Types of Stars

MODULE #5

TYPES OF STARS

ESTIMATED TIME TO COMPLETE: One 50-minute period

MODULE OBJECTIVE:

Students will describe several types of stars and explain how the mass of a star largely determines its evolution.

CONCEPT(S) LEARNED IN THIS MODULE:

Stars go through stages as they consume their nuclear fuel.
The stages that a star will go through are largely determined by the mass of the star.
Stars in all stages can be observed from Earth.

STANDARDS ADDRESSED IN THIS MODULE:

AAAS Project 2061 Benchmarks

On the basis of scientific evidence, the universe is estimated to be over ten billion years old. The current theory is that its entire contents expanded explosively from a hot, dense, chaotic mass. Stars condensed by gravity out of clouds of molecules of the lightest elements until nuclear fusion of the light elements into heavier ones began to occur. Fusion released great amounts of energy over millions of years. Eventually, some stars exploded, producing clouds of heavy elements from which other stars and planets could later condense. The process of star formation and destruction continues. (4A, Grades 9-12)
Increasingly sophisticated technology is used to learn about the universe. Visual, radio, and x-ray telescopes collect information from across the entire spectrum of electromagnetic waves; computers handle an avalanche of data and increasingly complicated computations to interpret them; space probes send back data and materials from the remote parts of the solar system; and accelerators give subatomic particles energies that simulate conditions in the stars and in the early history of the universe before stars formed. (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.
The student will explain the role of natural forces in the formation of galaxies.

TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES UTILIZED IN THIS MODULE:

Image Presentation
Information Searches
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 fate of stars. Individual or small groups Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions.

Exploration Discussion of student answers and very brief overlook of stellar evolution. Individual or small groups OP or PP to show some sample images of star types. Internet access for The Life Cycle of Stars

Explanation Discussion of student answers and more detailed overlook of stellar evolution Individual or small groups. Internet access.

Extension Research white dwarfs and black holes. Individual or small groups Media center or internet access

Evaluation Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA. Individual or small groups Rubric, or student self-evaluation

EXPECTED MODULE OUTCOMES:

The students will discover that stars have a finite existence and that they go through stages analogous to biological, developmental stages.

PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF MODULE OUTCOMES:

Students will be able to explain how the mass of a star largely determines how a star develops and how it will end its existence.

Components	Brief Description of Module Activities	Student Grouping	Materials / Technology
Engagement	Students are asked to speculate about the fate of stars.	Individual or small groups	Overhead projector (OP) or PowerPoint (PP) to post the Warm Up questions.
Exploration	Discussion of student answers and very brief overlook of stellar evolution.	Individual or small groups	OP or PP to show some sample images of star types. Internet access for The Life Cycle of Stars
Explanation	Discussion of student answers and more detailed overlook of stellar evolution	Individual or small groups.	Internet access.
Extension	Research white dwarfs and black holes.	Individual or small groups	Media center or internet access
Evaluation	Students will be evaluated based on their answers to the PSA.	Individual or small groups	Rubric, or student self-evaluation

MODULE #5

TYPES OF STARS

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