8th Grade (SCI) Earth Space Science Standards [ESS1] Earth’s Place in the Universe
SCI-MS.ESS1.02 Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions
within galaxies and the solar system..
Clarification Statement: Emphasis for the model is on gravity as the force that holds together the solar system and Milky Way
galaxy and controls orbital motions within them. Examples of models can be physical (such as the analogy
of distance along a football field or computer visualizations of elliptical orbits) or conceptual (such as
mathematical proportions relative to the size of familiar objects such as students’ school or state). Disciplinary Core Ideas ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
Earth and its solar system are part of the Milky
Way galaxy, which is one of many galaxies in
the universe.
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
The solar system consists of the sun and a
collection of objects, including planets, their
moons, and asteroids that are held in orbit
around the sun by its gravitational pull on
them. The solar system appears to have
formed from a disk of dust and gas, drawn
together by gravity.
Student Learning Targets:
Knowledge Targets
I can describe the shape of orbits.
I can describe the change in gravitational force as mass and distance change.
Reasoning Targets
I can explain why planets revolve faster as they approach the sun.
Skills (Performance) Targets
I can relate a planet’s period of revolution to its distance from the sun.
Product Targets
I can
Proficiency Scale
The Student can ...
1 Beginning
... with help, demonstrate a partial understanding of some of the simpler details and processes (Score 2.0 content) and some of the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
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2 Developing
... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler details and processes but exhibits major errors or omissions regarding the more complex ideas and processes (Score 3.0 content).
describe the shape of orbits.
describe the change in gravitational force as mass and distance change.
3 Proficient
“The Standard.” ... demonstrate no major errors or omissions regarding any of the information and processes that were end of instruction expectations.
explain why planets revolve faster as they approach the sun.
relate a planet’s period of revolution to its distance from the sun.
4 Advanced
... demonstrate in-depth inferences and applications regarding more complex material that go beyond end of instruction expectations.
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8th Grade (SCI) Earth Space Science Standards