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American Museum of Natural History

What's The Composition of the Universe?

Overview:

The composition of the universe is constantly changing. The universe began with hydrogen and helium. Through fusion in the stars and explosive supernovae other heavier elements were created from these two elements. Overtime more and more light elements were turned into heavier elements.

Resource Use:

In this activity students, working in groups, will create samples that show the abundance of elements in substances found in the universe. They will trade samples and try to identify the new substance.

This activity can be conducted with either colored sprinkles or with colored confetti made using a hole puncher. Provide groups of students with a list of the elements and the color that represents each element.

H: white sprinkles
C: red sprinkles
He: green sprinkles
O: blue sprinkles
Fe: yellow sprinkles
N: black sprinkles
Si: orange sprinkles
Mg: purple sprinkles
Na: pink sprinkles
Other: chocolate sprinkles

Have students work in small groups. Provide each group with a small clear jar (baby food jars work well for the activity). Distribute one "recipe" card to each group. Groups should not divulge the substance on their card to other groups. Explain that each recipe gives the abundance for the various elements that make up the substance. Each group will have the task of using colored sprinkles or confetti to create the substance. The measured amounts should total approximately 10 teaspoonfuls. Explain that less significant elements with small abundance have been listed as "other." Have groups look at the percentages of elements for their substance and calculate how much of each colored sprinkle or confetti to put in the jar or bottle.

Recipe Card 1: The Sun
H: 92.1 %
He: 7.8%
O: 0.1%

Recipe Card 2: Supernova
O: 42.2%
Fe: 36.7%
C: 11.1%
Si: 3.7%
Mg: 2.8%
Other: 3.5%

Recipe Card 3: Earth's Atmosphere
N: 78.0%
O: 21.0%
Other: 1%

Recipe Card 4: Carbonaceous Condrite
O: 44.3%
H: 30.8%
Mg: 6.2%
Si: 5.5%
Fe: 4.9%
C: 4.2%
Other: 4.1%

Recipe Card 5: Mercury's Atmosphere
He: 42.0%
Na: 42.0%
O: 15:0%
Other: 1%

When groups have created their substances, have them secure the lids and gently shake to mix the elements. Then, without divulging what the substances are, have groups trade jars with other groups. Have students estimate and record the percentage of each element in the new jar. Then give them a list of abundances for the different objects. Have them determine what the contents of their jars represent.

Copyright © 2003 American Museum of Natural History. All rights reserved.

  • More About This Resource...

    • The composition of the universe is constantly changing as fusion turns hydrogen and helium into heavier elements. In this activity, a supplement to the Hall of Meteorites Educator's Guide, students use colored confetti or sprinkles to create samples that show the abundance of elements in different substances found in the universe.

      • This activity begins by dividing students into groups and giving each an assortment of the colored pieces, a list of the elements, and the color that represents each element.
      • Then, each group is given a small jar and a “recipe” card for different substances, and are asked to create a substance by combining the correct proportion of elements.
      • Finally, the groups trade jars and record the contents, and determine what substance each jar represents.

    • Completion Time

      Approximately 1 period

    • Origin

      Hall of Meteorites

    • Topic

      Astronomy

    • Subtopic

      Concepts

    • Subtopic

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades 9-12:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • structure of atoms• structure and properties of matter• chemical reactions• motions and forces• conservation of energy and increase in disorder• interactions of energy and matter

      Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D: 

      • origin and evolution of the universe

      Science in Personal and Social Perspectives CONTENT STANDARD F: 

      • natural resources

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of scientific knowledge• historical perspectives

    • Learning Standard

      National Science Education Standards
      Grades 9-12:
      Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A: 

      • abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry

      Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B: 

      • structure of atoms• structure and properties of matter• chemical reactions• motions and forces• conservation of energy and increase in disorder• interactions of energy and matter

      Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D: 

      • origin and evolution of the universe

      Science in Personal and Social Perspectives CONTENT STANDARD F: 

      • natural resources

      History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G: 

      • science as a human endeavor• nature of scientific knowledge• historical perspectives