Download Poster Project – Life Cycle of a Star

Life Cycle of a Star
You will design an exhibit called The Life Cycle of Stars. This exhibit will offer an
overview of the life cycle of two different types of stars: a high-mass star and a
low-mass star. You will need to research information on the internet about the life
cycle of stars and then present it as timelines for the two different stars.
Your timelines must include:
 A written description of what a nebula is and how stars are formed
(include the terms nebula, gravity, and protostar);
 What happens in the core that marks the birth of a star (describe nuclear
fusion);
 The two primary elements that make up the star;
 A description and diagram of the “balancing act” of a star – what forces
are opposing each other (include the terms gravity, heat pressure, nuclear
fusion);
 The mass (compared to our Sun) of both a low mass and high mass star
(ex. 3 times the mass of the Sun);
 A written description of the star’s life as a main sequence star (both high
mass and low mass stars);
○ What is happening in the core of the star (how are new elements
made);
○ How long the star stays on the main sequence;
○ Include the terms high mass star; low mass star; nuclear fusion
 A written description of the star’s death (both high mass and low mass);
○ What happens in the core of the star when it runs out of hydrogen fuel;
○ The different stages stars (high mass and low mass) go through as they
die;
○ What elements are produced in a supernova;
○ What is left after the star dies.
○ Include the terms red giant; white dwarf; supernova; neutron star; black
hole; heavy elements
You will be assessed on the following learning targets.
LT: Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun
and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy in the form
of radiation.
LT: Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle,
produce elements.
Scoring Rubric – Life Cycle of a Star Exhibit
Category
Birth of a Star:
 A written description of what a nebula is and how stars
are formed;
 What happens in the core that marks the birth of a star;
 The two primary elements that make up the star;
 Balancing act – opposing forces explained
 The range of mass (compared to our Sun) of each type
of star (low mass and high mass);
 All appropriate terms are defined and used correctly
(nebula, gravity, protostar, heat pressure, nuclear fusion)
Main Sequence Lifetime (for both LOW mass and HIGH mass
stars):
 What is happening in the core of the star (how are new
elements made);
 How long the star stays on the main sequence;
 All appropriate terms are defined and used correctly
(high mass star; low mass star; nuclear fusion)
Death of a Star:
 What happens in the core of the star when it runs out of
hydrogen fuel;
 The different stages stars (high mass and low mass) go
through as they die;
 What elements are produced in a supernova;
 Remnants of a low mass star;
 Remnants of a high mass star;
 All appropriate terms are defined and used correctly
(red giant, white dwarf, supernova, neutron star, black
hole; heavy elements)
Exhibit Design and Layout:
 Well-organized and neat;
 Events are in the correct sequence;
 Logical and easy to follow
TOTAL POINTS
Points
Possible
20
15
25
10
70
Points
Awarded