Questions for an Astrophysicist 2015

Write your best space question for Dr. Simmons! Include what you know and what you're wondering.

Temperature Changes in the Atmosphere

Describe why some layers of the atmosphere get cooler as you move up in elevation while some other layers are very warm.

Use the following words: radiant energy, thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere, ozone, ionosphere, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays

Questions for an Astrophysicist

Dr. Simmons,

Here are our class' most burning questions - thank you for helping us learn about science!

Made from the Dust of Stars

 "I am made from the dust of the stars..."

From Rush, "Presto"

All of the elements of the universe have been formed by stars - including you! Describe how stars have created the different elements. Your response should include what is happening inside a star at important phases of its life, why this happens, and how this creates elements.

Please include each of the following vocabulary in bold letters: protons, hydrogen, nuclei, helium, carbon, iron, heavy elements, fusion, gravity, main sequence star, red giant, supernova

Astrosphere Wrap Up

Over the course of this unit, we spent a lot of time learning about stars, space, and light. We've looked at how stars form and die, and have also researched how scientists use light to study those processes. This is your time to reflect on what you've learned and what you are still wondering. We will have an opportunity to ask some of you lingering questions to an astrophysicist at Oxford University, so make it an AWESOME question. Please answer BOTH of the following questions:

1. What was the most interesting thing that you have learned this unit? (3 sentence minimum)
2. What is one question you still have? (2 sentence minimum)