2011-04: Strict
regulation of activities, projects and land uses in all areas proposed for
inclusion in the National Integrated Protected Areas System)
3. The Ramsar Convention and Ramsar Sites in the Philippines
4. Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
5. Organic farming
6. “No fishing” : species, zone and timeframe (e.g., Zamboanga waters: sardines)
7. Herbal medicine
8. Planting of mini-forests in cities and municipalities
9. National Ecotourism Strategy (database of ecotourism sites and protected
areas in each region)
10. Biodiversity Hotspots of the World
11. “No plastic” drive in some cities and municipalities
12. IRRI Rice Seed Bank
13. Species Conservation Programs (e.g., Philippine Eagle Center, crocodile,
tamaraw, tarsier, etc.)
14. SM (Shoemart’s) M.O.B. Day Campaign
References
136
Crisci, J. V., Mclnerney, J. D., & McWethy, P. J. (1993). Order and diversity
in the living world: Teaching taxonomy and systematic in schools.
Reston, VA: The Commission for Biological Education of the
International Union of Biological Sciences in Cooperation with
UNESCO.
Hernandez, R.S. (1993, March). Microorganisms in biotechnology [Module].

Quezon City: UP Institute for Science and Mathematics Education
Development.
Khan, M. M. (1988). Azolla agronomy. Laguna: IBS-UPLB and SEARCA.
Strauss, E., & Lisowski, M. (1998). Biology: The web of life (Teacher’s ed.).
Reading, MA: Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley.
Reece, J. B., Taylor, M. R., E. J., & Dickey, J. L. (2012). Campbell biology:
Concepts and connections (7th ed.). Singapore: Pearson Education
Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II

Textbook. (Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development
Corporation
Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II

Teacher’s Guide. (Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development
Corporation
University of the Philippines Institute for Science and Mathematics Education

Development. (1996). Plants of the Philippines (2nded.). Manila:
Pundasyon sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kaalaman sa Pagtuturo ng Agham.
Links
Extreme Science. (2013). Deep sea hythermal vents. Retrieved from

http://extremescience.com/deep-sea-vents.htm
Globio. Glossopedia. (n.d.). Species. Retrieved from

http://www.globio.org/glossopedia/article.aspx?art_id=34
Karser, G. E. (2006). The prokaryotic cell: Bacteria. Retrieved from

http://faculty.ccbcmd.edu/courses/bio141/lecquide/unit1/shape/shape.html
http://www.stuartxchange.com/Dilaw.html
www.aquaticcommunity.com/crocodiles/philippine.php
137
www.mabuwaya.org/index.cfm?p=1EB9CC43-F1ED-2AA3...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunicate
marinelife.about.com › Education › Marine Life › Sharks
What causes malaria? (n.d). Retrieved from
http://www.davidson.edu/academic/psychology/ramirezsite/neuroscience/psy32
4/rebergner/what_causes_malar...2/20/2013
www.iucn.org/about/
http://www.philippineeagle.org/index?pageval=the thephileagle
138
MODULEUn
it 4 2 INTERACTIONS
In this module, students will learn about the concept of “Interactions” in which
organisms in the ecosystems acquire energy for their survival. Students should
know that all organisms they observe in the environment interact in order to survive.
This module introduces the idea of flow of energy in an ecosystem through
interactions of organisms in the ecosystems. These interactions can be observed in
many ways. Some interactions are beneficial; others are harmful. There are also
interactions in which populations of organisms are neither benefitted nor harmed.
Teachers should also emphasize the idea that organisms interact with each
other and their environment to meet their basic needs and survive. Interactions
between organisms and their environment are also a familiar scene: carabaos
helping farmers till the soil, earthworms burrowing in the ground may contribute in
the fertility of soil which is beneficial to plants, and birds gathering twigs to build their
nests.
Human intervention has had a range of effects on natural biodiversity.

Agriculture has expanded into environmentally sensitive regions. In its natural state,
an area of land that has shrubs and grasses on it has an inherent tolerance against
flooding, drought and insect infestation. Because of expanding lands for agriculture
and diversification of crops such as growing corn, some ecosystems have become
more vulnerable.
In this module, students will identify the roles of organisms in food chains
and food webs. Students conduct a simulation to investigate how energy is
transferred from one source to another. Students will be able to:
• sequence a food chain to show the transfer of energy from one trophic level
to another trophic level
• identify the organisms comprising a food chain and the function of each
• identify the organisms comprising a food web and the function of each
• describe a food pyramid in terms of the amount of biomass or energy at each
level
• analyze the relationship between energy and matter
• analyse the harmful effects of some farming practices to increase crop yield
• identify alternative agricultural practices which can minimize or possibly
eliminate the problem that go with some farming practices
The module has activities that will help students construct their science ideas
and develop science thinking skills through embedded questions. The understanding
139
of these concepts and skills will be strengthened through inquiry-based activities
such as making observation, analyzing information and discovering on their own
relationships and connections from the data gathered. The concepts learned in
these modules will prepare students to tackle more abstract science concepts about
transfer of energy in higher grade levels particularly in the topic of photosynthesis
and cellular respiration.
How does energy become transferred from

one organism to another?
In this module, students gather evidence to understand that organisms in an

ecosystem are tied together by their need for energy. Students execute the
activities that provide them the idea that the Sun's energy is captured by producers
and passed along to other consumers in the food chain. They then demonstrate
their understanding of the flow of energy in an ecosystem by feeding on other
organisms. They will learn these in the succeeding activities. There are embedded
questions both in the discussion portion of the text and within the activities.
Answers to the Questions:

