Texas TEKS 8.9.B

Science8th GradeEarth and space

The Standard

categorize galaxies as spiral, elliptical, and irregular and locate Earth's solar system within the Milky Way galaxy

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Science

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students examine galaxy images and group them by visible shape, such as arms, smooth ovals, or no regular form. They place Earth’s solar system in the Orion Spur of the Milky Way.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students correctly sort unfamiliar galaxy images and support each choice with visible evidence. They can draw a labeled diagram showing Earth inside the solar system, which lies inside the Milky Way.
Common Misconceptions: Students may confuse a galaxy with a solar system or think the Milky Way contains the whole universe. They may classify galaxies by color or size instead of shape. Some place the solar system at the Milky Way’s center.
How to Assess It: Give students three unlabeled galaxy images and a blank Milky Way diagram. Ask them to label each galaxy type and mark the solar system’s approximate location.

Lesson moves

Give pairs printed galaxy cards to sort into three hoops, then require one written observation on each card.
Ask students to explain why a smooth oval galaxy does not belong with a galaxy showing curved arms.
Play a gallery walk game where teams classify posted galaxy images and earn points for accurate visual evidence.
Compare Earth’s cosmic address to a mailing address using nested cards labeled Earth, solar system, Milky Way, and universe.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 8.9.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

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