Description
Students model the process of nucleosynthesis in the classroom by playing, and then evaluating, a game. In this series of 2 investigations, they explain how elements are formed in stars. Then students play a game following the nucleosynthesis pathway, review an infographic, and analyze the game as a model.
Curriculum Connection
While designed for a stand-alone earth science course, this series of activities could be incorporated into a high school physics or chemistry course during a unit on nuclear fusion and fission.
Time Requirements
Teacher prep, 135 minutes. Completing the activities, approximately 1 week (215 minutes).
Digital Resources
Includes 1-year access to digital resources that support 3-dimensional instruction for NGSS. Digital resources may include a teacher manual and student guide, pre-lab activities and setup videos, phenomenon videos, simulations, and post-lab analysis and assessments.
Performance Expectation(s)
HS-ESS1-3. Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.
Crosscutting Concepts
Developing and Using Models
Disciplinary Core Ideas
ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
Science and Engineering Practices
Stability and Change
Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills
Students should be familiar with atoms and elements, as well as the Kelvin temperature scale.