Teaching tools > Galaxies > Overview: New life

Description:

Tales of … New life in an ancient galaxy explains how scientists have discovered young stars in elliptical galaxies. Long considered aging star cities, astronomers are finding evidence of star birth in many elliptical galaxies, fueled mostly by consuming smaller galaxies. Ultraviolet light is used to detect the light emitted by young stars.

Format(s) available: Printer-friendly web page

Grades: 10-12, but the material can be adapted for use in other grades at the teacher's discretion.

Teachers can use Tales of … New life in an ancient galaxy as:

• A content reading selection. Teachers should discuss the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary prior to having students read this selection.

• An engagement activity. Have students read the selection. Ask them to describe the evidence that led astronomers to this new understanding of elliptical galaxies.

• An inquiry tool. Propose a question, such as "What role did ground-based and space-based telescopes play in this new understanding of elliptical galaxies?” Have students read the selection and write down as many questions as they can about the information in the text.

• A source of information. Students can describe how the view of elliptical galaxies has evolved through astronomical research.

Related materials

Lithograph: Colliding Galaxies

Graphic organizer:
Comparison of spiral, elliptical, and irregular galaxies

Tales of … A history of colliding galaxies: From oddballs to galaxy building blocks

See the Galaxies section on "Teaching tools" page.

Teaching tools > Galaxies > Overview: New life