Q1. What raw materials from the environment are needed in the process of
photosynthesis?
Answer: Water and carbon dioxide
Activity
1 How do you iden

tify the
components of a food chain in an
ecosystem?
In Activity 1, students will read a short article about “Monfort Bat Cave.”
Remind the students to read the procedure. Student should answer the questions
within the activity.
Q2. What are the organisms found in the surrounding area of Monfort Bat Cave?
List them down in the table below.
140
Table 1. Organisms found in Monfort Bat Cave
Plants Animals
durian trees bats
other trees crows
rats
pythons
monitor lizards
dogs (untamed)
cats (untamed)
humans
Q3. What groups of organisms are considered producers?

Answer: In this situation, the durian trees and other trees are the producers,
providing food to the bats.
Q4. What part of the durian trees and other trees served as food for the bats?
Answer: nectar, fruits
Q5. The population of cave-dwelling bats is declining because they are being eaten
by other organisms. What are these organisms that feed on bats?
Answer: crows, rats, pythons, monitor lizards, cats (untamed), dogs
(untamed), humans
Q6. Among the organisms that feed on bats, are there organisms that possibly feed
on the predators of bats?  Yes _ No
3. Divide the organisms into the following categories as shown in the table below:
Table 2. Categories of organisms living in the Monfort Bat Cave
Producers 1st Order Consumer 2nd Order Consumer
durian trees bats crows
other trees rats
pythons
monitor lizards
cats (untamed)
dogs (untamed)
humans
4. Based on Table 2, construct a food chain with at least 3 organisms

representing the producer, 1st order consumer and 2nd order consumer.
durian trees
141
Energy bats pythons
from the
st
Sun order consumer 2nd order consumer
Producer 1
Q7. You have just analyzed by categorizing the organisms according to their trophic
level. In your own words, describe a food chain.
Answer: A food chain is a transfer of energy from the Sun in sequence, for
example, from green plants (convert energy from the Sun into
chemical energy), to animals that eat plants, to animals that eat other
animals. The feeding of one organism upon another in a series of
energy transfers is known as a food chain.
Q8. Without decomposers will producers stay alive? Why?

Answer: No. Decomposers act on dead organisms and change these to simple
nutrients which plants can use again. Without decomposers,
nutrients needed by producers will not be available. Producers
cannot stay alive.
Q9. Without producers, will consumers stay alive? Why?

Answer: Without producers, there will be no food for consumers.
Activity
2
Making food webs
Think of the food your family ate for supper last night. Make a food web based
on your meal. Remember, your food web must have producers, consumers, and
decomposers.
Q10. To which group of organisms do you belong?

Answer: Consumer
Q11. Which trophic level do you occupy?

Answer: Answer will depend on the food web constructed by students.
Definitely, humans occupy the top trophic level in the students’ food
webs.
Q12. Which group of organisms has the greatest biomass? Which has the greatest
energy?
Answer: The producers, example grass, cabbage, and shrub – greatest biomass
and greatest energy
142
Q13. Which group of organisms has the least biomass? Which has the least
energy?
Answer: The top consumer: hawk
Q14. What happens to the amount of biomass from the bottom to the top of the
pyramid?
Answer: The amount of biomass decreases at each succeeding level from the
bottom to the top of the pyramid.
Activity
3
Meat eaters vs. plant eaters
Q15. How much biomass of humans can the chickens support?

Answer: 50 kg
Q16. How much biomass of humans can 5 000 kg of corn support?

Answer: 500 kg
Q17. How much biomass of chicken can 5 000 kg of corn support?

Answer: 500 kg
Q18. Which is more efficient in converting biomass of producers to biomass of

consumers – a meat eater or a plant eater? Give your explanation.
Answer: Plant eater; the same biomass of producers (corn) can support a greater
biomass of consumers (humans) than if one were an animal eater.
(Note: The teacher can explain that in the illustrated pyramids, if
each person has a mass of 50 kg. 5 000 kg of corn can support 10
plant eaters with a total mass of 500 Kg and only 1 meal eats with
mass of 50 kg.)
Q19. What gas do plants produce that animals use?

Answer: oxygen
Q20. What gas do animals produce that plants use?

Answer: carbon dioxide
Q21. Describe one way by which the following practices may disrupt a food chain
or food web:
• monoculture
• use of insecticides
• use of fertilizers
143
Note: There are several ways that are suggested in the module. Students can pick
up from the text in the module.
Summary
• Energy flow in the ecosystem is a one-way process. Energy flows from the sun,
to the producers, and to the consumers. An ecosystem consists of all the
organisms in an area interacting with one another and the nonliving
environment.
• Producers such as plants, algae, and certain bacteria capture the energy of
sunlight to produce food molecules. Consumers such as animals eat or consume
producers and other organisms to obtain energy.
• The flow of energy between organisms can be shown by a food chain or a food
web.
• A food chain is a sequence of organisms used as food and the organisms that
feed on them. It starts with a producer followed by a series of consumers.
• A food web shows the complex feeding interrelationships between organisms in

