8th Grade Earth Science Objectives

Links:

PASS Strand:
4. The Universe (reassigned from 9-12 Physical Science)

Objectives:

1. The stars differ from each other in size, temperature, and age, but they appear to be made up of the same elements that are found on the earth.
   
   (This PASS objective was reassigned from 10th Grade Physical Science to better conform to the district's curriculum.)

Time Range:
1st Quarter; Two to three weeks for Strand 4

Suggested Teaching Strategies:

• The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram is plotted and used to help stress that stars are of different sizes, temperatures and ages.
• We also discuss the common colors of red and blue and how they are used to label objects in our everyday life (hot and cold).
• Candle Lab is a guided lab activity in class to help students understand the temperatures that are "hotter and cooler" in fire. Since we cannot get to the stars, we use the candle flame.

Aligned Resources:

• Core Lab 4: Star Colors vs. Temperature
• Chapter 21: Stars, Galaxies and Universe
• Video on universe

Revision Date:
June 2005