Standard #: SC.8.E.5.10


This document was generated on CPALMS - www.cpalms.org



Assess how technology is essential to science for such purposes as access to outer space and other remote locations, sample collection, measurement, data collection and storage, computation, and communication of information.


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
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes

Related Courses

Course Number1111 Course Title222
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.In.11 Identify technology used by scientists to locate, view, and study objects in space.
SC.8.E.5.Su.8 Recognize that scientists use special tools to examine objects in space.
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.


Related Resources

Image/Photographs

Name Description
View the Earth from a Satellite

Choose a satellite to see the current view of Earth from that satellite.

Hubble Satellite Telescope ePhoto Gallery

This site offers images captured by Hubble, a telescope that orbits Earth! You will find images of planets, stars, galaxies, moons, nebulae, and more.

Lesson Plans

Name Description
Proxima b: How Earth-like Is It?

In this lesson, students will analyze an intended to support reading in the content area. The article showcases the recent discovery of a planet orbiting our nearest star that may have the necessary ingredients to harbor life. The possibly Earth-like planet is 4 light years away, however. How might we explore it in greater detail? The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included.

Sea Ice Analysis Grade 8

The changing climate is an important topic for both scientific analysis and worldly knowledge. This lesson uses data collected by the National Snow and Ice Data Center to create and use mathematical models as a predictive tool and do critical analysis of sea ice loss.

Rockets To Pluto

Students will explore current space technology and explore the possibilities of traveling to Pluto. Students will participate in an Engineering Design Challenge in which they will construct and test their rockets to see how far they can go!

An Engineering Design Challenge is a combination of project-based learning, design thinking, and the engineering design process that develops the innovator's mindset through iteration. This lets students use their own imaginations to design projects according to science and engineering processes.

Land Management from Outer Space

In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that explains how ranchers in Australia are using satellite data to more effectively manage their land. The text also describes how NASA's satellite technology is used by farmers in other parts of the world, providing them with data to help them track changes to their land in near real-time and over time. This lesson is designed to support reading in the content area. This lesson includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions and a writing prompt, sample answer keys, and a writing rubric.

NASAnt hire Space Company

This is a NASA-themed, MEA (Model Eliciting Activity), STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) lesson designed to challenge students to solve a real world open ended problem. It also promotes collaboration through teamwork. This particular lesson asks students to assist a client in choosing the best three companies (rank in order) to be considered for hire to launch an orbiter into space. The students' original decision (and "twist") will be based on information from the client's letter(s) and data set(s).

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.

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.

3-D Printers: Cost Effective for the Quality?

Students will compare the cost of pre-made solar car kits to cars made from a 3-D printer. In the second part of the activity, students will research other available 3-D printers and determine what attributes are important to consider. There is also an optional solar panel car race for day 3.

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.

What Spinoff Is In Your Closet? In this lesson, students will research NASA spinoffs. The students will organize their research by developing a report which will include highlights of the positive impact the spinoffs have had on society.
Space Spinoffs

This activity will help students investigate how a metallic coating developed for use in space was "spun off," or adapted, and used to make thermal survival blankets.

Mars Rovers

Students will work in teams to conduct research and compare Mars and Earth.  They will develop a procedure and explain their reasoning to rank different rover models to determine which one could be the best to deploy as a part of Mars Exploration Project.

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.

Asteroids In this lesson, students show and discuss that the planets' orbits follows a pattern, compare sizes of asteroids relative to the size of Earth and Earth's moon, make asteroid models, research impact craters, and discuss the likelihood and effects of an asteroid impact on Earth.
Creativity in Science Scientists and engineers, who know a lot about technology, worked together to create satellites so many different things could be studied. In this lesson, students will learn about the launch of the Swift satellite and the data that the satellite collects and sends to Earth. The focus of the lesson is on the people involved in the project and their careers and cooperative activities. Students also explore the different job roles in the development of satellites and web pages used to communicate scientific discoveries from those satellites, with a particular focus on gamma ray bursts.
Space Telescope: Optics and the EM Spectrum

In this MEA, students will:

  • identify and compare characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, and energy.
  • understand the benefits of studying astronomy using the electromagnetic spectrum and appreciate the amount of knowledge available through data and observations such as planetary images and satellite photographs.
  • assess the value of technology in science for such purposes as access to outer space and other remote locations, sample collection, measurement, data collection and storage, computation, and communication of information.
  • be able to describe the vast distances between objects in space using an understanding of light and how it travels.
  • be able to analyze scientific texts and support their findings with textual evidence.

