(1) The benchmark for science content standard 4 at the end of grade 8 is that the student will:

(a) model and explain the internal structure of the earth and describe the formation and composition of earth's external features in terms of the rock cycle and plate tectonics and constructive and destructive forces;

(b) differentiate between rock types and mineral types and classify both by how they are formed and the utilization by humans;

(c) use fossils to describe the geological timeline;

(d) describe the water cycle, the composition and structure of the atmosphere, and the impact of oceans on large scale weather patterns;

(e) describe and model the motion and tilt of earth in relation to the sun, and explain the concepts of day, night, seasons, year, and climatic changes;

(f) describe the earth, moon, planets, and other objects in space in terms of size, force of gravity, structure, and movement in relation to the sun; and

(g) identify scientific theories about the origin and evolution of the earth and solar system.