STANDARD 5.9 (Astronomy and Space Science) — All students will gain an understanding of the origin, evolution, and structure of the universe.

DESCRIPTIVE STATEMENT: The study of science should include a study of the planet Earth and its relationship to the rest of the universe. This standard describes what students should know about astronomy and space science, while Standard 5.8 describes what students should know about the composition of the earth and the forces that shape it.

CUMULATIVE PROGRESS INDICATORS: Building upon knowledge and skills gained in the preceding grades, by the end of Grade 12, students will...

1. Earth, Moon, Sun System
   1. Reinforce indicators from previous grade level.
2. Solar System
   1. Explain that our solar system coalesced from a nebular cloud of gas and dust left from exploding stars.
3. Stars
   1. Describe the physical characteristics, stages of development, and the apparent motions of stars.
4. Galaxies and Universe
   1. Describe data gathering and observation technologies and explain how they are used to explore the solar system and beyond.
   1. Cite evidence to describe the scientific theory of the origin of the universe and the current explanations of its evolution.