Science Standards
Building upon knowledge and skills gained in preceding grades,
by the end of Grade 8, students will:
Standard 5.9

(Astronomy & Space Science) All students will gain an understanding of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe.

Standard 5.9.8.A Earth, Moon, Sun System
Standard 5.9.8.A.1
Earth, Moon, Sun System1. Investigate the Earth, moon, and sun as a system and explain how the motion of these bodies results in the phases of the moon and eclipses.
Standard 5.9.8.A.2
Explain how the regular and predictable motions of the Earth and moon produce tides.
Standard 5.9.8.A.3
Explain how the tilt, rotation, and orbital pattern of the Earth relative to the sun produce seasons and weather patterns.
Standard 5.9.8.B  Solar System
Standard 5.9.8.B.1
Describe the physical characteristics of the planets and other objects within the solar system and compare Earth to the rest of the planets.
Standard 5.9.8.C Stars
Standard 5.9.8.C.1
Understand that the sun is a star and that it shares characteristics with other stars.
Standard 5.9.8.D  Galaxies and Universe
Standard 5.9.8.D.1
Know that the universe consists of many billions of galaxies, each including billions of stars.