Robin Foster, 8

th
grade Science TEKS (8)Earth and space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected
to:(A) describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as the Herztsprung-Russell diagram for
classification.
Group TIC-TAC-TOE, The Life Cycle of a Star Differentiated Learning
Obejective: to enhance the students understanding of the Star Life Cycle
Student will work in groups to achieve a Tic-Tac-Toe. Each student chooses one activity
and then gets help from the group members (if needed) to complete their activity. Each group
must get a TIC-TAC-TOE completed, 3 across, 3 down, etc. The group will vote as to which one
will be activity presented to the class. Students must include all the stages of a stars life cycle,
representations of what happens at each stage and reasons why that stage occurs for both an
average star and a massive star to get full credit.
Note: Each activity must show what happens in the stages of a stars life; a listing the stages is not sufficient.

Create your own
painting, drawing or computer
generated artwork showing all
the stages of the life cycle of
the 2 types of stars. May be
animated but most use some
notation for the stages. (V)
Write your own
dramatic one act play showing
the life cycle of the 2 types of
stars. One act of the play
must be presented to the
class or use of animation
software is also acceptable.
(VKA)
Make a representation
of each type of star and
complete your own version of
the HR Diagram with notes
showing all the stages of the
life cycle of the 2 types of
stars. Stars must be able to
move from one category to
the next to show cycles.(KV)
Using an existing
song or rap, write your own
words showing all the stages
of the life cycle of the 2 types
of stars and present it to the
class. Copies of your song or
rap must be provided to the
class.(A)
Using
ingredients that do not have to
be cooked create your own
edible representation showing
all the stages of the life cycle
of the 2 types of stars, with
notes explaining each
stage.(KV)
Create your own
video of a television sit-com or
documentary or cartoon
showing all the stages of the
life cycle of the 2 types of
stars and present it to the
class. Screen play or script
must be turned in for full
credit. (VA)
Create your own
newspaper on poster board
showing all the stages of the
life cycle of the 2 types of
stars in one or more news
stories. (V)
Create your own
Tour of the Universe ride
showing all the stages of the
life cycle of the 2 types of
stars. (KV)
Create your own
modern interpretive dance
showing all the stages of the
life cycle of the 2 types of
stars. Must have narration,
either recorded or video. (K)

A Auditory, V Visual, K Kinesthetic
Robin Foster, 8
th
grade Science TEKS (8)Earth and space. The student knows characteristics of the universe. The student is expected
to:(A) describe components of the universe, including stars, nebulae, and galaxies, and use models such as the Herztsprung-Russell diagram for
classification.
Student Scorecard and rubric for group presentations:
Name
Activities all students MUST complete one:

Activity chosen Points
Earned
Points
Possible
50

Group Selected Activity chosen by group vote to present to the class (one):

Activity Points
Earned
Points
Possible
50

Presentation Rubric, which will be completed by ALL students for each
presentation except their own:

3 2 1 0
Star Life Had both types
of stars & all
stages
Had both types
of stars & most
stages
Missing one
type of star or
most of stages
Incorrect
information or
not done
Participation All groups
member
participated
Most group
members
participated
Half or less of
the group
members
participated
Only 1 group
member did the
presentation
Quality &
Pizzazz
Presentation
was detailed,
interesting, and
exciting. Wow,
that was great!
Presentation
included all
required parts.
I got it, it was
good.
Presentation
was mostly
together and
correct. It was
OK.
Presentation
was poorly
done and/or
poorly
rehearsed.
Needed more
work.