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.

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Technology is Essential in Science

Technology is essential to scientific knowledge. In this interactive tutorial, you will learn how technology has helped us make scientific discoveries throughout history. 

Perspectives Video: Experts

Name Description
Library of Scientific Plant Samples: Step inside an Herbarium

Listen as Dr. Austin Mast describes how and why an herbarium collects, maintains, and distributes plant samples for scientific research.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Sea Level Assessment using Tide Gauges and Satellites 

Physical oceanographer Gary Mitchum explains how and why tide gauges and satellites are useful for understanding sea level changes. Video funded by NSF grant #: OCE-1502753.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Satellite Technology for Investigating Ice Sheet Mass and Sea Level Changes

In this video, Don Chambers explains how satellite technology is essential for assessment of sea level changes. Video funded by NSF grant #: OCE-1502753.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Remote Measurement of Ice Sheet Mass via Satellite

Watch as Don Chambers explains the role of satellites in measuring the mass of ice sheets and the connections between ice sheet mass changes and sea level. Video funded by NSF grant #: OCE-1502753.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Assessment of Sea Level by Sediment Core Sampling and Analysis

Watch as Brad Rosenheim, a geological oceanographer, explains how modern technology and sampling methods are used for sea level research. Video funded by NSF grant #: OCE-1502753.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Technology for Assessment of Shark Movement Patterns

Dr. Mahmood Shivji explains satellite tag technologies used to assess global shark migration patterns.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Systematic Approach to Testing Pilot Equipment

Air Force Test Pilot discusses the need for systematic testing and collection of data for new flight technologies.

Technology and Oceanography

Some places on Earth can be quite remote, like the depths of the ocean. Get there with technology.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiasts

Name Description
The Relationship between Wing Shape and Flight Performance

Ken Blackburn, an aerospace engineer for the United States Air Force, describes the relationship between wing shape and flight performance. 

Developing and Testing Aerospace Models for Flight Performance

Ken Blackburn, an aerospace engineer for the United States Air Force, describes the design and testing process for developing advanced flight hardware. 

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

High Tech Bird Photography

What does bird photography have to do with Mars exploration? Bird photographers employ lots of specialized technology to capture the right moment!

Produced with funding from the Florida Division of Cultural Affairs.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Study Your Social Network Data

Just about anything can be data, including how you interact with social media apps!

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Perspectives Video: Teaching Ideas

Name Description
Crowd-sourced Herbarium Data Transcription

Listen closely as Dr. Austin Mast explains how students can help scientists by transcribing data from real herbarium plant samples. 

Related Site: 

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Applying Marine Field Experiences to Classroom Practices: Susan Cullum

In this video, science teacher Susan Cullum describes the impact of field research experiences on classroom teaching practices.

This research is made possible by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI/C-IMAGE II).
This research is made possible by a grant from the NOAA Gulf of Mexico BWET program.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Applying Marine Field Experiences to Classroom Practices: Patty Smukall

Listen as science teacher Patty Smukall recounts past and present marine field experiences and how they affect teaching practices back in the classroom. 

This research is made possible by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI/C-IMAGE II).
This research is made possible by a grant from the NOAA Gulf of Mexico BWET program.

 

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Applying Marine Field Experiences to Classroom Practices: Lauren Watson

Listen as science teacher Lauren Watson explains how marine field experiences are translated for the classroom.

