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Stars Form

Driving Question: Why is the formation of stars important?

The early Universe was very dark for its first 200 million years, but then something changed, and new complexity arose. Learn how the first stars formed and how their lives—and deaths—created the ingredients for the next threshold.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe star formation.
  2. Explain how stars created new complexity in the Universe.

Vocab Terms:

  • atom
  • complexity
  • gravity
  • proton
  • star
  • temperature
STEP 1

Opener: Stars Form

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 2 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Our Openers and Closers Guide will provide more information about these short, but important activities at the beginning and end of each lesson.

STEP 2

Stars Light Up

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 3 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out the OER Project Video Guide to help you incorporate best practices when using video as part of your teaching.

When the Universe first lit up, it crossed the second Big History Threshold. What were the “Goldilocks Conditions” that allowed this to happen?

Threshold 2: Stars Light Up External link

The early Universe was dark and cold. Then, a few simple atoms got together, and a star was born.
STEP 3

Star Formation

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 4 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Learn more about how OER Project approaches teaching causation in this one page guide.

How did tiny atoms come together to light up the Universe? Find the answer to that question and more in this video, slideshow, and activity.

How Were Stars Formed? External link

The Universe was transformed as stars began to form in the early Universe.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

What Are Stars Made Of?

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 6 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Check out this tool to help support students while reading graphic biographies.

As recently as 100 years ago, scientists didn’t know what stars were made of. One graduate student changed that by using her intuition—and examining the evidence.

STEP 5

Who Is an Authority?

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 7 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

For more information about claim testing, take a look at this one page guide.

It’s never a bad idea to turn to an authority when you have a question. In this activity and article, you’ll do some thinking on who actually is an authority on star formation.

STEP 6

Closer: Stars Form

Teaching Tools

To teach this lesson step, refer to page 9 of the Lesson 2.3 Teaching Guide Locked .

Take a look at some amazing student examples of star comics by joining this conversation External link in the OER Project teacher community.

Extension Materials
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Want to learn more about questions we’ve recently answered about the early Universe and questions that remain? Check out this podcast clip and activity.
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Mysteries of the Universe’s Origins

There are lots of questions we still have about the early Universe. And there are some questions that have been answered in recent years. Grab your headphones and some drawing materials for this audio and activity set.

“Unknowns” Podcast Episode 1 Clip External link

Ever wondered what causes ripples in space-time or where gold comes from? David Christian and Orsola de Marco talk us through some fascinating topics.