Standard 8.E.4: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the universe and the predictable patterns caused by Earth’s movement in the solar system.
8.E.4A. Conceptual Understanding: Earth’s solar system is part of the Milky Way Galaxy, which is one of many galaxies in the universe. The planet Earth is a tiny part of a vast universe that has developed over a span of time beginning with a period of extreme and rapid expansion. Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
8.E.4A.1 Obtain and communicate information to model the position of the Sun in the universe, the shapes and composition of galaxies, and the measurement unit needed to identify star and galaxy locations.
8.E.4A.2 Construct and analyze scientific arguments to support claims that the universe began with a period of extreme and rapid expansion using evidence from the composition of stars and gases and the motion of galaxies in the universe.
8.E.4B. Conceptual Understanding: Earth’s solar system consists of the Sun and other objects that are held in orbit around the Sun by its gravitational pull on them. Motions within the Earth-MoonSun system have effects that can be observed on Earth.
Performance Indicators: Students who demonstrate this understanding can:
8.E.4B.1 Obtain and communicate information to model and compare the characteristics and movements of objects in the solar system (including planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and meteors).
8.E.4B.2 Construct explanations for how gravity affects the motion of objects in the solar system and tides on Earth.
8.E.4B.3 Develop and use models to explain how seasons, caused by the tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the Sun, affects the length of the day and the amount of heating on Earth’s surface.
8.E.4B.4 Develop and use models to explain how motions within the Sun-Earth-Moon system cause Earth phenomena (including day and year, moon phases, solar and lunar eclipses, and tides).
8.E.4B.5 Obtain and communicate information to describe how data from technologies (including telescopes, spectroscopes, satellites, space probes) provide information about objects in the solar system and the universe.
8.E.4B.6 Analyze and interpret data from the surface features of the Sun (including photosphere, corona, sunspots, prominences, and solar flares) to predict how these features may affect Earth.