Sizes of Stars | Great Basin Observatory

Karl Garnham

Description:

How big is our star? How does it compare to other stars in the universe? How enormous can stars be? In this activity students use math and imagination to construct a scaled model of stellar sizes.

Time:

45-60 minutes

Grade Level:

5, Middle School (6-8)

Next Generation Science Standards:

5-ESS1-1

Support an argument that differences in the apparent brightness of the sun compared to other stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

MS-ESS1-2

Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity within galaxies and the solar system.

Utah Core Standards:

6.1.3

Students will understand the relationship and attributes of objects in the solar system.

Materials

A metric ruler for every student or small group of students
Star Classes Table for every student or group
Objects that can be used to represent stars and the Earth:
- Cherry tomato or small red ball such as a paddle ball (3 cm or about 1 inch in diameter)
- Orange
- Large grapefruit or yellow ball (14 cm or about 5 inches in diameter)
- Cantaloupe
- Volleyball
- Large blue play ball or balloon (diameter of about 43 cm or 17 inches)
- Blue candy sprinkle (to represent Earth)

Instructions

Review the concept of scale factors with students. Gather all materials and review teacher background information on main sequence stars (if you choose to go beyond the scale model activity).
You will want to split your classroom into small groups for the activity.

Follow the Star Sizes directions. Download is below.

Attachment	Size
GBO Printable	337.74 KB
Student worksheet	76.97 KB
Teacher Key to worksheet	77.9 KB

A good summary video to show after doing the Star Sizes activity.

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