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Standard #: SC.8.E.5.3
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Distinguish the hierarchical relationships between planets and other astronomical bodies relative to
solar system, galaxy, and universe, including distance, size, and composition.
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
Content Complexity Rating: Level 3: Strategic Thinking & Complex Reasoning - More
Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Assessed: Yes
TEST ITEM SPECIFICATIONS
Reporting Category: Earth and Space Science
Item Type(s): This benchmark will be assessed using: MC item(s) Also Assesses
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.
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.
SAMPLE TEST ITEMS (1)
Test
Question
Item #
Sample The points labeled on the chart below represent the approximate size of Earth, the Milky Way,
Item 1 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?
Dif
N/A
Related Courses
Course Number
7820017:
2002085:
2001025:
2002100:
2002110:
2001010:
2001020:
Course Title
Access M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions:
2014 - 2015, 2015 and beyond (current))
M/J Comprehensive Science 2 Accelerated Advanced (Specifically
in versions: 2014 - 2015, 2015 and beyond (current))
M/J STEM Astronomy and Space Science (Specifically in versions:
2015 and beyond (current))
M/J Comprehensive Science 3 (Specifically in versions: 2014 2015, 2015 and beyond (current))
M/J Comprehensive Science 3, Advanced (Specifically in versions:
2014 - 2015, 2015 and beyond (current))
M/J Earth/Space Science (Specifically in versions: 2014 - 2015,
2015 and beyond (current))
M/J Earth/Space Science, Advanced (Specifically in versions: 2014
- 2015, 2015 and beyond (current))
Related Access Points
Independent
Access Point Number
SC.8.E.5.In.3
Access Point Title
Identify Earth’s position in the Solar System, and its size relative to
the Moon and Sun.
Supported
Access Point Number
SC.8.E.5.Su.3
Access Point Title
Identify that there are planets and moons in the Solar System.
Participatory
Access Point Number
SC.8.E.5.Pa.1
Access Point Title
Recognize that the Moon is closer to Earth than the Sun.
Related Resources
Lesson Plan
Name
Description
Asteroids
Designing a Scale Model of
the Solar System
Earth Science
Quest For Life: Space
Exploration
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.
In this lesson, students complete a paper model of the solar system
that demonstrates both size and distance from the Sun.
Students will understand relative distances between objects
(planets, stars, and galaxies) in the universe. A light-year (also light
year, symbol: ly) is a unit of length (distance), not time.
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.
In this MEA, students will:


Space Telescope: Optics and
the EM Spectrum



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.
Video/Audio/Animation
Name
Exploration of Small Bodies
Science Crossword Puzzles
The Metamorphosis of the
Local Group
Description
 Students learn about the anatomy and properties of comets
 The interactive tool provides means for exploring the
changes that occur to a comet as it travels through space
A collection of crossword puzzles that test the knowledge of
students about some of the terms, processes, and classifications
covered in science topics
 Observe how our galaxy is approaching the Andromeda
galaxy

What is a Planet?
Learn what will happen to both galaxies in about 3 billion
years
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
Text Resource
Name
Jupiter to the Rescue
Saturn's Baby Moon
Description
This informational text resource is intended to support reading in
the content area. Astronomers recently observed an asteroid
crashing into Jupiter. The asteroid may have been on a collision
course with Earth, but Jupiter's powerful gravitational force pulled
the asteroid into it, saving Earth from an impact. The article goes
on to describe Jupiter's composition, some of its 60+ moons, and a
space probe named Juno, which will send back information to
confirm the hypothesis that Jupiter "protects" Earth from asteroids.
This informational text resource is intended to support reading in
the content area. NASA’s Cassini space probe has spotted an
object forming in Saturn’s outer rings that may turn out to be a new
moon. The small shape must leave the outer ring to become an
official moon and be given a formal name. Astronomers are thrilled
to be observing a new moon possibly being “born.”
Unit/Lesson Sequence
Name
Lesson 1 Our Solar System
Description
This complete lesson culminates by having the students create a
solar system catalog. It goes beyond the typical solar system
brochure to include other components of our solar system.
Virtual Manipulative
Name
Scale of the Universe
Description
This website allows you to zoom through the universe to compare
the relative sizes of some common and uncommon things.
Teaching Idea
Name
Solar System Bead Distance
Activity
Description
By calculation and through the construction of a scale model solar
system (based on their calculations where age-appropriate),
students will observe the relative distances of the planets, the
asteroid belt and Pluto from each other and the sun, including the
increasingly vast distance spacings of planets in the outer solar
system compared to the inner solar system.
Student Resources
Name
Science Crossword
Puzzles
What is a Planet?
Description
A collection of crossword puzzles that test the knowledge of students about
some of the terms, processes, and classifications covered in science topics
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