8th Grade Science Unit 6

Big Idea:

Our universe is composed of a variety of stars and galaxies in which information about these components is gathered by identifying energy emitted through wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

8.8(A) [Readiness] Describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae and galaxies, and use models such as the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for classification.

Focus TEKS

8.8(B) [Supporting] Recognize that the Sun is a medium-sized star located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy and the Sun is many thousands of times closer to Earth than any other star.

8.8(C) [Supporting] Identify how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as visible light and radio waves are used to gain information about components in the universe.

8.8(D) [Supporting] Research how scientific data are used as evidence to develop scientific theories to describe the origin of the universe.

Ongoing TEKS

8.1(A) [Tools to Know] Demonstrate safe practices during laboratory and field investigations as outlined in the Texas Safety Standards.

8.1(B) [Tools to Know] practice appropriate use and conservation of resources, including disposal, reuse, or recycling of materials

8.2(A) [Tools to Know] Plan and implement comparative and descriptive investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, and using appropriate equipment and technology.

8.2(B) [Tools to Know] design and implement comparative and experimental investigations by making observations, asking well-defined questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and using appropriate equipment and technology

8.2(C) [Ways to Show] Collect and record data using the International System of Units (SI) and qualitative means such as labeled drawings, writing, and graphic organizers

8.2(D) [Ways to Show] construct tables and graphs, using repeated trials and means, to organize data and identify patterns

8.2(E) [Ways to Show] analyze data to formulate reasonable explanations, communicate valid conclusions supported by the data, and predict trends

8.3(A) [Ways to Show] In all fields of science, analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student

8.3(B) [Ways to Show] use models to represent aspects of the natural world such as an atom, a molecule, space, or a geologic feature

8.3(C) [Ways to Show] identify advantages and limitations of models such as size, scale, properties, and materials

8.3(D) [Ways to Show] relate the impact of research on scientific thought and society, including the history of science and contributions of scientists as related to the content

8.4(A) [Tools to Know] ) use appropriate tools to collect, record, and analyze information, including lab journals/notebooks, beakers, meter sticks, graduated cylinders, anemometers, psychrometers, hot plates, test tubes, spring scales, balances, microscopes, thermometers, calculators, computers, spectroscopes, timing devices, and other equipment as needed to teach the curriculum

8.4(B) [Tools to Know] use preventative safety equipment, including chemical splash goggles, aprons, and gloves, and be prepared to use emergency safety equipment, including an eye/face wash, a fire blanket, and a fire extinguisher

Student Learning Targets:

• I will classify stars according to their temperature, color and mass using an HR Diagram.
• I will predict the life cycle of a star based on its mass.
• I will identify galaxies based on their shape.
• I will identify the location of the Sun in the Milky Way Galaxy.

Essential Questions:

• What is the difference between an astronomical unit and a light year?
• How do scientists classify stars?
• What is the life cycle of a star?
• Where is the location of the Sun in in relation to the Milky Way Galaxy?
• How do scientist use the electromagnetic spectrum to identify the components of the Universe?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Texas STEM, McGraw-Hill

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center