This research is made possible by a grant from the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI/C-IMAGE II).
This research is made possible by a grant from the NOAA Gulf of Mexico BWET program.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Online Shark Tracking Data for Public Outreach and Education

Dr. Mahmood Shivji describes a website devoted to displaying shark migration pattern data gathered using satellite tags.

Thumbnail courtesy of 

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

DIY Satellites with CubeSat

What is compact, packed with sensors, and can be built by students? A satellite that will be launched on a rocket. Check out this pilot program.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Teaching Ideas

Name Description
Phoenix Mars Lander A lesson from Nova/PBS that describes the landing of the Phoenix Mars Lander, its purpose, function, and initial findings. The lesson plan provides two ways for students to investigate how the lander would collect data from the surface and the benefits and limitations of different types of space probes to do before watching the video. It provides a 12 minute video to show the Phoenix Mars Lander. Lesson also provides ideas for what students can do after they view the video. Extensions to lesson include pictures of surface of Mars, interview with a scientist and a commentary from Neil deGrasse Tyson.
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.

Text Resources

Name Description
Sun's Nearest Stellar Neighbor May Have Earth-Like Planet

This resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The text includes information on a newly discovered planet that orbits the nearest star to our sun. Proxima b, while close, is actually quite far—more than four light years from our sun—yet it shows potential for life, close enough for the planet to receive radiation and energy from its star. The article also discusses the possibility of sending robotic missions there using new technology that could perhaps reach the planet in twenty years.

Satellite Data Help Australian Ranchers Meet the Rising Demand for Meat in a Changing World

This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article is provided by NASA and discusses how farmers in Australia are able to use digital data provided by U.S. satellites. These farmers are able to use this satellite data to monitor the condition of their land, and enables them to better manage their farms. The author also provides additional examples of how this data is used by countries throughout the world. The article helps demonstrate how space technology positively impacts the world. The text also discusses the impact of human activities on the environment.

Sun Sibling Spotted

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Scientists may have found a star created from the same nebula that produced our sun. The spectrograph composition data, the motion of the star through the Milky Way, and its age all suggest that it is a "sibling" to our Sun.

Curiosity Lands on Mars!

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. In 2012, the rover Curiosity was sent on a mission to Mars in order to explore the planet for signs of life. This article describes the research required to build the rover, its flight and landing on Mars, and the objectives of its mission.

"Genius Materials" on the ISS

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Gorilla Glass on your phone? Magnetic fluid shocks in your car? With applications here on Earth, "smart" materials like these are being studied in the microgravity of space. The programmed rearrangement of particles on a molecular level enhances materials in new high-tech products.

Defying Gravity: Eye-Opening Science Adventures On a Weightless Flight

This article describes a weightless flight taken by student researchers investigating several questions all centering on zero gravity. NASA's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program uses flights by the commercial Zero Gravity Corporation to perform weightless science.

End of an Era

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article describes the history of NASA's space shuttle program as it comes to an end. It discusses the scientific advancements that have resulted from the program and the possible next steps in human space flight.

Tiny Planet Mercury Shrinks Further

The text’s grade band recommendation is based on a text complexity analysis of a quantitative measure, qualitative rubric, and reader and task considerations.

How Many Satellites are in Space?

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article from Universe Today describes the quantity of operational satellites and "space junk" orbiting the Earth. Those figures are broken down by the satellites' various orbits and include examples of the types of objects found in each area.

Urine May Make Mars Travel Possible

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The article describes how technology is developing to not only recycle the water out of human urine but to pull energy from it to help power its own recycling. The text describes why this is a necessary process for extended space travel and how a similar system is already in place on the International Space Station. The text concludes that this recycling method could have several Earth-borne uses as well.

Bon Voyage, Voyager 1

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article describes the accomplishments of the Voyager 1 spacecraft since its launch in 1977. It also explains the arguments for determining the current location of the spacecraft—possibly interstellar space—and what will happen when it begins to shut down entirely.

How Does Going To The Bathroom in Space Work?

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This is a clearly organized high-interest informative text explaining how astronauts use the bathroom, sleep and eat in zero gravity. The web version has a video, library of photos, and many other related sites that students can independently investigate.

