Stars

Stars

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This task is about graphing the brightness and temperature of stars.

Question Change answer

The diagram can be used to describe the relationship between the surface temperature of stars and their brightness. Most stars are on the main sequence. The Sun is shown in its position on the main sequence.
 
Use the information below to write the letters A to E on the diagram, to show where the different stars that are in bold, can be found.
A - blue star is a main sequence star that is hotter than the Sun.
B - small main sequence star is dimmer than the Sun.
C - white dwarf is hotter than the Sun and dimmer than the Sun.
D - main sequence star, cools it forms a red giant that is brighter than the Sun.
E - supergiants are hotter than red giants and are the brightest stars known.
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Communicating in science, Planet Earth
Keywords: 
astronomical systems, stars, diagrams
Description of task: 
Students are given a diagram that is used to describe the surface temperature and brightness of stars. Using the diagram and information provided, students indicate where different stars would be located.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities 
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask. 
 
Capability: Interpret representations 
Scientists represent their ideas in a variety of ways, including models, graphs, charts, diagrams and written texts. 
This resource provides opportunities to discuss how the brightness and surface temperature of stars directly relate to their position in the sky.  
Science capabilities: 
Interpret representations
Answers/responses: 
 

Y10 (05/2002)

a)-e)

 
Star A: Should be on the line or very close to it (difficult)
Star B: Should be on the line or very close to it (difficult)
Star C: Can be anywhere in the quadrant but not on the lines (easy)
Star D: Can be anywhere in the quadrant but not on the horizontal line (moderate)
Star E: Supergiants are located to the left, and higher than the position the student gave for star D (moderate).		  
Diagnostic and formative information: 
 

Common error

a)
 
 
 
 
 
b)