What happens when stars run out of fuel? Pupils learn the incredible sequence of events that occur as a star nears its end. The video compares and contrasts the events in low- and high-mass stars, detailing the cycle of fusion, energy release, and expansion. The narrator also explains the lifespan of stars of different masses.

Concepts

stars, fusion, mass, density, hydrogen, helium, carbon, temperature

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Show the video as a follow-up to a lesson about stars
• Provide the class with examples of stars of different masses and ages, including our own sun

Classroom Considerations

• To prevent misconceptions ensure cass members understand that our sun will be around for a long time to come 
• Prior knowledge of the process of fusion would be helpful in viewing the video

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Neatly summarizes complicated aspects of the decline of stars for a wide range of learning levels
• Illustrations help to convey the fusion process that takes place in both healthy and dying stars

Cons

• None