8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Unit K – Earth in Space and Time: Electromagnetic Spectrum and Planetary Images
Overview
Students deepen their understanding of Earth in space and time through learning about how the
electromagnetic spectrum is used in understanding planetary images. Students understand and
practice safe research practices in the classroom laboratory.



Quarter 3, 8 days
Standards Addressed During
Unit
Highlighted Nature of
Science Standards
SC.8.E.5.11
SC.8.N.1.4
SC.8.N.1.6
SC.8.N.3.1
Fundamental Skills:
Knowledge of the planets.
Familiar with electromagnetic spectrum.
Science laboratory safety practices including an SDS.
Coherence
In the grade prior students…
SC.7.P.10.1 Illustrate that the sun’s energy arrives as radiation with a wide
range of wavelengths, including infrared, visible, and ultraviolet, and that white
light is made up of a spectrum of many different colors.
In the future grades students will…
SC.912.P.10.18 Explore the theory of electromagnetism by comparing and
contrasting the different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in terms of
wavelength, frequency, and energy, and relate them to phenomena and
applications.
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Unpacking the Standards: What do we want students to Know, Understand and Do (KUD)
The purpose of creating a Know, Understand, and Do Map (KUD) is to further the unwrapping of a standard to assist PLCs in answering question #1, “What do we
expect all students to learn?” It is important for PLCs to study the standards in the unit to ensure that all members have a mutual understanding of what student
learning will look and sound like when the standards are achieved. Additionally, collectively unwrapping the standard will help with the creation of the uni-dimensional
scale (for use with students). When creating a KUD, it is important to consider the standard under study within a K-12 progression and identify the prerequisite skills
that are essential for mastery.
Unit K - Earth in Space & Time: Electromagnetic Spectrum and Planetary Images
Unit Essential Question: How is the electromagnetic spectrum used to understand images in space?
Standards:
SC.8.E.5.11 - Identify and compare characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, use, and hazards and
recognize its application to an understanding of planetary images and satellite photographs.
Understand
“Essential understandings,” or generalizations, represent ideas that are transferable to other contexts.
The electromagnetic spectrum is used in understanding planetary images.
Know
Declarative knowledge: Facts, vocabulary, information.
1. Understand the characteristics of the electromagnetic
spectrum and its application in space.
Do
Procedural knowledge: Skills, strategies & processes that are
transferrable to other contexts.
1. Distinguish between the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum
such as wavelength, frequency, use, and hazards, while
explaining its application to planetary images.
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Culminating Unit Performance Assessment
Claims:
I can compare and contrast the characteristics of waves in the EM Specrum and describe the hazards and
applications of such waves to space exploration.
Product/Evidence:
Student will choose a type of EM wave and create an illustration/presentation describing the hazards, applications
and examples of what we have learned from using the EM wave in space exploration.
Resources:
Student'Name:''______________________________________'''''Date:''__________________________'
EM'Radiation:''_________________________________________'
'
EM'Illustration/Presentation'
Points'
Possible'
Points'
Earned'
Title'–'Name'of'the'region'of'the'Electromagnetic'Spectrum'chosen.'
2'
'
Where'is'this'type'of'radiation'located'on'the'Electromagnetic'Spectrum'in'
relation'to'other'kinds'of'radiation?'''
2'
'
What'properties'of'the'wave'define'why'it'is'found'within'this'area'of'the'
spectrum?'
5'
'
Key'characteristics'of'your'type'of'radiation'(wavelength,'frequency,'key'
facts).'
5'
'
Is'it'harmful,'helpful'or'both?''Include'evidence'to'support'your'statement.'
'
5'
'
Pictures'or'drawings'–'any'visuals'pertaining'you'your'type'of'radiation,'
these'can'be'diagrams,'pictures,'or'anything'that'help'present'your'
radiation.'
5'
'
How'is'it'used'in'space'exploration?'Identify'and'explain'at'least'two'uses.'
10'
'
What'have'we'learned'about'our'solar'system/galaxy/universe'from'the'use'
of'your'type'of'radiation?'
10'
'
Properly'formatted'bibliography'included'(at'least'3'citations)'on'the'back'
of'the'poster
6'
'
50'
'
'
Total'Score'
'
Comments:''___________________________________________________________________________'
_____________________________________________________________________________________'
_____________________________________________________________________________________'
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Science Assessment Resources
FCAT Clarification:

SC.8.E.5.11 Assessed as SC.7.P.10.1: Identify and compare characteristics of
the electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, use, and
hazards and recognize its application to an understanding of planetary images
and satellite photographs.
Additional Resources
Concept #1
Fusion TE: 310, 316, 319, 321, 323-330
Fusion Lab Manual: 201–203
Fusion Digital Resources:
Interactive Digital Curriculum: Images from Space
Eiscovery Education Videos: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
Understanding the Universe, Satellite Technology, Physical Science: Light,
Exploring Light and Color
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.phys.energy.lp_emspect/
http://dnet01.ode.state.oh.us/IMS.ItemDetails/LessonDetail.aspx?id=0907f84
c80530a51
www.lpi.usra.edu/education/moonPosters/Poster2/backfull.pdf
http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/info/awards.html
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/lessons/indiv/wilder/details.html
Sciencesaurus:
pp. 305-310
You Tube
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7c4-EO7ECE
Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL09E558656CA5DF76
Crash Course: Astronomy #24: Light
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjy-eqWM38g
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Unit K: Earth in Space and Time: Electromagnetic Spectrum and Planetary Images
8th Grade Concept: Identify and compare characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, use, and hazards and recognize its
application to an understanding of planetary images and satellite photographs.
Sample Scale
Sample Performance Tasks
Score 4.0
In addition to 3.0, in-depth inferences and applications that go
I can:
beyond what was taught I can:
 Compare and contrast characteristics of waves in the EM Spectrum;
 Compare the characteristics of waves using the
understand the hazards and the applications of each type to space
electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength,
exploration and everyday life. (Recognize that digitized signals (sent as
frequency, use and hazards and recognize its application
wave pulses) are a reliable way to encode and transmit information
to an understanding of planetary images.
from space such as planetary images)
Score 3.5
I can do everything at a 3.0, and I can demonstrate partial success at score 4.0.
Score 3.0
I can:
 I can:
 Compare and contrast characteristics of waves in the EM Spectrum;
 Identify the characteristics of waves using the
understand the hazards and the applications of each type to space
electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength,
exploration and everyday life.
frequency, use and hazards and recognize its application
to an understanding of planetary images.
Score 2.5
Score 2.0
Score 1.5
Score 1.0
I can do everything at a 2.0, and I can demonstrate partial success at score 3.0.
There are no major errors or omissions regarding the simpler
I can:
details and processes and I can:
 Identify some characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum such as
 Identify some characteristics of the electromagnetic
wavelength, frequency, use and hazards and recognize its application
spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, use and
to an understanding of planetary images
hazards and recognize its application to an understanding
of planetary images.
However, the student exhibits major errors or omissions
regarding the more complex ideas and processes.
I can do everything at a 1.0, and I can demonstrate partial success at score 2.0.
With help, a partial understanding of some of the simpler
details and processes and some of the more complex ideas and
processes.
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Key Learning: Identify and compare characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency, use, and hazards and recognize its
application to an understanding of planetary images and satellite photographs.
Concept: Electromagnetic Spectrum
Driving Questions:
SC.8.E.5.11
1. How are the wavelengths in the
electromagnetic spectrum different from the
Identify and compare characteristics of the
frequencies?
electromagnetic spectrum such as wavelength, frequency,
2. How is the electromagnetic spectrum used to
use, and hazards and recognize its application to an
understand planetary images and satellite
understanding of planetary images and satellite
photographs?o
photographs.
3. What are the advantages of using different
types of radiation when creating images of
objects in space? an object’s
Sample Formative Assessment Task:
Sunlight is composed of energy that is visible to
humans and energy that is not visible to humans.
Which statement describes how the visible
energy from the Sun is different from the
nonvisible energy?
A. It travels at a different speed.
B. It travels a different distance.
C. It has different wavelengths.
D. It has different amplitudes.
Student Investigations:
Investigate the EMS with this Manipulative
Vocabulary
electromagnetic spectrum, spectrum, electromagnetic
radiation, wavelength, frequency
Research the Uses of the EMS
What’s the Frequency? EMS Inquiry
What advantage does having ultraviolet vision
give bees?
8th Grade Comprehensive Science 3 - 2016-2017
Resources
Student Text:
Pgs. 240-269
Electromagnetic Energy
http://missionscience.nasa.gov/ems/01_intro.html
Student Misconceptions:
Deeper Learning Opportunities:
StarLab resources are available on Canvas:
https://pasco.instructure.com/courses/846/page
s/secondary-science
Motion of Celestial Bodies; 2.1 Telescopes
What is the Electronic Spectrum?
http://earthsky.org/space/what-is-theelectromagnetic-spectrum
Tour of the Electromagnetic Spectrum
(download the PDF)