an area. It consists of interconnected food chains.
• Energy flows through different feeding levels called trophic levels in food chains
and in food webs. Producers occupy the first trophic level. Consumers are at
succeeding trophic levels ending with the top or highest-level consumers.
• A food chain or a food web can be arranged in the form of a pyramid. A pyramid
of biomass shows the decreasing amount of matter or tissue while an energy
pyramid depicts the decreasing amount of energy. The greatest amount of
biomass or energy is at the base of the pyramid. The amount of biomass or
energy decreases towards the top.
• While matter is recycled in ecosystems, energy flows only in one direction 1 st

order from producer to consumer to 2nd order consumer, etc.
• People are the top consumers in many food webs. To increase food production,
they use methods which may disrupt food chains or food webs. They have to
learn how to make decisions to correct these mistakes.
References
Campbell, N. A., Reece, J.B., Taylor, M.R., Simon, E.J., Dickey, J.L. 2012. Campbell
Biology: Concepts and Connections. Seventh Edition. Pearson
Education, Inc. publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings, USA.
144
Lantaw - Philippines Outdoor and Travel Photos 2009: Retrieved
MODULEUn March 13 2013 http://www.lantaw.com/2009/10/samal-
3
monfort-bat-cave.html
Department of Education, Culture and Sports. Instructional

it 4 Materials Corporation.
(1990). Science and technology II: Textbook. Quezon City:
Author.
THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
This module revisits the lessons on organ systems taken up in Grades 6 and
7. In Grade 6, the students learned how the different organ systems work together.
In Grade 7, they were introduced to the levels of organization in an organism of
which, organ systems are but a part.
In this module, the students will learn not just the structures of certain organ
systems that work together but also the processes they undertake to keep the state
of balance in organisms. Emphasis will be given on the digestive system.
Four of the major functions of the digestive system are covered here:
ingestion of food, digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste
materials. This module covers also the complementary role played by the
respiratory and circulatory systems in the digestion of food.
How does the digestive system break down food to

nourish the body?
Start the lesson with a review of the different structures of the digestive
system and their functions. These are lessons the students have learned in Grades
5, 6, and 7. Draw out in your review with the students the concept of interaction
among these structures and the importance of such interaction in the survival of
species. Activity 1A may serve as a motivational activity.
145
Activity
1A A gutsy game
Activity 1 is a board game that is played with tokens and a die (refer to the
board game on the next page. This game aims to help students identify the organs
that make up the digestive system and describe the function of each organ.
Moreover, the game should also be able to help students describe the interaction
taking place in the digestive system as these organs carry out the digestion of food.
Guide the students through the procedure. The game may be played in pairs
or in groups of 5, at the most. There should be as many tokens as there are
members of the group. The first member to make it all the way through the digestive
system wins the game. As the students play the game, guide them through the
questions that follow. After they have finished the game discuss with the class their
answers to the questions.
Teaching Tips
13. The game is an analogy

of some
processes involved in
the digestive system
and not a
simulation. As such, it
has its limitations. The
game aims to
help students to
identify the organs that
make up the digestive
system and to describe
the function of each
organ.
14. Discuss with the

students what they
understood about the
concept of digestion and
the processes involved
in the digestive system
146
after playing the game. After which, ask them what other things they would like
to learn about the digestive Figure 1. The human digestive system. system.
147
148
15. During the game, it helps if you post on the board an illustration of the
digestive system or display a model of the human torso -- if available. If not,
the students can refer to Figure 1.
The playing pieces or tokens used in the game represent the food we eat. The
spaces on the game board are a representation of the different parts of the digestive
system through which food passes. Have the students describe the illustrations in
the board game and how these illustrations relate to the digestive system and the
process of digestion. Notice that there are spaces or boxes on the game board that
asks the players to move back several spaces. Ask the students if they can think of
an instance when the food that was just eaten moved back.
Q1. The tokens represent the food that was eaten.
Q2. The spaces on the board game represent the different organs or structures of
the digestive system.
Q3. The directions on some of the spaces describe the different physical and
chemical conditions that affect proper functioning of the digestive system.
Q4. The digestive systems of different representative species of animals are

similar to each other in that they are all made up of a continuous tube
with two openings: the mouth and the anus. But as shown in Figure 2,
certain differences are also noted particularly on the structures that
compartmentalizes the different digestive tracts.
Digestion in Animals
Digestion in animals is carried out physically and chemically. Physical

