TEKS Addressed: 8.1A, 8.2A, 8.2C, 8.2D, 8.2E, 8.3A, 8.3B, 8.3C, 8.3D, 8.4A, 8.4B, 8.8A, 8.8B, 8.8C, 8.8D

Introduction

This unit bundles Student Expectations that address components and characteristics of the universe. Astronomers use different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum to gain information about the components of the universe, which can be classified by their composition, location, and physical properties.

Prior to this Unit

• Grade 5

  • 5.8D – Identify and compare the physical characteristics of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

• Grade 6

  • 6.11A – Describe the physical properties, locations, and movements of the Sun, planets, moons, meteors, asteroids, and comets.

During this Unit

Students use scientific practices and a variety of tools to investigate and describe the components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies. They identify how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum are used to gain information about components in the universe. Students also recognize that the Sun is a medium-sized star located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy and that the Sun is many thousands of times closer than any other star. Moreover, students use the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram for classification of stars. In addition, students research how scientific data are used as evidence to develop scientific theories in order to describe the origin of the universe. Additionally, students communicate and discuss their observations and record and organize data in their notebooks. Furthermore, students analyze and interpret information to construct reasonable explanations based on evidence from their investigations and communicate valid conclusions (supported by collected data). Students continue to demonstrate safe practices as outlined in the Texas Education Agency-approved safety standards and consider environmentally appropriate and ethical practices with resources during investigations.

After this Unit

The electromagnetic spectrum will be studied in greater depth in high school Physics. Components of the universe may be studied in elective space science courses in high school.

Additional Notes

STAAR Note

The Grade 8 Science STAAR will directly assess Student Expectations in the following Reporting Categories:

• Reporting Category 3: Earth and Space

  • 8.8A – Readiness Standard

  • 8.8B – Supporting Standard

  • 8.8C – Supporting Standard

Research

“By the end of 8th grade, students should know that:

• The sun is a medium-sized star located near the edge of a disc-shaped galaxy of stars, part of which can be seen as a glowing band of light that spans the sky on a very clear night. 4A/M1a

• The universe contains many billions of galaxies, and each galaxy contains many billions of stars. To the naked eye, even the closest of these galaxies is no more than a dim, fuzzy spot. 4A/M1bc

• Some distant galaxies are so far away that their light takes several billion years to reach the earth. People on earth see them as they were that long ago in the past. 4A/M2de”

• There are a great variety of electromagnetic waves: radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. These wavelengths vary from radio waves, the longest, to gamma rays, the shortest. 4F/M8** (BSL)

American Association for the Advancement of Science. (2009). Benchmarks on-line. Retrieved from http://www.project2061.org/publications/bsl/online/index.php?chapter=4#A3.