Nuclear Fusion in the Cosmos and the Chemistry Curriculum

This unit is designed to connect stellar evolution to a standard high school chemistry curriculum. Much of the chemistry content covered in a standard introductory curriculum often bypasses defining and framing science as an ongoing, exploratory endeavor. The focus of this unit seeks to unite fundamental astronomical curiosities to core chemistry content through an analysis of stellar evolution, specifically, nuclear fusion.

Fusion is a driving force of the cosmos, shining light on our world by converting mass into energy. Fusion also gives birth to the study of chemistry, as all atoms heavier than hydrogen and helium are forged in stars. Taking an astronomical approach to chemistry’s matter enables budding chemists to build connections between course content and our universe while gaining a humbled worldview.