digestion refers to the physical breaking down of food to smaller pieces; chemical
digestion changes the large molecules in food into their building blocks. In the lower
grades, the students have learned how these processes are carried out in the
human digestive system.
At this point, call the students’ attention to Figure 2. Have them compare the
different structures of the digestive systems of different representative organisms.
How are they alike and how are they different? What structures do some species
have in their digestive system that other species do not have? What purpose do
these structures have in the digestive system of these species?
At the end of the activity, have them visit the library or certain trusted
websites to read more about the parts or structures that are unique to each of these
149
organisms. Ask the students how these structures and their functions are the same
or different from those of humans.
Figure 2. Digestive systems of different representative species of animals.
The process of digestion is not unique to humans. Even the simplest animals
-- the invertebrates -- have structures they use to digest food. Refer the students to
Figure 3 and have them describe the process of digestion in Hydra. The students
should be able to note that the Hydra has a ‘digestive system’ that has only one
opening -- the mouth! This is called an Incomplete Digestive System.
Have the students read more about digestion among invertebrates and have
them name other organisms that have incomplete digestive systems. In your
discussion have them compare the digestive system of invertebrates with those of
the vertebrates.
150
Figure 3. (a) Hollow body of Hydra. The animal takes in food, digests food in its
digestive cavity, and removes wastes through its mouth, (b) is an enlarged part of the
body wall, and (c) the outer part of the wall shows the nematocysts.
Revisit these lessons with the students to help them better understand the
importance of the whole process of digestion. Activity 2 gives emphasis on the
chemical digestion of food. They will discover what enzymes are, which ones are
involved in digestion, and the role these enzymes play in making the nutrients in
food available to organisms.
Activity
1B A sweet break!
Chewing breaks down food into smaller pieces. To help students draw out
the idea of smaller pieces of food being more easily chemically digested, have them
think of what happens when they chew a piece of candy rather than waiting for the
whole candy to dissolve.
Breaking down food to smaller pieces increases the surface area of the food
on which enzymes like the amylase found in saliva act. Amylase breaks down large
carbohydrate molecules like starch into simple sugars. This is why you might notice
that a boiled sweet potato tastes a little sweeter after chewing it for a while. Note
however that the sugar in sweet potatoes is starch; it is the simple sugars released
from the breaking down of starch that tastes sweet.
This activity should enable students to describe what happens to food as it

gets digested mechanically and to infer the importance of breaking down food to
speed up its digestion.
151
Teaching Tips
1. Explain to students that simple sugars dissolve readily in water. They require
little digestion and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Starches are
also relatively simple and are converted to sugars in the mouth.
2. While sugars and starches quickly can be prepared to go into the
bloodstream, most foods are more complex. Ask students to respond to this
question: if they placed a piece of food (lettuce, meat, bread) into their
mouths without chewing, would it completely dissolve in their mouth so that
the body could absorb the nutrients in it?
3. Explain that the digestive system produce many different chemicals called
enzymes that help digest nutrients. Introduce students to the concept of
enzymes and enzyme actions. The following activities will help them better
understand the role that enzymes play in the digestion of food.
Q5. Breaking the candy to smaller pieces increases the surface area of the food on
which solvents like water and digestive juices act. For which reason, the rate of
the food’s dissolution and chemical digestion also increases.
Q6. Crushing the candy represents the chewing of food -- a form of mechanical or
physical digestion of food.
The stomach is made up of muscles that perform both in the mechanical and
chemical digestion of food. These muscles contract and help the stomach churn its
contents; this turns the food into even smaller particles as it gets mixed with the
gastric juices. The stomach also produces hydrochloric acid -- a strong acid -- and
pepsin -- a digestive enzyme. Together, they start breaking down protein. After
digestion of food in the stomach, it gets moved on to the small intestine as a chyme.
Activities 2 and 3 will try to simulate the chemical environment of the

stomach and the processes it carries out to help in the digestion of food.
Activity
2 How do enzymes affect

digestion?
The importance of enzymes in the proper functioning of the body cannot be

overstated. The different biological processes such as reproduction, growth, and
development are all influenced by enzymes.
152
In this activity, the students will be introduced to the nature of enzymes and
their role in the digestive system and the digestion of food. As an introduction, the
discussion on enzyme and its function does not include the chemical reactions in
which they are involved. Note that the topic on chemical reaction will be taken up in
Grade 9 Chemistry.
After performing this activity, the students should be able to infer the role that
enzymes play in digestion.
Teaching Tips
1. Activity 2 simulates a part of chemical digestion that takes place in the

stomach and the small intestine. In your discussion, the students should also
be able to realize that what they observed is not the whole of chemical
digestion. There are other enzymes involved in the process and each of
these enzymes has a specific reaction that it can catalyze or speed up.
2. This activity is best carried out in groups. A week before you perform this
activity, assign each group to bring the materials that will be used for this
activity.
3. It helps also if you have prepared in advance, setups to show the class.
These setups can serve as their guide.
4. Walk the students through the procedure. There may be steps in the
procedure where close supervision is needed such as in the preparation of
gelatin and bromeliad leaf juice. Remind the students of the precautionary
measures they need to observe in handling heating equipment, hot
materials, and hazardous chemicals such as acids and bases.
Q7. Bromelain prevented the solidification of gelatin.

Q8. Observations made on test tubes 2 and 3 showed this effect.
Q9. Enzymes speed up the digestion of food.
Digestive Enzymes
In Activity 2, the students have explored an important part of the nature of

enzymes; they speed up the chemical reactions that help in the digestion of food.
There are different enzymes involved in the digestive system. In fact, there is a
specific enzyme involved in the chemical breakdown of each of the different food
groups.
Carbohydrases -- which include amylase among others -- facilitate the

digestion of carbohydrates – breaking them down into simple sugars, Proteases
such as Bromelain help in the digestion of proteins into amino acids. Lipases on the
other hand, aids in the digestion of fats and lipids into fatty acids and glycerol.
153
Bromelain, which is a protease, was used in Activity 2. It breaks down
collagen -- the protein present in gelatin. This change should have been observed in
test tubes 2 and 3. Bromelain is an enzyme that is naturally present in the leaves,
stems, and fruits of bromeliad plants such as pineapple, kiwi, and papaya.
Enzyme activity of bromelain and the other enzymes is influenced by

