Space Investigation Project (8th Grade)

Introduction

Galaxies are vast collections of stars, gas, dust, and other celestial objects that make up much of the observable universe. Astronomers use telescopes and other scientific tools to collect data about galaxies and their components to better understand how the universe formed and changed over time. In this project, you will investigate a newly discovered galaxy by analyzing evidence about its stars, movement, and structures to determine its characteristics, history, and possible origin.

Standards Alignment

Texas TEKS (New Standards)

·      8.13A – Model and describe the characteristics and life cycle of stars.

·      8.13B – Identify and compare characteristics of galaxies and other components of the universe.

·      8.13C – Research and communicate scientific explanations about the origin of the universe.

·      8.13D – Analyze and interpret data from H-R diagrams to determine characteristics of stars.

NGSS (Middle School Earth and Space Science)

·      MS-ESS1-2 – Develop and use models to describe phenomena within the universe.

·      MS-ESS1-3 – Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties and relationships among objects in space.

·      ESS1.A – The Universe and Its Stars.

Teacher Key Included