MODULE #3

GRAVITY AND FUSION

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: One 50-minute period

MODULE OBJECTIVE:

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:
STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS MODULE:

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

Module Overview

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Components
Brief Description of Module Activities
Student Grouping
Materials / Technology
Engagement Warm-up activity and questions regarding the crushing of a styrofoam cup. Individual or small groups Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions, and small styrofoam cups for the first day.
Exploration Discussion of student answers and presentation of various images of nebulae and regions of star formation. Use an inflated balloon to further illustrate the balance between gravity and nuclear fusion. Small groups Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to show the images and A Human Nebula activity questions. Balloons.
Explanation The sun formed from a cloud of dust and gas that collapsed and underwent nuclear fusion at its core. The greater the size of a star, the greater its gravity, the greater the energy released by nuclear fusion. Small groups Access to the internet: Fusion Animations
Extension Research the history of the hydrogen bomb, or the different kinds of nebulae. Small groups Access to the internet. Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive
Evaluation Students will be evaluated on the quality of their answers. Small groups Rubric (of studentís design if desired)

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:


Unit Flow Chart
Unit Description
Modules: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8