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Item Type(s):
This benchmark may be assessed using:
MC
item(s)
Also Assesses - Clarification :
Students will compare and/or contrast the relative distance, relative size, and general composition of astronomical bodies in the universe.
Students will describe distances between objects in space in the context of light and space travel.
Students will describe that the universe contains billions of galaxies and stars. - Content Limits :
Items assessing astronomical bodies are limited to planets, stars, moons, asteroids, nebulae, galaxies, dwarf planets, and comets.
Items will not assess the order of the planets from the Sun in our solar system in isolation.
Items will not require memorization of quantitative astronomical data.
Items will not assess the specific chemical composition of astronomical bodies.
Items will not require calculations but may require comparison or use of quantitative data, including tables. - Stimulus Attributes :
Distances will be given in units of astronomical units (AU) or light- years. - Response Attributes :
Distances will be given in units of astronomical units (AU) or light- years. - Prior Knowledge :
Items may require the student to apply science knowledge described in the NGSSS from lower grades. This benchmark requires prerequisite knowledge from SC.5.E.5.1, SC.5.E.5.2, and SC.5.E.5.3.
SC.8.E.5.1 Recognize that there are enormous distances between objects in space and apply our knowledge of light and space travel to understand this distance.
SC.8.E.5.2 Recognize that the universe contains many billions of galaxies and that each galaxy contains many billions of stars.
- Test Item #: Sample Item 1
- Question: The points labeled on the chart below represent the approximate size of Earth, the Milky Way, the Moon, and the Sun. The approximate size of the solar system is also shown.
which point on the chart best represents the approximate size of the sun? - Difficulty: N/A
- Type: MC: Multiple Choice
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Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorial
Unit/Lesson Sequence
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STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity
Students must decide the destination of a multi-billion dollar space flight to an unexplored world. The location must be selected based on its potential for valuable research opportunities. Some locations may have life, while others could hold the answers to global warming or our energy crisis. Students must choose the destination that they feel will be most helpful to human-kind.
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.
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 Tutorials Science - Grades K-8
Learn about the variety and amazing features of our universe in this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorial
Learn about the variety and amazing features of our universe in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Video/Audio/Animations
This video provides a historical background about the definition of a planet and how different objects discovered in space were classified as planets or fir into a different category
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
A collection of crossword puzzles that test the knowledge of students about some of the terms, processes, and classifications covered in science topics
Type: Video/Audio/Animation