-
Item Type(s):
This benchmark may be assessed using:
MC
item(s)
Also Assesses - Clarification :
Students will describe and/or classify physical properties of stars: apparent magnitude, temperature (color), size, and absolute brightness.
Students will evaluate models of solar properties and/or explain solar characteristics, including rotation, structure of the Sun, convection, sunspots, solar flares, and prominences. - Content Limits :
Items addressing stars will focus on main sequence stars and their properties.
Items will not assess stages of stellar evolution.
Items will not assess the specific chemical composition of stars. - Stimulus Attributes :
Distances will be given in units of astronomical units (AU) or light-years.
The phrase absolute brightness should be used rather than luminosity. - 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.3.E.5.1, SC.3.E.5.2, SC.3.E.5.3, and SC.5.E.5.1.
SC.8.E.5.6 Create models of solar properties including: rotation, structure of the Sun, convection, sunspots, solar flares, and prominences.
- Test Item #: Sample Item 1
- Question: One physical property of a star is apparent magnitude. Which of the following is used in determining the apparent magnitude of a star?
- Difficulty: N/A
- Type: MC: Multiple Choice
Related Courses
Related Access Points
Related Resources
Lesson Plans
Original Student Tutorial
Text Resources
Virtual Manipulatives
STEM Lessons - Model Eliciting Activity
In this Model Eliciting Activity (MEA), students will categorize a list of stars based on absolute brightness, size, and temperature. Students will analyze astronomical data presented in charts and plot their data on a special graph called a Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram (H-R Diagram). Using this diagram, they must determine the proper classification of individual stars. Using their data analysis, students completing this MEA will develop two short essay responses to a professional client indicating which stars are Main Sequence Stars and which ones are White Dwarfs, Giants, or Supergiants.
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
Discover how scientists classify stars according to their brightness, temperature, color, and size in this interactive tutorial.
Student Resources
Original Student Tutorial
Discover how scientists classify stars according to their brightness, temperature, color, and size in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Virtual Manipulatives
This interactive lab explores the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram in areas of spectrum, classification, luminosity, and temperature. The simulator plots stars according to the areas you chose to explore.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
This is a great resource with online lessons providing inquiry as you learn about the life cycle of the star as well as the usages of the H-R diagram. The images provide a conceptual understanding of the life cycle of the star and how it applies to the H-R diagram. You will enjoy the interactive lab tools as well as the online formative assessment questions.
Type: Virtual Manipulative