91 New Species Described by California Academy Of Sciences in 2013

Technological advances and partnerships with technology companies help with research on biodiversity. Satellites – used in conjunction with GPS-enabled tablets loaded with imaging software – can assist scientists with uncovering, locating, and collecting data on species that would normally not have been discovered.

When is a Comet Not a Comet?

This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. The discovery of a comet-like asteroid baffles scientists and poses questions about its formation, make-up, and changing appearance.

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.

Moon Crash, Splash

This resource is intended to support reading in the content area. This article describes how NASA sent a Centaur rocket attached to a mother craft (LCROSS) to the moon. The rocket detached, crashed and stirred up a plume of debris. The mother craft flew through the debris plume, took pictures and analyzed the plume's contents. The measurements revealed the presence of water in significant quantities.

Video/Audio/Animations

Name Description
Creating New Tools for Exploration

In this video, new observation technologies are presented. National Geographic is developing and using these technologies to better capture the world.

Inquiry and Ocean Exploration Ocean explorer Robert Ballard gives a TED Talk relating to the mysteries of the ocean, and the importance of its continued exploration.
Billion-Pixel View of Mars from Curiosity Rover
  • This interactive tool contains views of Mars taken from Curiosity Rover
  • Students get to observe the a close view of the surface of Mars
  • Snap shots of different things identified on the surface are also displayed
Earth from Orbit in 2012

This video contains a collection of the best images of the Earth taken from space in 2012

Mars Science Laboratory-Curiosity Rover-Mission Animation

This animation depicts key events of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, which launched in late 2011 and landed a rover, Curiosity, on Mars in August 2012.

Gamma-ray Burst Theories

This video clip explores some of the possible theories that might help explain what causes gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Scientists have only been studying GRBs since 1967, even though they originated billions of years ago. Once they were found, it took scientists another four years to determine what these flashes of nuclear energy were.

27 Storms: Arlene to Zeta

This video from NASA presents the 2005 hurricane season with actual data that NASA and NOAA satellites measured. Sea surface temperatures, clouds, storm tracks, and hurricane category labels are shown as the hurricane season progresses.

Student Resources

Original Student Tutorial

Name Description
Technology is Essential in Science:

Technology is essential to scientific knowledge. In this interactive tutorial, you will learn how technology has helped us make scientific discoveries throughout history. 

Image/Photographs

Name Description
View the Earth from a Satellite:

Choose a satellite to see the current view of Earth from that satellite.

Hubble Satellite Telescope ePhoto Gallery:

This site offers images captured by Hubble, a telescope that orbits Earth! You will find images of planets, stars, galaxies, moons, nebulae, and more.

Perspectives Video: Expert

Name Description
Technology and Oceanography:

Some places on Earth can be quite remote, like the depths of the ocean. Get there with technology.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.

Video/Audio/Animations

Name Description
Creating New Tools for Exploration:

In this video, new observation technologies are presented. National Geographic is developing and using these technologies to better capture the world.

Inquiry and Ocean Exploration: Ocean explorer Robert Ballard gives a TED Talk relating to the mysteries of the ocean, and the importance of its continued exploration.
Billion-Pixel View of Mars from Curiosity Rover:
  • This interactive tool contains views of Mars taken from Curiosity Rover
  • Students get to observe the a close view of the surface of Mars
  • Snap shots of different things identified on the surface are also displayed
Mars Science Laboratory-Curiosity Rover-Mission Animation:

This animation depicts key events of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, which launched in late 2011 and landed a rover, Curiosity, on Mars in August 2012.

27 Storms: Arlene to Zeta:

This video from NASA presents the 2005 hurricane season with actual data that NASA and NOAA satellites measured. Sea surface temperatures, clouds, storm tracks, and hurricane category labels are shown as the hurricane season progresses.



Parent Resources

Perspectives Video: Expert

Name Description
Technology and Oceanography:

Some places on Earth can be quite remote, like the depths of the ocean. Get there with technology.

Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.



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