The Hertzprung-Russell Diagram

MODULE #4

THE HERTZPRUNG-RUSSELL DIAGRAM

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: One 50-minute period

MODULE OBJECTIVE:

Students will be able to describe the relationship between stellar mass, luminosity, temperature and "lifetime".

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:

The size of a star determines its brightness and lifetime.
The color of a star indicates its surface temperature.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS MODULE:

AAAS Project 2061 Benchmarks

The stars differ from each other in size, temperature, and age, but they appear to be made up of the same elements that are found on the earth and to behave according to the same physical principles. Unlike the sun, most stars are in systems of two or more stars orbiting around one another. (4A, Grades 9-12)
Mathematical models and computer simulations are used in studying evidence from many sources in order to form a scientific account of the universe. (4A, Grades 9-12)

Maryland State Department of Education High School Science Core Learning Goals

The student will use a variety of resources to identify techniques used to investigate Earth and the Universe.

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

Image Presentation
Parallel Problem Solving

Module Overview

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Components Brief Description of Module Activities Student Grouping Materials / Technology

Engagement Students are asked to speculate about the relationship between color and temperature. Individual or small groups Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions. Candles

Exploration Discussion of student answers, including color and temperature in art where the relationship is opposite of that in physics. Problem Solving Activity (PSA): The HR Diagram Individual or small groups Internet access for PSA. HR Diagram Simulator

Explanation The evolution of a star is largely determined by its initial mass. Large stars burn their fuel fast and have short lives. Small stars burn fuel slowly and last a long time. The main sequence is the expected relationship between temperature and brightness. Individual or small groups. Use HR Diagram Simulator to illustrate answers to PSA.

Extension Research the origin of the HR diagram. Individual Internet access

Evaluation Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA. Individual or small groups Evaluation rubric

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to relate the initial mass of a star to its developmental stages and ultimate fate, especially as these relate to the sun.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to describe the relationship between stellar mass, luminosity, temperature and lifetime as shown by their work on the PSA.

Components	Brief Description of Module Activities	Student Grouping	Materials / Technology
Engagement	Students are asked to speculate about the relationship between color and temperature.	Individual or small groups	Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions. Candles
Exploration	Discussion of student answers, including color and temperature in art where the relationship is opposite of that in physics. Problem Solving Activity (PSA): The HR Diagram	Individual or small groups	Internet access for PSA. HR Diagram Simulator
Explanation	The evolution of a star is largely determined by its initial mass. Large stars burn their fuel fast and have short lives. Small stars burn fuel slowly and last a long time. The main sequence is the expected relationship between temperature and brightness.	Individual or small groups.	Use HR Diagram Simulator to illustrate answers to PSA.
Extension	Research the origin of the HR diagram.	Individual	Internet access
Evaluation	Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA.	Individual or small groups	Evaluation rubric

MODULE #4

THE HERTZPRUNG-RUSSELL DIAGRAM

Module Overview

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

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