different factors such as pH, temperature, and enzyme concentration. There are
certain conditions to these factors that allow the enzymes to work optimally. In the
next activity, only pH will be considered. Here, the students will investigate the effect
of pH on enzyme activity.
Activity
3 How does pH affect enzyme

activity?
The stomach is naturally acidic. This acidic environment of the stomach

helps kill microorganisms to keep the food safe to the body as it gets moved along
the digestive tract. It also enables enzymes to do their job like in the case of
proteases that work best under acidic conditions. Proteases help in the digestion of
proteins.
Activity 3 simulates the acidic chemical environment of the stomach and its
effect on one particular group of enzymes -- the proteases. Some enzymes like a
number of proteases need a certain degree of acidity to optimize their enzyme
activity. That is to say that at a given pH range, some proteases are better able to
help in the digestion of proteins.
Activity 3 should enable students to infer the function of the acidic chemical
environment of the stomach and the intestine in providing an optimal condition for
certain enzymes to speed up the digestion of proteins. They should also be able to
infer the relationship of pH to enzyme activity in general.
Teaching Tips
1. Activity 2 simulates the effect of pH on the chemical digestion of proteins.

This activity is best carried out in groups.
2. Assign each group in advance to bring the materials that will be used in the
activity. Most of the materials they will need in this activity have already been
made available in Activity 2. Replenish only those that have already been
consumed or those that needed replacement.
3. It helps also if you have prepared setups to show the class. This serves as
their guide.
154
4. Walk the students through the procedure. There may be steps in the
procedure where close supervision is needed such as in the preparation of
gelatin and bromeliad leaf juice. Remind the students of the precautionary
measures they need to observe in handling heating equipment, hot
materials, and hazardous chemicals such as acids and bases.
Q10. Digestive enzymes speed up the digestion of food.

Q11. The greatest degree of protein digestion is shown in Test Tube A.
Q12. The least amount of protein digestion is shown in Test Tube B.
Q13. Results show that Bromelain -- a kind of protease -- is better able to speed up
the digestion of proteins under acidic environments.
Q14. Yes, the data support our hypothesis that the greatest degree of protein
digestion will take place under acidic conditions. Or,
No, the data do not support our hypothesis that the greatest degree of
protein digestion will take place under acidic conditions.
(Either way the students answer the question, they should be able to account for
their answers using the data they have gathered.)
Q15. Protein is chemically digested in the stomach and the small intestine.
Start the lesson by revisiting Activities 1A, 1B, 2, and 3 of Module 3. At this
point, they should have learned already that food goes through physical and
chemical digestion. In Activity 4, which is an optional activity for this module, you will
present a video clip to the class. This video clip shows the changes that food
undergoes as it gets digested and what happens to it next once digested. Activity 4
provides an audiovisual summary of Module 3.
Activity
4 A journey into the digestive

system
Activity 4 is an optional activity. A video clip that tracks the changes that
food undergoes as it gets moved to the different parts of the digestive tract will be
shown to the class. Have the students take down notes as they watch the video clip.
After watching the video clip, guide the students through the questions embedded in
the activity. You can also use these questions to start a discussion on the topic.
In your discussion, the students should be able to describe how the different
organs of digestion – including those of the circulatory, respiratory, and excretory
155
systems – and the different enzymes and gastric juices released, work together to
break down food, nourish the body, and maintain overall wellness.
More specifically, the students should be able to explain how the nutrients
are broken down into small particles that can be used by the body. They should also
be able to explain how these particles are absorbed into the bloodstream. In the
human body, most of the process of absorption takes place in the intestine. Inside
the digestive tract, the surface area is increased by folds and protrusions (villi and
microvilli) to allow more contact with the materials that pass through it.
Teaching Tips
1. Activity 4 features a video clip that tracks the fate of food as it is moved all
the way through the digestive tract. You can access the video clip through
this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3O1AdlC8bI. Note however, that
you are not limited to using just this video clip. You can use other similar
multimedia resources.
2. It will help if you watch the video clip in advance. This way, you can help the
students to understand the narration better.
3. Have the students take down notes as they watch the video clip.
Alternatively, you can start discussion
4. After watching the video clip, have the students narrate what they
understood about the video clip. You can also use the questions in the
Learning Material to guide the class through the discussion.
Q16. The video clip shows the changes that food goes through as it gets digested
and moved through the different parts of the digestive tract.
Q17. What was shown in the movie is the digestion of a mashed food for infants.
The food disintegrates as it mixes with the liquid content of the stomach.
Other changes were also shown as the food is moved from one part of the
digestive tract to the other.
Summary
The digestive system carries out the following processes: ingestion of food,
digestion of food, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of wastes (refer to Figure
5).
Have the students describe each of these processes. They should also be
able to infer that all these processes are part of a continuous biological event called
digestion and therefore, are related to each other. These processes work together to
enable organisms to obtain energy from the food they eat.
156
Figure 4. Peristalsis in the esophagus.
In your discussion, draw out from the students the concept of interaction
among the different organ systems. In this particular case, describe how the
circulatory system helps the digestive system in transporting the soluble particles to
the different parts of the body.
In Grade 9, this topic will be revisited to kick start the topic on respiration –
cellular respiration, in particular – and the respiratory system. Interaction of the
respiratory system with the digestive and circulatory systems will also be covered as
well as the system’s role in the derivation of energy from food.
Figure 5. The process of digestion.
References
157
Beckett, B. & Gallagher, R. (2001). Modular science: Biology. Oxford: Oxford
University Press
Goldsmith, I. (1969). Human anatomy for children. New York: Dover
Publications
Guyton, A. (1964). Function of the human body. Philadelphia: W. B.
Saunders Ravielli, A. (1963). Wonders of the human body. New York: The
Viking Press. VanCleave, J. (1995). Jan VanCleave’s the human body for
every kid: Easy activities that make learning science fun. New York: John
Wiley
Link
Journey of the digestive system

