1. Tuesday November 29, 2011
Objective: you will know how elements are created in stars and super nova.

2. Elements From Stardust
As you have learned, many of the elements that are found throughout the universe are created during the life and death of stars. In today’s activity, you will model some of those element building processes using modeling clay.

3. Task #1
Let’s start with the big bang. The Big Bang Theory describes how many scientists feel the universe began. In that explosion, many of the first elements were created, including hydrogen. In stars, hydrogen exists in the plasma state of matter (without electrons). Your first task is to create 10 hydrogen atoms, complete with 1 proton and 1 neutron. Then, complete the written part for task 1.

4. Task #1 Write-Up
The first hydrogen atoms were created during the big bang (theory)

5. Task #2
In our sun, hydrogen atoms are colliding into one another. When they hit, they combine to form helium (atomic number 2- meaning 2 protons) Your second task is to combine your ten hydrogen atoms to create 5 helium atoms. Then, answer complete the written part of task 2.

6. Task #2 Write-Up
1. The process that combines the nucleus of one atom with the nucleus of another atom is nuclear fusion. 2.

7. Task 3
Our sun has enough energy to create atoms of oxygen but that is as far as it will go. There is simply not enough energy for the oxygen atoms to fuse together to form heavier elements. Your third task is to find two different ways to model the creation of oxygen in our sun. Then, complete the written part of task 3.

8. Task #3 Write-Up
Oxygen’s atomic number is 8. Come up with a way to get 8
Ex. He + He + He + He = Oxygen ( =8)
Ex. H+H+H+H+H+H+H+H= Oxygen ( =8)
Ex. C + He = Oxygen (6 + 2 = 8)

9. Task 4
Stars that are more massive than our sun also have more energy. Therefore, they are able to create heavier elements. In fact, massive stars can create all the elements up to iron (Fe). Your fourth task is to build an atom of iron and describe how you were able to build it, starting with hydrogen atoms.

10. Task #4 Write-Up The atomic number of iron is 26
A star could create iron by combining two aluminums ( = 26)

11. Task #5
To create elements heavier than iron, stars must find a way to create tremendous amounts of energy. That energy is created during the death of massive stars. The death results in an explosion called a super nova. For your fifth task, create three atoms of iron (atomic number 26) and combine them. Then, complete the written part of task 5.

12. Task #5 Write-Up
If 3 atoms of iron were fused together, you would get Platinum.
You could combine an atom of beryllium with platinum ( = 82)

13. Task #6
In your science notebooks, make an entry for today (11/18/2011) called SCR #3. Then, answer the following question, using at least 2 complete sentences: How are elements created?