Foundation of Science I students are increasingly diving into the wonders of space science, with a particular focus on star formation and classification. In Foundation of Science I, students learn that stars are born in vast clouds of gas and dust called nebulae. Through the process of gravitational collapse, these clouds condense, forming protostars that eventually ignite nuclear fusion in their cores. Understanding this process allows students to see the universe as a dynamic and evolving system, where new celestial bodies continuously emerge. Hands-on activities, such as simulating star formation with computer models or analyzing telescope images, make this abstract concept more tangible.
Beyond formation, students also have been exploring how astronomers classify stars based on their physical properties. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, a key tool in astrophysics, helps students visualize the relationship between a star’s temperature, luminosity, and lifecycle stage. They learn about different types of stars, from hot, massive blue giants to cooler, long-lived red dwarfs, as well as the life cycle pathways leading to white dwarfs, neutron stars, or black holes. By categorizing stars using spectral classification (O, B, A, F, G, K, M), students gain insight into how the Sun fits within the larger stellar population.