Scale the Universe in Light Travel Time
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"Scale the Universe in Light Travel Time" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers NGSS MS-ESS1-3. A 7th grader who is already steady on Earth and space can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
8th grade science worksheet: convert light travel times from the Moon to the Andromeda galaxy into seconds and mark them on a scale. Answer key included. Part of our solar system and beyond earth and space collection. Aligned to NGSS standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Use the light travel time sheet to set the scale, then the Jupiter sheet as a graphing lab. Finish with the gravity rule sheet and its real planet data.
What students will practice
- Students will convert light travel times in minutes and hours into seconds.
- Students will use powers of ten to mark objects on a light travel time strip.
- Students will compare light travel times for the Sun, Neptune, Proxima Centauri and the Milky Way.
Curriculum Links
Next Generation Science Standards
Science · 8th Grade
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FAQ
How do I use this solar system and beyond worksheet?
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Use the light travel time sheet to set the scale, then the Jupiter sheet as a graphing lab. Finish with the gravity rule sheet and its real planet data.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Convert light travel times from the Moon to the Andromeda galaxy into seconds and mark them on a scale. The directions on the page read: Read the box and the table. Solve problems 1 to 6. Write answers 1 and 3 in the table and the others on the lines. An answer key is included.
Can I use this solar system and beyond worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Earth and space, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What is a light year?
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A light year is the distance light travels in one year, about 9.5 trillion km. Light from an object 4.2 light years away takes 4.2 years to reach us. Scale the Universe in Light Travel Time compares objects from the Moon to the Andromeda galaxy.
Why do closer moons orbit faster?
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Gravity is stronger close to the planet, so a close moon must move fast to stay in orbit. On the Jupiter sheet, Io orbits in 1.77 days while Callisto takes 16.69 days. Students calculate each moon's speed.
Why can't you feel the gravity of a building?
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Gravity between everyday objects is far too weak to feel. A pull large enough to notice needs at least one mass as huge as a moon or a planet. The gravitational pulls sheet asks students to explain this.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Science |
| Topic | Earth and Space |
| Standard | MS-ESS1-3 |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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