Standard #: SC.8.E.5.8


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Compare various historical models of the Solar System, including geocentric and heliocentric.


General Information

Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Big Idea: Earth in Space and Time - The origin and eventual fate of the Universe still remains one of the greatest questions in science. Gravity and energy influence the formation of galaxies, including our own Milky Way Galaxy, stars, the planetary systems, and Earth. Humankind’s need to explore continues to lead to the development of knowledge and understanding of the nature of the Universe.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

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2002100: M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2002110: M/J Comprehensive Science 3, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001010: M/J Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001020: M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
7820017: Access M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2018, 2018 - 2023, 2023 and beyond (current))
2002085: M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Honors (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))
2001025: M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2015 - 2022, 2022 and beyond (current))


Related Access Points

Access Point Number Access Point Title
SC.8.E.5.Pa.1 Recognize that the Moon is closer to Earth than the Sun.
SC.8.E.5.Su.3 Identify that there are planets and moons in the Solar System.
SC.8.E.5.In.8 Identify that long ago people thought the Sun traveled around Earth (geocentric model) until scientists proved otherwise.


Related Resources

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Which Map Should We Use?

Students will create a working model of the solar system to scale. They will incorporate QR codes to present information on solar system objects, as well as compare the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system.

Solar System Models and Contributors

This lesson will introduce heliocentric and geocentric models of the solar system. The presentation will go through some of the greatest thinkers and their contributions to each model. This includes a presentation, and a foldable template for students to link the contributors to the model and their input.

Models of the Solar System

In this lesson, students will create a poster showing comparisons of historical models of the Solar System, including the geocentric and heliocentric.

Comparison of Historical Models of the Solar System

The students will be able to explain the differences between the geocentric and heliocentric models of the solar system. The students will become familiar with the astronomical tools of the sixteenth century and those of the twenty-first century.

Seeing the Solar System through a Historical Lens

This lesson provides students with an opportunity to investigate the major scientists related to the various models of the solar system. Students participate in a mock trial to determine an appropriate model of the solar system. Students conclude this lesson with a gallery walk of the models that they have produced.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Center Stage: Models of the Solar System

Compare and contrast the heliocentric and geocentric models of the Solar System in this interactive tutorial.

Teaching Idea

Name Description
The Origin of the Moon Most planetary scientists expected that lunar samples brought to Earth at the end of each of the six Apollo missions would confirm one of three leading hypotheses of the Moon's origin. Instead, samples left all three explanations unconfirmed, requiring the development of a new hypothesis for how the Moon formed. This video segment adapted from NOVA shows Apollo 15 astronauts collecting a type of rock that would help change our understanding of the Moon's - and Earth's - earliest history.

Video/Audio/Animation

Name Description
Galileo: Sun-Centered System Prior to the seventeenth century, it was generally believed that the center of the universe was Earth. Galileo Galilei challenged this belief with his published work which supported the sun-centered Copernican theory. In this NOVA-adapted video clip, learn about these two opposing worldviews, as well as the strong piece of evidence he presented in support of the heliocentric theory.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Center Stage: Models of the Solar System:

Compare and contrast the heliocentric and geocentric models of the Solar System in this interactive tutorial.



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