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What 8th graders learn, and a free quiz

Eighth grade is the bridge to high school: linear equations, functions and the Pythagorean theorem in math, forces, waves, genetics and space in science, evaluating arguments in English, and US history from the colonies to Reconstruction, with civics, in social studies.

By the StudyWiz teamUpdated October 22, 2026How we write our pages

Try a free 8th grade quiz

Five questions from across the year: two in math and one each in science, English and social studies. Answers are checked right on this page.

  1. MathPythagorean theorem

    Question 1: A right triangle has legs that are 6 cm and 8 cm long. How long is the hypotenuse?

  2. MathSlope and linear functions

    Question 2: What is the slope of the line through the points (1, 2) and (3, 8)?

  3. ScienceNewton’s laws of motion

    Question 3: You kick a soccer ball and a bowling ball with the same force. Which one speeds up more?

  4. EnglishActive and passive voice

    Question 4: Which sentence is in the passive voice?

  5. Social studiesChecks and balances

    Question 5: Which branch of the US government can rule that a law goes against the Constitution?

Pick an answer for each question to see your score. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Every 8th grade topic in StudyWiz

90 topics across four subjects. In StudyWiz, each one is a level with its own 5-question quizzes.

Math

Grouped by the Common Core math domains for grade 8. The codes in parentheses are the ones teachers and worksheets use.

The number system (8.NS)

  • Rational and irrational numbers

Expressions and equations (8.EE)

  • Exponent rules
  • Scientific notation
  • Square and cube roots
  • Linear equations
  • Equations with variables on both sides
  • Systems of equations

Functions (8.F)

  • Functions
  • Comparing functions
  • Slope and linear functions
  • Rate of change and initial value
  • Linear and nonlinear functions

Geometry (8.G)

  • Transformations
  • Congruence and similarity
  • Angles and parallel lines
  • Triangle angle sum
  • Pythagorean theorem
  • Distance on the coordinate plane
  • Volume of cylinders, cones and spheres

Statistics and probability (8.SP)

  • Scatter plots and trend lines
  • Two-way tables

Science

Middle school science standards (NGSS) cover grades 6 to 8 as one band, so schools put these topics in different orders. This is the order StudyWiz uses.

Physical science

  • Forces and motion
  • Speed, velocity and acceleration
  • Newton’s laws of motion
  • Gravity
  • Kinetic and potential energy
  • Energy
  • Electricity and circuits
  • Magnets and electromagnets
  • Waves and light
  • Sound waves
  • Digital and analog signals

Life science

  • Genetics and heredity
  • DNA and genes
  • Mutations
  • Natural selection
  • Adaptations
  • Evidence for evolution

Earth and space science

  • The solar system
  • Gravity and orbits
  • Stars and galaxies
  • Geologic time
  • Climate change
  • Human impact on Earth

Engineering

  • Engineering design

English language arts

Based on the Common Core reading, language and writing standards for grade 8.

Reading

  • Main idea and summary
  • Theme
  • Character and plot
  • Point of view
  • Irony
  • Figurative language
  • Allusions and analogies
  • Citing text evidence
  • Making inferences
  • Comparing texts
  • Claims and arguments
  • Evaluating arguments
  • Conflicting information

Vocabulary

  • Vocabulary in context
  • Greek and Latin roots

Grammar and conventions

  • Gerunds, participles and infinitives
  • Active and passive voice
  • Verb moods
  • Sentence structure
  • Commas and punctuation

Writing

  • Writing a thesis
  • Using evidence in writing
  • Citing sources

Social studies

Social studies topics vary by state. StudyWiz follows a common US order: the ancient world in 6th grade, the medieval and early modern world in 7th, and US history and civics in 8th.

Geography

  • US geography

History: the United States to 1877

  • Native American nations
  • European exploration of the Americas
  • Colonial America
  • The 13 colonies
  • Causes of the American Revolution
  • The American Revolution
  • The Declaration of Independence
  • The early republic
  • Westward expansion
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • Slavery and the abolition movement
  • Causes of the Civil War
  • The Civil War and Reconstruction

Civics

  • The Articles of Confederation
  • The US Constitution
  • The Bill of Rights
  • Branches of government
  • Checks and balances
  • Rights and responsibilities of citizens

Economics

  • Economics basics
  • Personal finance basics

How StudyWiz helps in 8th grade

Each topic above is a level on your kid’s quest map. Five quick questions earn up to three stars, every answer comes with an explanation, and quizzes come in three levels: warm-up, on level and challenge.

When the problem is tonight’s homework, your kid can type the question or snap a photo of the page, and Wiz walks through it one step at a time with a hint before each step. See how hints work.

Tips for parents of 8th graders

  • Linear functions connect a table, a graph and an equation. Ask your kid how the same pattern shows up in all three.
  • In many schools, 8th grade math affects which math class your kid takes in 9th grade. Ask the teacher how placement works at your school.
  • Civics comes alive with the news. Ask which branch of government a headline is about, and what the other branches could do.

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