Download Heavy elements game

Name_____________________________________Period______
Heavy Elements Game
Introduction: On Earth, we have 92 naturally occurring elements. The atoms of each element are
unique. Every gold atom has 79 protons in its nucleus. Every carbon atom has 6 protons. The number of
protons gives each element its distinctive properties. Stars are the birthplace of all the different types of
elements we find on Earth. Through the process of nuclear fusion (the nucleus of two atoms getting
smashed together) atoms change and become heavier during every star cycle they go through. In this
activity you will play a game to model the formation of heavy elements in the star cycle.
Directions:
1. Put your game piece on the start here square. This is a stellar nebula – the beginning of all stars.
2. Roll to see who goes first.
3. Follow the directions on the game board. Use the table on the back to keep track of atoms. For
example: H + H = He, you will erase two hydrogen atoms and make a circle for He.
4. You will play until Mr. Jolley tells you to stop. The winner is the person with the biggest atom.
5. Make sure to collect 10 hydrogen atoms every time you pass “start”.
6. Remember the goal is to get the biggest atom.
Analysis:
1. What creates the energy given off by stars?
2. Why does a red giant expand in size?
3. When a supernova is formed there is a huge collapse in the star. Why would the star collapse?
4. Why don’t more heavy elements form in smaller stars like brown and white dwarves?
5. What does the presence of atoms as large as Mercury (80 protons) or Lead (82 protons) on earth
suggest about our star (the sun)?
6. Where were the elements formed that make up your body?
7. Put the following in chronological order for low mass stars:
a. Planetary nebula, white dwarf, stellar nebula, main sequence star, red giant
8. Put the following in order for high mass stars
a. Black hole or neutron star, stellar nebula, super red giant, main sequence star, supernova
Use this table to keep track of how many atoms of each element you have. Remember that when
you fuse two smaller atoms together to form a bigger atom, you will erase the smaller atoms off
your list. Use little circles to keep track of how many atoms you have.
Hydrogen
(H = 1 proton)
Part 2 – The composition of planets
1. Name all of the planets you can think
of, in order, from closest to furthest
from the sun.
Helium
(He = 2 protons)
Lithium
(Li 3 protons)
Beryllium
(Be = 4 protons)
Boron
(B = 5 protons)
Carbon
(C = 6 protons)
Nitrogen
(N = 7 protons)
Oxygen
(O = 8 protons)
Flourine
(F = 9 protons)
Neon
(Ne = 10 protons)
Sodium
(Na = 11 protons)
Magnesium (Mg =
12 protons)
Aluminum
(Al = 13 protons)
Silicon
(Si = 14 protons)
Phosphorus
(P = 15 protons)
Sulfur
(S = 16 protons)
2. There are four big planets and four
smaller planets. Circle and label
each on your list above.
3. What do all of the smaller planets
have in common?
4. What do all of the larger planets have
in common?
5. Why are the gas giant planets so
large?
6. Why are the rocky planets so small?
My biggest element = ________
Mastery Check questions:
1. How is the composition of the inner planets different than the composition of the outer planets?
2. Explain why the inner and outer planets have different compositions.
3. Name the four inner planets and the four outer planets.