Unit 3: Formation of Stars and Galaxies

Students will know how to:

-Explain how gravity drives the formation of stars from nebulae and interstellar gas clouds

-Analyze how temperature, pressure, and density changes lead to nuclear fusion in protostars and main sequence stars

-Use models and data to describe the structure, classification, and evolution of galaxies

-Interpret observational data (spectra, brightness, and motion) to classify stars and galaxies

-Explain how galaxies form, interact, and evolve over time through gravitational interactions

-Analyze how energy production in stars is related to nuclear fusion and mass

-Compare different types of galaxies based on structure, size, and composition

Core Topics

-Star formation from nebulae (gravity, accretion, protostar development)

-Stellar structure and nuclear fusion processes

-Stellar classification and life cycle progression

-Galaxy types (spiral, elliptical, irregular)

-Galaxy formation and gravitational interactions

-Spectroscopy and light-based astronomical observation

-Scale of the universe (stars to galaxies to clusters)

NGSS Performance Expectations

HS-ESS1-1 – Develop and use models of the universe based on astronomical evidence

HS-ESS1-2 – Construct explanations of stellar evolution using data and observations

HS-PS4-3 – Evaluate electromagnetic radiation as a tool for astronomical observation

Essential Questions students will be able to answer:

-How do stars form from interstellar gas and dust?

-What role does gravity play in star formation and galaxy formation?

-How does nuclear fusion begin, and why is it essential for star stability?

-How do scientists classify stars using observable data such as brightness, color, and spectra?

-How are galaxies structured, and how do they change over time?

-How do galaxy interactions influence star formation and galactic evolution?

-How do astronomers use light and spectra to study objects that cannot be directly observed?

Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs):

-Developing and Using Models

-Analyzing and Interpreting Data

-Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

-Constructing Explanations

Crosscutting Concepts (CCCs):

-Scale, Proportion, and Quantity

-Patterns

-Energy and Matter

-Systems and System Models

-Unit test with star and galaxy classification analysis

-Interpretation of stellar spectra and brightness data

-H-R diagram analysis to determine stellar stage and evolution

-Galaxy classification activity using observational images and data

-Modeling star formation from nebula collapse

-CER writing explaining how gravity and fusion drive stellar evolution