Benchmarks and Grade level indicators addressed in Episode and related activities:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE GRADES 7-8

B. Explain that the universe is composed of vast amounts of matter, most of which is at incomprehensible distances and held together by gravitational force. Describe how the universe is studied by the use of equipment such as telescopes, probes, satellites and spacecraft.

Grade Level Indicators:

1. Describe how objects in the Solar System are in regular and predictable motions that explain such phenomena as days, years, seasons, eclipses, tides and moon cycles.

6. Explain interstellar distances are measured in light years (e.g., the nearest star beyond the sun is 4.3 light years away).

8. Name and describe tools used to study the universe (e.g., telescopes, probes, satellites and spacecraft).

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE GRADES 9-10

A. Explain how evidence from stars and other celestial objects provide information about the processes that cause changes in the composition and scale of the physical universe.

C. Explain the 4.5 billion-year-history of Earth and the 4 billion-year-history of life on Earth based on observable scientific evidence in the geologic record.

F. Summarize the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, and describe emerging issues in the study of Earth and space sciences.

Grade Level Indicators:

1. Describe that stars produce energy from nuclear reactions and that processes in stars have led to the formation of all elements beyond hydrogen and helium.

Number, Number Sense and Operations 8-10

A. Use scientific notation to express large numbers and numbers less than one.

Grade level indicator – grade 8

1. Use scientific notation to express large numbers and small numbers between 0 and 1.

Data Analysis and Probability 8-10

E. Evaluate the validity of claims and predictions that are based on data by examining the appropriateness of the data collection and analysis.

F. Construct convincing arguments based on analysis of data and interpretation of data.

Grade level indicators – grade 8

9. Construct convincing arguments based on analysis of data and interpretation of graphs.

Science and Mathematics Standards Addressed through Suggested Teacher Interaction with Students:

Science and Technology

Students should recognize that science and technology are interconnected and that using technology involves assessment of the benefits, risks, and costs. Students should build scientific and technological knowledge, as well as the skill required to design and construct devices. In addition, they should develop the processes to solve problems and to understand that problems may be solved in several ways.

Scientific Inquiry

Students develop scientific habits of mind as they use the processes of scientific inquiry to ask valid questions, and to gather and analyze information. They understand how to develop hypotheses and make predictions. They are able to reflect on scientific practices as they develop plans of action to create and evaluate a variety of conclusions. Students are also able to demonstrate the ability to communicate their findings to others.

Scientific Ways of Knowing

Students realize that the current body of scientific knowledge must be based on evidence, be predictive, logical, subject to modification, and limited to the natural world. This includes demonstrating an understanding that scientific knowledge grows and advances as new evidence, is discovered to support or modify existing theories, as well as to encourage the development of new theories. Students are able to reflect on ethical scientific practices and demonstrate an understanding of how the current body of scientific knowledge reflects the historical and cultural contributions of women and men who provide us with a more reliable and comprehensive understanding of the natural world.