Solar Storybook

Introduction As your final activity in our unit on the Sun you will need to show that you understand the life history of a typical, one solar mass star like the Sun. This will incorporate all of the terms, concepts and processes we have concentrated on in class in one final project. Good luck!

This is what you will do You will design, write and illustrate a booklet that will describe the life cycle of a typical, one solar mass star to show that you understand the changes that this type of star undergoes as it progresses through its life from start to finish. Here's the catch; the book must be written so it can be understood by a child in the third grade. No large words, no long drawn out descriptions. Keep it simple and accurate, colorful and correct.

How will you do this?! You will need to include quite a bit in this booklet to make it pleasing to the reader and something he or she will want to look at and use again and again. Be sure to include:

  • These terms will insure you cover all parts in a one solar mass star's life cycle: collapse, color, core, corona, dwarf, elements, fusion, giant, gravity, helium, H-R diagram, hydrogen, main sequence, nebula, nova, photosphere, prominence, solar wind, sunspot, surface temprature. These words MUST be used as part of the story you are writing. Including the words as part of the glossary will not earn credit as part of the booklet.
  • The finished booklet's size should be equal to a standard piece of printer paper folded in half.
  • The booklet should include at least one illustration per page and no more than 25 words per page.
  • The booklet should be illustrated in color. Use crayons, markers, pastels, water colors, color printers, etc.
  • The booklet should include a glossary of terms and their definitions. No definition should exceed the 25 word limit, although the glossary pages can have more than 25 words per page.
  • Include a works consulted page of sites and resources used in constructing your booklet.
Resources Use these websites in addition to class notes, encyclopedias and library reference materials to complete your project.

Evaluation Click here to download a copy of the gradesheet so you know you've included everything you need in this project.