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3O1AdlC8bI
MODULEUn
it 4 4 NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
This module explores the connection between nutrition and wellness, the
effects of nutrients in maintaining a healthy body, and how students can apply the
concepts of nutrition to their daily lives.
There are three activities in this module. Activity 1 familiarizes the students
with the food pyramid and the food plate and enables them to track down their food
intake. Activity 2 will lead them into understanding that the human body has nutrient
requirements for proper maintenance, growth, and development, and the severe
consequences of nutritional deficiencies. Finally, in Activity 3, the students plan a
3day menu where they can now apply the concepts they have learned in Activities 1
and 2.
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What are the nutritional needs of our body?
What happens when the body’s nutritional needs are not

met adequately?
Activity
1 Am I eating right?
In Part A of this activity, the students will make a record of their daily meals
for 3 days. Give this as an assignment before the start of this module. Show the
Sample Daily Meal Journal (Table 1) to the class. The Daily Meal Journal will
provide the students with a record of what their food intake is. The journal is not
meant to be shared to the class.
Invite a resource person (a school nutritionist, school nurse, or barangay

health worker) to impart information on what nutrients are important for a healthy
diet. Request the resource person to share the recommended dietary allowance of
nutrients for teenagers.
Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students. Ask the students to gather data
on what local produce are available in their province and two nearby provinces.
Use the Food Pyramid (Figure 1) to classify the local produce they have
identified into the food groups indicated in the food pyramid.
159
160
Figure 1. The Food Pyramid for teenagers recommends eating a variety of foods to
ensure that all nutrients are provided in proper amount and balance. Source: Food
and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology
To wrap up Activity 1, have the students compare their food intake with the
recommended variety and number of servings. Inform them that the recommended
number of servings vary across age, activity level, gender, if pregnant or
breastfeeding, or body size.
Activity
2 What happens when nutritional needs are

not adequately met?
In this activity, the students will be divided into groups of five. Each group
researches on specific nutrients including food sources, functions, and symptoms of
deficiency of the nutrient. If possible, examples of food sources should include local
produce. All of the groups present their findings to the class.
One of the main objectives of Activity 2 is for students to realize that food
directly affects and makes up the structures of the body. A complete diet is
necessary to supply the nutrients that organisms need for growth, development, and
maintenance. Dietary deficiencies in these important nutrients can result in
complications and diseases.
Activity
3 Using essential concepts in nutrition

in planning a menu
In this activity, students will now apply the concepts that they have learned in
Activities 1 and 2. They will develop a 3-day menu that meets the daily nutritional
requirements as identified in the food pyramid for teenagers. Menus should include
161
breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks. Emphasize that their menu should include
food products that are locally available. You may ask representative students to
present their outputs.
4 3 2 1
Criteria Outstanding Proficient Satisfactory Needs more
instruction
Required information All meals are Most of the Some (80% Most of the
in menu balanced in meals are and below) meals are not
terms of the balanced in of the meals balanced in
-variety and amount of variety and terms of the are balanced terms of the
food groups amount of variety and in terms of variety and
-inclusion of local food food groups. amount of the variety amount of
produce food groups. and amount food groups.
-inclusion of required Menu of food
meals includes local Menu groups. Menu does
food produce. includes not include
local food Menu local food
Menu produce. includes produce.
includes local food
breakfast, Menu produce. Some meals
lunch, snacks, includes (breakfast,
and dinner. breakfast, Menu lunch,
lunch, includes snacks, and
snacks, and breakfast, dinner) are
dinner. lunch, missing or
snacks, and incomplete.
dinner.
Decide on the appropriate intervention to help the students improve when the
output reflects that the students need more instruction.
You may wrap up the Unit with this statement: Your body needs nutrients for
growth, development, and maintenance. Eating healthy and balanced meals
provides you nutrients that your body needs.
Q1. Rice, rice products, corn, root crops, bread, noodles
Q2. Rice
Q3. Fruits, vegetables
162
Q4. Fruits – 3 servings; Vegetables – 3 servings
Q5. Include servings of fruits and vegetables in his diet
Sample Output for the Take Home Activity
Province Fruits / Vegetables / Root Poultry / Livestock /

crops / Seaweeds Fisheries
Albay Malunggay Chicken
Rice Duck
Coconut Beef
Kamansi (ogob) Galunggong
Sigarilyas (puro-pagulong) Kuhol
Jackfruit Shellfish
Sweet potato (kamote)
Seaweeds (lato)
Papaya
Kangkong
Mongo
Sorsogon Rice Crabs
Corn Shrimps
Coconut Native chicken
Banana Beef
Root crops Kuhol
Seaweeds (lato) Dilis
Guyabano Grouper (bataway)
Peanut Shellfish
Ampalaya
Santol
References
Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipino Children (13-19 years old). Retrieved
from:http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=16
76
Philippines. Department of Education. (2009). Science and Technology II textbook.

(Rev. ed.). Pasig City: Instructional Materials Development Corporation.
Philippines. Science Education Center. (1971). Plants of the Philippines (2nd ed.).
Quezon City, Philippines: Pundasyon sa Pagpapaunlad ng Kaalaman sa
Pagtuturo ng Agham, Ink.
163
MODULEUn
CELLULAR REPRODUCTION
it 4 5 AND GENETICS
This module will focus on the relationships of the chromosome and heredity.
Emphasis is given on the behaviour of the chromosomes during meiosis to
understand the basis of the Mendelian laws of modern genetics.
What are the different types of cell division?
How are traits passed on to the next generation?
Activity
1 Observing mitosis
In this activity, the students should be able to identify in the white fish
blastula and onion root tip slides the mitotic cells based on the descriptions given.
The students should also be able to distinguish these cells from the interphase or
nondividing cells. Note that during interphase, the chromosomes are not readily
seen because they are thin and uncoiled. For the onion root tip, the interphase cells
have distinct nucleoli, which are readily seen as one or two darkly stained bodies
inside the well-defined nucleus.
164
Answers to questions:
Q1. Centrioles are found in animal cells.
Q2. Cleavage furrows form in animal cells but not in plant cells. Plant cells have cell
walls, which do not permit the formation of the cleavage furrows.
Activity
2 Comparing mitosis and meiosis
In this activity, the students should distinguish between mitosis and meiosis.
At the end of the activity, they should also know the role of meiosis in the production
of gametes. Meiosis produces daughter cells that become gametes with only half the
chromosome number in order to prevent the doubling of the chromosome number
every time the gametes fuse during fertilization.
Completed table:
Mitosis Meiosis
Number of daughter cells produced Two Four
Number of chromosomes is halved. No Yes

(Yes/No)
Pairing of homologous chromosomes take No Yes
place. (Yes/No)
The daughter cells produced are always No Yes

identical in terms of genetic material.
(Yes/No)
The teacher should emphasize to the students that during the S phase of the
cell cycle, each chromosome will undergo replication; from one sister chromatid,
each chromosome will now have two identical sister chromatids. During crossing
over in Pachytene stage, however, segments of sister chromatids from homologous
chromosomes are exchanged. This will result in non-identical sister chromatids for
each chromosome, which is seen in Figure 3 (see below). Thus, the daughter cells
produced during meiosis will not be identical in terms of the genetic material they
contain as a consequence of crossing over.
165
Figure 3. Crossing over of homologous chromosomes during meiosis I.
Activity
3 Tossing coins and probability
This activity would introduce the principle of probability to students using a

simple exercise involving tossing coins. This principle could also be applied to
predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.
In the first part of the activity involving a single coin toss, the students should
discover that because a coin has two sides (Head and Tail), each side would have
an equal probability of coming up. Therefore, a single coin tossed 50 times should
have a ratio of approximately 25 H: 25 T or 1:1. A small deviation might be expected
if the result is not exactly 25:25 due to chance.
If we assume the coin to represent the genotype of a parent, and each face is an
allele, with the head as the dominant allele (H) and the tail as the recessive allele
(h), then this would make the parent a heterozygote.
166
Q2: As with the coin toss exercise, this parent would be able to produce two types
of gametes, one with H and the other with h, each with equal probability of
occurring.
Q2: Assume that by tossing two coins, you are crossing two heterozygote parents,
and each time the two coins face up, the combination represents the genotype
of the offspring. Therefore, the expected ratio should be ¼ HH, ½ HT and ¼
TT.
Q4: The ratio should remain the same even if the number of tosses increases. In
fact, as the number of tosses increases, the closer the results should be in
approximating the expected ratio.
Q5: The results should approximate the expected ratio of Mendel’s experiments
involving a single hybrid cross.
Activity
4 Comparing genotypic and phenotypic

ratios for a typical Mendelian trait
This activity would allow the students to recognize the different Mendelian
ratios based on the different types of crosses involving parents of various
genotypes. The students are strongly encouraged to remember these phenotypic
and genotypic ratios as it would help them solve for genetic problems involving
crosses.
Completed table.
Cross Genotypic Ratio Phenotypic Ratio
1. DD x DD 100% DD 100% dominant

2. DD x Dd (½) DD: (½) Dd (1 or 100%) dominant
3. DD x dd (1 or 100%) Dd (1 or 100%) dominant
4. Dd x Dd (¼) DD: (½) Dd: (¼) dd (¾) dominant: (¼) recessive
5. Dd x dd (½) Dd: (½) dd (½) dominant: (½) recessive
6. dd x dd (1 or 100%) dd (1 or 100%) recessive
167
Activity
5 Filling up the Punnett square for a

