In 8th-grade physics, students in the United States typically learn foundational concepts such as motion, forces, energy, and waves. This curriculum aims to build upon the basic principles introduced in earlier grades and prepare students for more advanced science courses in high school. Key topics include the laws of motion, forces, gravity, energy conservation, and the properties of waves.

The emphasis on these topics is due to their foundational nature in the study of physics. According to the National Science Education Standards, 8th-grade students should be able to understand the relationships between force, mass, and acceleration, as well as the concept of energy transfer. This knowledge is crucial for developing a strong foundation in science and for future studies in physics, engineering, and related fields. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 2019 indicates that 8th-grade students in the U.S. scored an average of 153 out of 300 in science, with a significant portion of the questions related to physics concepts. This suggests that the current curriculum is effective in covering essential physics topics at this grade level.