SC.8.E.5.12

Summarize the effects of space exploration on the economy and culture of Florida.
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 8
Body of Knowledge: Earth and Space Science
Idea: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts
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
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved

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.4: Recognize a technology tool created for space exploration and adapted for personal use, such as computers, telescopes, or satellites.
SC.8.E.5.In.13: Identify effects of space research and exploration on Florida’s economy.
SC.8.E.5.Su.9: Identify an effect space exploration has had on Florida’s economy.

Related Resources

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

Lesson Plans

Space Race to Mars:

Students will investigate current and potential impacts of the space program on citizens of Florida, relating this to the responsibilities of citizens to be informed and vote to influence tax-funded government programs. They will research the impact of NASA on the economy and ecosystems of Florida and weigh pros and cons of funding a program aimed at exploring Mars. Students will take a position and develop a commercial to convince the public to vote for or against funding this program in this integrated lesson plan.

Type: Lesson Plan

NASA and the Space Program Change Florida: The Space Program Changes the Economy and Culture of Florida:

The Soviet Union launched Sputnik I, the first man-made satellite, into space in 1957. Americans watched the Soviet satellite beeping and blinking across the American night sky. Sputnik I weighed only 184 pounds and could do little more than beep, but many people worried that this meant the United States was losing the race to develop space technology.

Pressure exploded from United States politicians and the American public demanding that the country catch up and increase investment in rocket technology and aeronautics. In this lesson students will analyze the film Florida: Moonport USA to describe the effect of the United States space program on Florida's economy, growth and culture.

Type: Lesson Plan

NASA: Roving for the right wheel! 3D + MEA:

In this MEA, students will evaluate wheel designs from different companies to determine which wheel is appropriate for the mission. Further 3D printing is integrated by 3D printing different wheel models which can be directly tested using a LEGO Mindsorms Robot or Simple Rubber Band Powered Sled and different Regolith Simulants for the Moon and Titan.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Type: Lesson Plan

Blast off! The Space Coast and the Economy:

In this lesson, students will research and summarize the effects of space exploration on the economy and culture of Florida and then create a giant flowchart.

Type: Lesson Plan

Presentation/Slideshow

NASA Spinoff Website:

This website contains information about technologies developed and discoveries made as a result of NASA space research. It also contains links to the NASA Spinoff Virtual Manipulative, NASA Spinoff Game, NASA Exploration and Innovation Timeline Poster, Spinoff Flyers, a Spinoff Powerpoint, and Spinoff Magazine.

Type: Presentation/Slideshow

Text Resource

Kennedy Space Center Annual Report 2012:

The 2012 Report of the Kennedy Space Center includes significant events, engineering achievements, partnerships, environmental work, education work, and outreach. In addition, the final section includes the economic impact and work force diversity.

Type: Text Resource

STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity

NASA: Roving for the right wheel! 3D + MEA:

In this MEA, students will evaluate wheel designs from different companies to determine which wheel is appropriate for the mission. Further 3D printing is integrated by 3D printing different wheel models which can be directly tested using a LEGO Mindsorms Robot or Simple Rubber Band Powered Sled and different Regolith Simulants for the Moon and Titan.

Model Eliciting Activities, MEAs, are open-ended, interdisciplinary problem-solving activities that are meant to reveal students’ thinking about the concepts embedded in realistic situations. Click here to learn more about MEAs and how they can transform your classroom.

Student Resources

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

Parent Resources

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

Presentation/Slideshow

NASA Spinoff Website:

This website contains information about technologies developed and discoveries made as a result of NASA space research. It also contains links to the NASA Spinoff Virtual Manipulative, NASA Spinoff Game, NASA Exploration and Innovation Timeline Poster, Spinoff Flyers, a Spinoff Powerpoint, and Spinoff Magazine.

Type: Presentation/Slideshow

Text Resource

Kennedy Space Center Annual Report 2012:

The 2012 Report of the Kennedy Space Center includes significant events, engineering achievements, partnerships, environmental work, education work, and outreach. In addition, the final section includes the economic impact and work force diversity.

Type: Text Resource