Grade 9: Earth and Space Science

Grade 9: Earth and Space Science

Topic: Space Systems

Objectives addressed by this lesson:

S.9.ESS.1 Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.

S.9.ESS.2 Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.

S.9.ESS.3 Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.

This lesson is from the American Museum of Natural History.

More About This Resource...

The composition of the universe is constantly changing as fusion turns hydrogen and helium into heavier elements. In this activity, a supplement to the Hall of Meteorites Educator's Guide, students use colored confetti or sprinkles to create samples that show the abundance of elements in different objects found in the universe.

This activity begins by dividing students into groups and giving each an assortment of the colored pieces of confetti or sprinkles and a list of the elements with corresponding colors.

Then, each group is given a small jar and a “recipe” card for different substances, and are asked to create an object in the universe by combining the correct proportion of elements.

Finally, the groups trade jars and record the contents, and determine which object each jar represents.

Completion Time

Approximately 1 period

What's The Composition of the Universe?

Presented by Angela Hollida and Peggy Moore.

WVSTA Conference, Morgantown, October 2016

Overview:

The composition of the universe is constantly changing. The universe began with hydrogen and helium. Through fusion in the stars and explosive supernovae other heavier elements were created from these two elements. Overtime more and more light elements were turned into heavier elements.

Resource Use:

In this activity students, working in groups, will create samples that show the abundance of elements in substances found in the universe. They will trade samples and try to identify the unknown substance.

This activity can be conducted with either colored sprinkles or with colored confetti made using a hole puncher. Provide groups of students with a list of the elements and the color that represents each element.

H: white sprinkles

C: red sprinkles

He: green sprinkles

O: blue sprinkles

Fe: yellow sprinkles

N: black sprinkles

Si: orange sprinkles

Mg: purple sprinkles

Na: pink sprinkles

Other: chocolate sprinkles

Have students work in small groups. Provide each group with a small clear jar (baby food jars work well for the activity). Distribute one "recipe" card to each group. Groups should not divulge the contents of the recipe card to other groups. Explain that each recipe cards give the abundance for the various elements that make up the substance. Each group will have the task of using colored sprinkles or confetti to create the substance. The measured amounts should total approximately 10 teaspoons. Explain that less significant elements with small abundance have been listed as "other." Have groups look at the percentages of elements for their substance and calculate how much of each colored sprinkle or confetti to put in the jar or bottle.

Recipe Card 1: The Sun

H: 92.1 %

He: 7.8%

O: 0.1%

Recipe Card 2: Supernova

O: 42.2%

Fe: 36.7%

C: 11.1%

Si: 3.7%

Mg: 2.8%

Other: 3.5%

Recipe Card 3: Earth's Atmosphere

N: 78.0%

O: 21.0%

Other: 1%

Recipe Card 4: Mercury's Atmosphere

He: 42.0%

Na: 42.0%

O: 15:0%

Other: 1%

When groups have created their recipe, have them secure the lids and gently shake to mix the elements. Then, without divulging what the substances are, have groups trade jars with other groups. Have students estimate and record the percentage of each element in the new jar. Then provide the groups with a list of abundances for the different objects found in the universe. Have each group determine what the contents of their jars represent.