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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,
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
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.
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 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
page 1 of 3 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 Points Number
SC.8.E.5.In.3:
Access Points Title
Identify Earth’s position in the Solar System, and its size relative to the Moon and Sun.
Supported
Access Points Number
SC.8.E.5.Su.3:
Access Points Title
Identify that there are planets and moons in the Solar System.
Participatory
Access Points Number
SC.8.E.5.Pa.1:
Access Points Title
Recognize that the Moon is closer to Earth than the Sun.
Related Resources
Lesson Plan
Name
Description
In this lesson, students show and discuss that the planets' orbits follows a pattern, compare sizes of asteroids relative
Asteroids:
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.
Designing a Scale Model of the In this lesson, students complete a paper model of the solar system that demonstrates both size and distance from
Solar System:
the Sun.
Students will understand relative distances between objects (planets, stars, and galaxies) in the universe. A light-year
Earth Science:
(also light year, symbol: ly) is a unit of length (distance), not time.
Quest For Life: Space
Exploration:
Space Telescope: Optics and
the EM Spectrum:
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:
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:
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
The Metamorphosis of the
Local Group:
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
Learn what will happen to both galaxies in about 3 billion years
What is a Planet?:
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
Science Crossword Puzzles:
Text Resource
Name
Description
This informational text resource is intended to support reading in the content area. Astronomers recently observed an
page 2 of 3 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.” Jupiter to the Rescue:
Saturn's Baby Moon:
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
Description
This website allows you to zoom through the universe to compare the relative sizes of some common and
uncommon things.
Scale of the Universe:
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 ageappropriate), 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
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