dihybrid cross
This activity would teach the students how to solve for genetic problems
involving two loci. In this example, the two loci are both heterozygous (hybrid),
although the technique can also be performed using other genotypes. One thing the
students should bear in mind is that, if the pairs of alleles are found in separate
chromosome pairs, then they should segregate independently of each other.
Therefore, different possible combinations will arise, as shown in Figure 10.
Round, yellow seeds
RrYy
RY Ry rY ry
¼ ¼ ¼ ¼
Figure 10. Gametes produced by a dihybrid genotype.
Once the different types of gametes and their expected frequencies are determined,
then the expected frequencies of the different genotypes can be computed.
168
NOTE: G = Genotype; P = Phenotype
Q1. Since both parents have the same genotype (RrYy), they would have the
same types and frequencies of gametes: ¼ RY, ¼ Ry, ¼ rY, and ¼ ry.
Q2. For RY: 1/16 RRYY + 2/16 RrYY + 2/16 RRYy + 4/16 RrYy = 9/16
For Ry: 1/16 RRyy + 2/16 Rryy = 3/16
For rY: 1/16 rrYY + 2/16 rrYy = 3/16
For ry: 1/16 rryy = 1/16
Q3. There are 9 genotypes in all (see answer in Q2).
Q4. For RRyy = 1/16
For RrYy = 1/4
For Rryy = 1/8
For RRYY = 1/16
169
Activity
6 Phenotypes and genotypes in

incomplete dominance
For this activity, the students should remember that in incompletely dominant
traits, the heterozygote condition is expressed as a distinct phenotype. Therefore,
the genotypic ratio of a particular cross would also become the phenotypic ratio.
Q1. Since the parents produce pink flowers, this makes them heterozygotes (R1R2).
They would produce two types of gametes: R1 and R2, each with ½ probability.
Q2. The genotypes of the offspring are as follows: (¼) red, (½) pink and (¼) white.
Q3. The genotypic and phenotypic ratios are the same: (½) red or R1R1: (½) pink or
R1R2.
Activity
7 Inferring genotypes of ABO blood types

based on the parental blood types
This activity should develop in students the ability to infer the most probable
genotype(s), and therefore the phenotype(s), of an unknown individual if the
phenotypes of his/her family members are known.
Completed table:
Mother’s Blood Type Father’s Blood Type Child’s Blood Type
A or O A
A
A or AB AB
B
A or B or AB or O B
AB
O O
O
170
References and Links
Brooker, R.J. (2008). Genetics: analysis and principles (3rd ed). Irwin/McGraw-Hill.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center. (2 February 2013). How
insulin is made using bacteria. Retrieved from
http://www.dnalc.org/view/15928-How-insulin-is-made-using-bacteria.html.
Klug, W. S., M. R. Cummings, and C. A. Spencer. (2007). Essentials of genetics (6th

ed). New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Lewis, R. (1999). Human genetics: concepts and applications (3rd ed).

WCB/McGraw-Hill.
Philippines. Department of Education. (2004). Biology: Science and

technology textbook for 2nd year. (Revised ed.). Quezon City: Author.
Ramirez, D.A., Mendioro, M.S. and Laude, R.P. (2010). Lecture notes in genetics
(9th ed). San Pablo, Philippines: 7 Lakes Printing Press.
171

Unit 2 Earth and Space

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UNIT 2

Earth and Space

In Module 3, we will take up comets, asteroids, and meteors. Luckily, the

it 2 1 EARTHQUAKES AND FAULTS

Key questions for this module

Why do earthquakes occur?

What is the relationship between earthquakes and faults?

Figure 2. An example of a fault (Image courtesy of the GEER Association and

Q1. As you move the sheets, what is formed in the sand?

Q2. What happens to the lines?

Figure 7. The box covers are pushed toward each

How do faults produce quakes?

2 Stick ‘n’ slip

Figure 9. (Left) Setup before simulated earthquake (Right) After

Q3. What happens to the rubber band?

Q4. What happens to the box attached to the rubber band?

Q5. What happens to the “house”?

Q6. Which is the “fault” in this setup?

3 Stick ‘n’ shake

4. It is challenging for students to transfer what they learned in an activity to real

Q8. What happens when bending becomes too much?

Focus and Epicenter

4 Where does an earthquake start?

Figure 13. Theepicenter

Models C and D show vertical movement. In Model C, a portion of the

Figure 16. Using the model to show different fault movements.

How Strong is the Earthquake?

Table 1. PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS)

I Scarcely Perceptible - Perceptible to people under favorable

III Weak - Felt by many people indoors especially in upper floors of

IV Moderately Strong - Felt generally by people indoors and by some

V Strong - Generally felt by most people indoors and outdoors. Many

When an earthquake occurs, different places will have different intensities.

Magnitude 2 earthquakes are weak. Only instruments are sensitive enough to

Do You Live Near an Active Fault?

Before the earthquake

(Note: Earthquake drills should be led by school authorities.)

During the earthquake

After the earthquake

What to do before, during, and after an earthquake is part of the Earthquake

Figure 17. Active Faults and Trenches

6. The Philippines is no stranger to tsunami. Mindanao had been affected by a

Q13. What does the plastic panel represent?

Key questions for this module

Why is the Philippines prone to typhoon s ?

What conditions favor the formation of typhoons?

Table 1. Tropical cyclone categories

Figure 2. Bottles, caps, and masking tape

as it spills into the other bottle.

Philippine Area of Responsibility

1 Plotting the PAR

Figure 4. Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

Under What Conditions do Tropical Cyclones Form?

Where did the tropical cyclones form? On land or in the ocean?

In what direction did the tropical cyclones move?

2 Tracking a tropical cyclone

Figure 2. Bottles, caps, and masking tape

Figure 6. Track of Tropical Storm Sendong, 2011

Q4. Where did Sendong form?