Biology Syllabus for Class 8 ICSE 2020-21

Unit 1: Transport of Food and Minerals in Plants

It covers the following topics and provides knowledge about them:

• Definition of diffusion.

• Osmosis and its definition, covering the following:

• Examples of osmosis, semi-permeable membrane, active transport and root pressure.

• Definition of transpiration, its importance and the factors affecting the process of transpiration. 

• A detailed explanation of xylem and phloem, their structure and functions.

• Importance of the minerals, including macro and micronutrients and the deficiency diseases caused because of them.

Unit 2: Reproduction in Plants and Animals

It covers the following aspects:

Plants:

• Types of asexual reproduction that takes place in plants. These include:

• Budding, fragmentation, binary fission, artificial propagation with tissue culture, spore formation, etc. 

• Sexual reproduction in plants which covers the following:

• Parts of a typical flower.

• Self and cross-pollination.

• Agents of pollination.

• The fertilization process taking place in plants.

• Artificial pollination.

Animals:

• Sexual reproduction in humans.

• Female and male reproductive system: An overview.

Unit 3: Ecosystems

It covers the following aspects:

• Definition of the ecosystem, the biotic and abiotic factors.

• Biotic components which include namely producers, decomposers, and consumers.

• Definition of the food chain, food web and pyramid of numbers.

• Interdependency between the organisms including concepts of symbiosis, parasitism, predation.

• Forest ecosystem of flora and fauna are covered.

• Abiotic components including air, water and soil and other climatic factors which include temperature, humidity, sunlight and wind.

Unit 4: Human Body: Endocrine, Circulatory and Nervous System

It covers the following aspects:

Human Body Endocrine:

• Endocrine system.

• Types of glands.

• Definition of hormones.

• Hormonal glands and their functions.

Adolescence and Accompanying Changes:

• Changes that occur in the body during adolescence (physical and emotional).

• Personal hygiene and its importance.

• Stress management.

Circulatory System:

• Heart structure and its details.

• Heart diagram.

• Blood vessels.

• Double circulation explaining the circulation of blood.

• Types of blood groups.

• Several heart-related conditions.

• Introduction of the lymphatic system.

Nervous System:

• Types of nerves.

• Motor neuron structure.

• Detailed knowledge of the central nervous system (CNS).

• Reflex actions.

Unit 5: Heath and Hygiene:

It covers the following aspects:

Diseases:

• A brief overview of the communicable diseases

• Vector meaning

• Prevention methods for diseases

• Vaccination and immunization

• Harmful effects due to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, etc.

First Aid:

• Meaning of first aid and the various situations accompanying it.

Unit 6: Food Production

It covers the following aspects:

• Bacteria, its definition and how it is used in the food industry

• Fungi (importance of yeast and its uses)

• Agriculture covering topics of crops grown in India

• Horticulture

• Green revolution and organic farming- an overview

• Animal husbandry