Download Lesson Plan: Supernova`s

Lesson Plan:
Supernova’s
Amy Childress, Kiley Ware, and Cailyn Wall
Introduction to Physical Science, C. Dianne Phillips, Instructor
Learning Objectives:
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Introduce the life cycle of a star
Discuss the forces at work inside a star
Understand the role of mass in determining the extent of fusion and the fate of a star
Learn about core collapse of a star
Simulate mass ejection and understand how to populate the universe with the heavy
elements from the interior of stars during a supernova explosion
Grade Level: 7th – 8th
Introduction:
A supernova is when a very big star explodes. This happens when a star totally runs out of
energy to make heat and light. When the star explodes, it will be brighter than all other stars. If
a supernova explosion happened near the Earth, we could see it in the sky even during the day.
Supernova explosions happen rarely. In our own galaxy, the Milky Way, the last supernova
happened in the year 1604. We can see supernovas in other galaxies too. Every year we see 300
supernovas in other galaxies, because there are so many galaxies. Without supernovas there
would be no life on Earth. This is because many of the chemical elements were made in
supernova explosions. These are called "heavy elements". Heavy elements are needed to make
living things. The supernova is the only way heavy elements can be made. Heavy elements need
very high temperature and pressure to form. In a supernova explosion the temperature and
pressure are so high that heavy elements can be made. Scientists call this supernova
nucleosynthesis. It could be dangerous if a supernova explosion happened very close to the
Earth. The explosion is very big and many kinds of dangerous radiation are formed. But we do
not have to be afraid. Only very big stars can explode as supernovas. There are no stars big
enough near the Earth and if there was it would take millions of years for it to happen.
General Goal:
To understand the life cycle of a star and the origin of the heavy elements in the universe.
Required Materials:
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Basketballs
Tennis balls
Step-By-Step Procedures:
Students are reminded that the universe is made up of elements and that the heavier elements are
created inside of a star. They are introduced to the life cycle of a star and to the way in which a
star's mass affects its process of fusion and eventual death. The physical concept of equilibrium
as a balancing of forces is discussed, and an experiment is conducted to demonstrate what
happens to a soda can when the interior and exterior forces are not in equilibrium. An analogy is
made between this experiment and core collapse in stars to show the importance of maintaining
equilibrium in stars. Finally, it is demonstrated how mass is ejected from a collapsed star in a
supernova explosion, thereby dispersing heavier elements throughout the universe.
Assessment:
Have the students present their activity experience to their parents or a group of friends. Prepare
a rubric ahead of time and review the criteria for success with the students before the
presentation. Score each group and individual based on the rubric. Discuss the performances
after the visitors have left, and review scores individually.
References:
http://www.juliantrubin.com/encyclopedia/astronomy/supernova.html
http://bigexplosions.gsfc.nasa.gov/activities/supernova_demos.html