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Physical Science
Physical Science
Physical Science
CONTENT:
READING ACADEMIC TEXTS
LESSON OUTLINE:
A. Introduction
B. Motivation
C. Instruction/Delivery
D. Practice
E. Evaluation
PROCEDURE
INTRODUCTION
1. Introduce the following learning objectives using any of the suggested
protocols (Verbatim, Own Words, Read-aloud)
a. I can give evidence for and describe the formation of heavier
elements during star formation and evolution.
b. I can write the nuclear fusion reactions that take place in
stars, which lead to the formation of new elements
c. I can describe how elements heavier than iron are formed
2. Introduce the list of important terms that learners will encounter:
a. fusion b. stellar nucleosynthesis
c. proton-proton chain reaction d. triple alpha process
e. alpha ladder
f. CNO cycle
g. main-sequence star h. red giant
i. supernova explosion j. supernova nucleosynthesis
k. r-process l. s-process
3. Review the stages of the Big Bang model, giving particular focus to
nucleosynthesis and theformation of light elements such as H and He.
Discuss briefly that more significant amounts of Li, Beand B formed
through otherprocesses, such as cosmic ray spallation. Remind them
that once matterhad recombined, gravity and other forces acted to
bring matter together, eventually forming stars 200 Byears after the Big
Bang occurred.
4. Remind students how symbols for an atom are written. Have them
recall that.
MOTIVATION
Video clip presentation
INSTRUCTION/DELIVERY
Introduce that once hydrogen-helium stars had formed from the action of
gravity, the hydrogen and helium atoms in stars began combining in nuclear
fusion reactions that release a tremendous amount of light, heat, and
radioactive energy. Fusion resulted in the formation of nuclei of new elements,
so these reactions inside stars are known as stellarnucleosynthesis.
Emphasize that the first fusion process occurs in the hydrogen core of stars
with a temperature of less than 15 million K, such as the Sun. These kinds of
stars are called main-sequence stars. Discuss the three steps of the process
known as the main-branch proton-proton chain.
Deuterium (D or H) forms from proton fusion, with one proton turning into a
neutron via beta-plusdecay, giving off a neutrino and a positron:
H + H H + + e+
3He forms from deuterium and proton fusion, also known as deuterium
burning. This immediately consumes all deuterium produced.
H + H 3He +
PRACTICE
A. Review the lesson using the following concept map. Give the map with
blanks in place of most of the terms, and ask students to fill the diagram
in.
B. Using a provided periodic table, allow students to write out all the
equations involved in the alpha ladder. What do they notice about the
atomic number patterns of the elements found in the ladder? Explain
that this feature of the alpha ladder, as well as other rules of stability,
results in the oddnumbered elements being generally less abundant
than the even-numbered elements beside them on the periodic table.
Emphasize that many other processes allowed for the odd-numbered
elements, including supernova nucleosynthesis, radioactive decay,
electron and neutron capture, nuclear fission, and cosmic ray spallation
ENRICHMENT
On size of illustration board or chip board, think of your very own version of
universe, whatever they like on their designs. Every group will explain their
output.
Evaluation
Teacher Tip:
A. Correct answers:
1. b. r-process
2.
Question Bank (sample questions for Written Evaluation)
3. a. alpha ladder
(CNO cycle does not
1. Which of the following processes is likely to generate the heaviest
consume any carbon;
element?
it simply uses carbon
a. CNO cycle c. triple-alpha process
as a catalyst)
b. r-process d. Big Bang nucleosynthesis
4. a. heavier
2. Which of the following reactions is not a part of the alpha ladder?
b. supernova
c. True
d. True
3. If an element is used up by a star in fusion, it is sometimes called
burning, even though no actual combustion occurs. Which of the
B. Emphasize the
following processes is likely to involve carbon burning?
importance of proper
a. alpha ladder c. triple-alpha process
research skills and
b. CNO cycle d. s-process
citation throughout
4. Modified True or False: If the statement is true, write True. Else, replace
the task, even with
the underlined portion with the correct word or phrase.
creative outputs. If
a. A star gets lighter as time goes on.
there is no time to
b. Most of the heaviest elements were formed in main-sequence stars.
present in class, they
c. The heavy elements in a star are found in its core.
may present outside
of class directly to
you, or submit in a
form that can be
viewed separately.
Noted by: