Let's Make a Supernova!

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This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity lets learners explore what happens when a star explodes. Participants imagine themselves inside a large star at the end of its life, just as it is about to go supernova. This activity simulates the momentum transfer from the denser material of the core (represented by the tennis balls) to the lighter material of the outer layers (represented by the ping-pong balls) after the star's core collapses. The pdf contains step-by-step instructions, photos, presentation tips, and links to background information.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Tennis Balls
  • Ping-pong balls
  • Uncooked Salad Macaroni (Optional)
  • Spool (Optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Stars and Galaxies
  • Physical Sciences
    • Energy
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Atomic Structure
      • Elements and Periodic Table
      • Elementary Particles and Nuclear Physics
      • Mass and Weight
      • Volume and Density

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 2008