SC.8.E.5.2

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Recognize that the universe contains many billions of galaxies and that each galaxy contains many billions of stars.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Idea: Level 1: Recall
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 1: Recall - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

This benchmark is part of these courses.
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

Alternate version of this benchmark for students with significant cognitive disabilities.
SC.8.E.5.Pa.1: Recognize that the Moon is closer to Earth than the Sun.
SC.8.E.5.In.2: Identify that the Earth and Sun are a part of the Milky Way galaxy.
SC.8.E.5.Su.2: Recognize that the Solar System is part of a galaxy.

Related Resources

Vetted resources educators can use to teach the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Lesson Plans

Amazing Galaxies:

In this activity, students will gain basic knowledge of the different types of galaxies. There is a presentation via Prezi to show, guided practice, and an activity. To measure their understanding, they will create a travel brochure for a galaxy. Students will need two classes or one 90 minute block to complete.

Type: Lesson Plan

Expanding the Universe:

Students will draw three dots on an unblown balloon to represent three different galaxies. They will measure the distance between these "galaxies" and then blow up the balloon in three stages, measuring the distance between the "galaxies" at each stage.

Type: Lesson Plan

Galaxy Exploration: Clear or Nebula?:

In this activity, students will gain basic knowledge of the different types of galaxies. To measure their understanding, they will complete a lab activity that will help them classify pictures of different galaxy types. Students will need two days to complete this activity.

Type: Lesson Plan

Galactic Goodies:

Students will use inquiry to find out how many sugar crystals are in one packet of sugar. They will explore the number one billion and they will use this number to understand how many stars are in a galaxy and how many galaxies are in the universe. They will then create a 3-D model of a galaxy (edible model suggested). Students will then tie all of their information they have learned into a foldable activity.

Type: Lesson Plan

Original Student Tutorials

The Vast Universe:

The universe is so big it is hard to even imagine! Consider the vastness of space with this interactive tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The Universe:

Explore the universe and identify key facts about galaxies and stars, how scientists learn about the universe, and contemplate the massive size of the universe. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Text Resources

We Are Stardust:

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This text examines how humans and all things around us are made of elements created in stars. The article references fusion, the powerful collision of enormous stars, and the intense explosion of supernovas. All of this is tied to the creation of heavier elements that hurtle through space, to be reassembled as distant solar systems.

Type: Text Resource

Baby Stars in the Rosette Cloud:

Images recently discovered by the Herschel telescope reveal the formation of previously unseen high-mass star formations. These new findings help us learn more about our own galaxy as well as star formation, and will lead to a better understanding of larger distant galaxies.

Type: Text Resource

Kepler A Search For Habitable Planets:

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text describes NASA's "Kepler" mission, which uses a photometer telescope to examine our region of the Milky Way Galaxy for habitable planets similar to Earth.

Type: Text Resource

Astronomy Online:

This website is a collection of references, images, and information for general astronomy. This work covers topics from the basics of science and observation through the solar system, stars, cosmology, and telephotography. The material is clearly organized by topic using links to reference materials on the web.

Type: Text Resource

Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades K-8

The Universe:

Explore the universe and identify key facts about galaxies and stars, how scientists learn about the universe, and contemplate the massive size of the universe. 

The Vast Universe:

The universe is so big it is hard to even imagine! Consider the vastness of space with this interactive tutorial. 

Student Resources

Vetted resources students can use to learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.

Original Student Tutorials

The Vast Universe:

The universe is so big it is hard to even imagine! Consider the vastness of space with this interactive tutorial. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

The Universe:

Explore the universe and identify key facts about galaxies and stars, how scientists learn about the universe, and contemplate the massive size of the universe. 

Type: Original Student Tutorial

Parent Resources

Vetted resources caregivers can use to help students learn the concepts and skills in this benchmark.