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Ghost Particle, The
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Ideas from Teachers
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(Gr. 6-12)
Objective
To learn about neutrino production created in the cores of stars.
Materials
- index cards with subatomic particles written on them: proton, neutron, electron, positron, neutrino, gamma ray energy
Procedure
Give each student an index card with a particle written on it. Have students move about the classroom and construct fusion reactions. Their goal is to form the proton-proton reactions that create hydrogen, helium, lithium, and beryllium (and their isotopes). Assist or give hints as necessary.
Students should ultimately end up with the following fusion relationships:
4 (1H) ------> 4 He + 2 e+ + 2 neutrinos + energy
When students create a correct reaction, write it on the board. The order is important.
Assessment
Have each group of students explain the reaction they have made and why they think it is correct.
Classroom Tips
Adapting for class size: The number of cards handed out will vary depending on class size. If your class size is small, only do two or three reactions at a time, handing out only the cards with elements that are in those reactions. Just be sure every student has a card. If your class size is large, do about half the reactions at a time, giving students only the cards used in those reactions. If there are not enough cards to go around, give out extra energy cards. It is all right to have more than one student representing energy in a reaction. When students are done, collect those cards and hand out the cards used in the rest of the fusion reactions and have the class form them. Sent in by
Erich Landstrom
Boynton Beach Community High School
Boynton Beach , FL 
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