Memory Anchor:

• Super Challenge:

  Stretch:

  Challenge:

Key Questions:

1. (Physics only) How are new elements formed?
   • (Physics only) In stars the nuclei of smaller elements fuse together to make larger, heavier elements.
2. (Physics only) What is a star's life cycle determined by?
   • (Physics only) The life cycle is determined by the size of the star.
3. (Physics only) What was the sun formed from and how?
   • (Physics only) The Sun was formed from a cloud of dust and gas (nebula) pulled together by gravitational attraction.
4. (Physics only) How do the fusion reactions in a star begin?
   • (Physics only) At the beginning of a star's life cycle the dust and gas is drawn together by gravity to cause fusion reactions.
5. (Physics only) What do these fusion reactions lead to?
   • (Physics only) Fusion reactions lead to an equilibrium between the gravitational collapse of a star and the expansion of a star due to fusion Energy.
6. (Physics only) How are all the naturally occurring elements formed?
   • (Physics only) Fusion processes in stars produce all of the naturally occurring elements.
7. (Physics only) Which elements are produced in a supernova?
   • (Physics only) Elements heavier than iron are produced in a supernova.
8. (Physics only) How are elements distributed around the universe?
   • (Physics only) The explosion of a massive star (supernova) distributes the elements throughout the universe.