Science
Grade: 9th
SCI.V.4.3
Strand V:
Using Scientific Knowledge in Earth Science
Standard 4:
Solar System, Galaxy and Universe- All students will explain
scientific theories as to the origin of the solar system
Benchmark 3: Explain how stars and planetary systems form and how stars
produce energy.
Constructing and Reflecting:
SCI.I.1.2 – Design and construct scientific investigations.
SCI.I.1.4 – Gather and synthesize information from books and other sources of information.
SCI.I.1.5 – Discuss topics in groups by making clear presentations, restating or summarizing what others have
said, asking for clarification or elaboration, taking alternative perspectives, and defending a position.
SCI.II.1.1 – Justify plans or explanations on a theoretical or empirical basis.
Vocabulary
Context
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Hydrogen
Helium
Coalescence
Nebula
Nova
Fusion
Radiation
Fission
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Nebulas considered to be star forming regions
Supernovas
Nuclear fusion research
Heavy and light elements
Hot interiors of the earth-like planets
Age of the solar system
¾ Explosions of stars producing heavy
elements
o Hydrogen
o Helium
Process of formation
¾ Coalescence from clouds of dust and
gases by gravity.
Knowledge and Skills
Students will:
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Explain how the gravitational collapse of a
cloud of gas and dust produces extreme
pressure and temperature that triggers
nuclear fusion
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Explain how smaller atoms combine to make
larger ones during nuclear fusion, release
large quantities of energy, and form a star
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Explain how heavy elements have been
spread throughout the universe
Resources
Coloma Resources:
Glencoe CH 29 Our Solar System
Glencoe MiniLabs Pg 116 Scaling The Solar Sys.
Glencoe Labs 29.1 Your Age & Weights On
Other Planets
Other Resources:
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Explain how components of a solar system
may be formed
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Michigan Teacher Network Resources
http://mtn.merit.edu/mcf/SCI.V.4.HS.3.html
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Explain how stars produce energy.
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Explain how heavy elements are formed as a
result of fusion during supernova explosions;
a series of these explosions over time has
spread heavy elements randomly throughout
the universe.
Astronomy Picture of the Day Archive:
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/archivepix.html
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Scope Unit – Solar System, Galaxy and
Universe
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Pictures from the Hubble Space
http://www.stsci.edu/pubinfo/Pictures.html
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Periodic Table.
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Virtual Sun.
http://www.michielb.nl/sun/
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Upton Planetarium
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Explain how stars and planets may be
formed by the random coalescence
(accretion from collisions) of elements or by
gravitational attraction.
Instruction
Assessment
Benchmark Question: What star processes
are responsible for generating both energy and
planetary systems?
The only known life in our universe is carbon-based.
Carbon has an atomic mass of 12 amu.
Focus Question: What happens to mass when
hydrogen atoms combine to make helium?
Each student will write an essay and answer the
following questions:
1. The teacher should review with students the
process of nuclear fusion, during which heavier
elements are made from lighter ones. One form
of fusion involves two protons (hydrogen nuclei)
and two neutrons combining to make one
helium atom, a process that takes place at very
high temperatures in the cores of stars.
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By what process could a larger atom-like carbon
have formed?
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Which two combinations of lighter elements
could explain the formation of carbon?
Mass of 1 proton = 1.01 amu (atomic mass
units).
Mass of 1 neutron = 1.01 amu (atomic mass
units).
Criteria
Apprentice
Basic
Meets
Exceeds
Accuracy of
description
Describes
fusion as a
process that
produces
energy.
Describes
fusion as
a process
that
produces
energy in
stars.
Describes
fusion as
a process
that
produces
energy in
stars and
forms
heavier
elements
from
lighter
ones.
Describes
fusion as a
process
that
produces
energy in
stars and
forms
heavier
elements
from lighter
ones with a
loss in
mass.
Accuracy of
data
Selects mass
numbers
from the
periodic
table.
Selects a
pair of
atoms
smaller
than
carbon.
Selects
one pair of
atoms
whose
atomic
masses
add up to
12 amu.
Selects two
different
pairs of
atoms
whose
atomic
masses add
up to 12
amu.
Students will look up the atomic mass of helium
on the periodic table (He = 4.00 amu).
Students will determine the number of hydrogen
atoms that combine with two neutrons to make
one helium atom.
By calculation, students will compare the mass
of the two hydrogen atoms and two neutrons to
the mass of a single helium atom.
Students should answer the question, “Where
did that mass go?”
Note: Mass is converted to the energy that
powers the star
2. Students create an instructional manual for a
Build your own Solar System Model, starting
from the beginning.
3. Students will make a board game using the
Solar System and Solar System formation as a
topic
Teacher Notes:
Origins of the solar system and how we learn about the universe.
Scientifically literate students at the high school level should be able to explain the tools of astronomy
and the historical contexts of astronomical advances. According to AAAS Project 2061, these
explanations may be difficult even for high school students who may "think their predecessors were
intellectually and morally inferior or may account for their thoughts and behavior with stereotypes
before they understand that past values, beliefs and attitudes were often different from those of today."