Science lesson plan · 10th grade (Year 11 in England) · 45 minutes
The life cycle of stars
Space
CCSS NGSS.HS-ESS1-1CCSS NGSS.HS-ESS1-3England: KS3 Physics: Space physicsEngland: KS4 Physics: Space physics (separate science)
Objective and success criteria
Students will: The life cycle of stars.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: The scale of the universe
Leads to: The expanding universe and the Big Bang
Materials: Torch and ball for a Sun-Earth-Moon model, Space images, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (The scale of the universe). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Light travels about 300 000 km every second. How far does it travel in 2 seconds, in km? → 600000 kmPrompt: distance = speed × time
- What keeps the planets in orbit around the Sun? (magnetism / gravity / wind / friction) → gravityPrompt: The Sun has a huge mass.
- Light travels about 300 000 km every second. How far does it travel in 5 seconds, in km? → 1500000 kmPrompt: distance = speed × time
Hook · 5 min
- Ask why we see the Moon change shape over a month.
- Share the objective: The life cycle of stars. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: In the life cycle of a star much more massive than the Sun, what comes straight after "nebula"?
- Step 1: nebula → protostar → main sequence star → red supergiant → supernova → neutron star or black hole
- Step 2: So the answer is: protostar
- Answer: protostar
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- In the life cycle of a star much more massive than the Sun, what comes straight after "supernova"? (nebula / neutron star or black hole / main sequence star / protostar) → neutron star or black holePrompt: Very massive stars end their lives far more violently than the Sun.
- Why is a main sequence star stable for billions of years? (It has no gravity / It stops fusion / Gravity pulling in is balanced by pressure from fusion pushing out / It is cold inside) → Gravity pulling in is balanced by pressure from fusion pushing outPrompt: Two forces act in opposite directions.
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
- Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.
The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- In the life cycle of a star like the Sun, what comes straight after "main sequence star"? (white dwarf / red giant / protostar / nebula (cloud of dust and gas)) → red giantPrompt: The Sun is in its main sequence stage now.
- What process releases energy in the core of a star? (chemical reactions with oxygen / nuclear fusion of hydrogen into helium / burning coal / nuclear fission of uranium) → nuclear fusion of hydrogen into heliumPrompt: Small nuclei join together to make bigger ones.
Watch out for
- Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
- Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"
Support and stretch
Support
- Review first: The scale of the universe.
- Use concrete materials: torch and ball for a sun-earth-moon model.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Move on to: The expanding universe and the Big Bang.
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-10.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder