Welcome to Week 8 of Year 7 Chemistry! This week, we’ll take a journey into the universe to discover how the elements were formed in stars and how chemistry helps us understand the cosmos. You’ll explore spectroscopy, a tool scientists use to study the light from stars and conduct a flame test experiment to see how different elements produce unique colours.
Hour 1: How Elements Are Formed in Stars
Learning Objectives
By the end of this hour, you will:
Understand how elements are created through nuclear fusion in stars.
Learn about the life cycle of stars and the role of supernovae in forming heavier elements.
Read and Watch
Read: pages 76-77 in "What's Chemistry all About?".
Read: pages 16-17 in "How to Make a Universe with 92 Ingredients". Focus on how stars act as element factories.
Watch: How Much of me is Star Stuff (SciShow Space) to learn about nuclear fusion and element formation.
Task: Star Fact File
Create a fact file about a star, including:
Its size and type (e.g., red giant, white dwarf).
The elements it produces through fusion.
Its stage in the life cycle (e.g., main sequence, supernova).
Hour 2: Spectroscopy and the Colors of Stars
Learning Objectives
By the end of this hour, you will:
Learn how scientists use spectroscopy to study the composition of stars.
Understand the connection between light and the elements present in stars.
Read and Watch
Watch: Spectroscopy? (British Council) for a visual explanation of how light reveals the secrets of stars.
Watch: Spectroscopy of the Stars (thekidshouldseethis)
Task
Write a short explanation of how different wavelengths of light correspond to specific elements.
Hour 3: Flame Test Experiment
Learning Objectives
By the end of this hour, you will:
Observe how different elements produce unique colours when burned.
Understand how flame tests help identify elements.
Practical Activity: Flame Test
What You Need:
Wooden splints
Solutions of salts (e.g., table salt for sodium, copper sulfate for copper, potassium chloride for potassium)
A Bunsen burner or candle (with adult supervision)
Safety goggles
Tongs or tweezers
Steps:
Soak the tip of a wooden splint in one of the salt solutions.
Hold the splint in the flame and observe the colour produced.
Repeat for each solution, rinsing the splint between tests.
Reflection Questions:
What colours did you observe for each element?
How do these colours help scientists identify elements in unknown samples?
Summary and Reflection
Reflect on the Week:
What did you find most fascinating about how stars create elements?
How does spectroscopy help us understand the universe?
Which colour in the flame test surprised you the most?
Looking Ahead: Next week, we’ll explore the properties of materials and how they are suited for different uses. Get ready to test strength, flexibility, and more!
I hope you enjoyed your cosmic week of exploring the universe and its chemistry!
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