Atomic Structure & Nuclear Fusion
Students connect the structure of an atom, how protons identify an element, and the nuclear fusion process/reaction to create an infographic on how changes in the nuclei of distant stars produce visible light and release energy.
Overview
Students connect atomic structure to nuclear fusion in stars over an approximately two-week unit. They begin with a video on atoms, a probe of their existing ideas, and a class debate over a cartoon about nuclear energy. Station labs follow, including gumdrop atom models, a NASA video-based model of fusion explained with claim, evidence, reasoning, article readings with cloze notes, and songs. Students then review how proton number identifies elements, watch Fusion in Stars clips, and use the PhET Build an Atom simulation, the Helios game, or a choice board. They finish with an infographic on atoms and fusion in stars, a unit test, or both.
Lesson Objectives
- Students connect the structure of an atom, how protons identify an element, and the nuclear fusion process/reaction to create an infographic on how changes in the nuclei of distant stars produce visible light and release energy.
Standards
NGSS · 4
- MS-PS1-1Develop models to describe the atomic composition of simple molecules and extended structures.
- HS-PS1-1Use the periodic table as a model to predict the relative properties of elements based on the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level of atoms.
- HS-PS1-8Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.
- HS-ESS1-1Develop 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.