Unit 3: Formation of Stars and Galaxies

Students will know how to:
-Describe the life cycle of stars, from formation to death, and explain how this process contributes to galactic structure
-Explain the processes of nucleosynthesis and how elements are formed within stars
-Identify and describe different types of galaxies (spiral, elliptical, irregular) and their structures
-Analyze how stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis influence the chemical composition and evolution of galaxies
-Explain why the Milky Way is unique (or not) compared to other galaxies
-Use observational data to interpret patterns of star formation and distribution within galaxies
-Predict potential future changes in galaxies, including mergers and evolution over time.

NGSS Performance Expectations:

HS-ESS1-2 – Use data to analyze the life cycle of stars and explain how stellar evolution relates to the structure and evolution of galaxies.

HS-ESS1-3 – Communicate how the process of nucleosynthesis in stars is linked to the formation of elements and contributes to the evolution of stars and galaxies.

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:
-How do stars form, evolve, and die, and how does this impact the galaxies they inhabit?
-What processes create the elements that make up stars and galaxies?
-How can we classify galaxies, and what do their structures tell us about their histories?
-Why is the Milky Way similar to or different from other galaxies?
-How do galaxies change over time, and what evidence supports predictions about their futures?
-How does analyzing astronomical data help scientists understand the life cycle of stars and the evolution of galaxies?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):
-Analyzing and Interpreting Data
-Constructing Explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):
-Systems and System Models
-Structure and Function

Demonstration of Learning / Suggested Activities:

-Unit Test
-Quizzes
-Galaxy classification using astronomical images
-H-R Diagram mini-investigation (intro to stars)
-Light spectra lab (spectroscopy)
-Construct explanations linking stellar evolution to galactic structure
-Analyze observational data to interpret star formation and chemical composition in galaxies