Difference between revisions of "Phillips telescope"
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(Created page with "'''TITLE:''' Observational astronomy with the Jamieson telescope '''AUTHOR:''' Benjamin Blonder '''GOALS:''' * Differentiate between different classes of objects * I...") |
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'''TITLE:''' | '''TITLE:''' | ||
| − | Observational astronomy with the | + | Observational astronomy with the Phillips telescope |
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| + | For groups of ideally ~8 students (larger groups can be divided for outdoor observing and planispheres), over 45 minutes' time | ||
'''GOALS:''' | '''GOALS:''' | ||
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''Materials'' | ''Materials'' | ||
| − | * list of objects visible in night sky at appropriate time of year [[ | + | * list of objects visible in night sky at appropriate time of year [[ Object catalogs ]] |
* guide to astronomy definitions [[File:Astronomy definitions.docx]] | * guide to astronomy definitions [[File:Astronomy definitions.docx]] | ||
* red flashlights | * red flashlights | ||
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''Setup'' | ''Setup'' | ||
| − | * prepare | + | * prepare telescope and dome for nighttime operations |
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* Ask students to think of night-sky objects they know, and share a small amount about each | * Ask students to think of night-sky objects they know, and share a small amount about each | ||
* Ask students to brainstorm important features of night-sky objects that can help distinguish them (type, age, distance, luminosity, mass, color, location) | * Ask students to brainstorm important features of night-sky objects that can help distinguish them (type, age, distance, luminosity, mass, color, location) | ||
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* Tell students they will get to choose objects in each category to observe, and will get to make drawings of that object. | * Tell students they will get to choose objects in each category to observe, and will get to make drawings of that object. | ||
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* Divide students into small groups of 3-4 | * Divide students into small groups of 3-4 | ||
* Let each group flip through an object catalog and choose an object they wish to see. Let them use the definitions handout to understand any confusing terms. | * Let each group flip through an object catalog and choose an object they wish to see. Let them use the definitions handout to understand any confusing terms. | ||
| − | * | + | * Ask each group to identify 1-2 facts about their object that answer one or more of the following questions: |
** In what constellation is it located? | ** In what constellation is it located? | ||
** What is the history / mythology of the object | ** What is the history / mythology of the object | ||
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* Move group to telescope dome and show sky map on computer, introduce students to controls | * Move group to telescope dome and show sky map on computer, introduce students to controls | ||
* Distribute warm blankets if needed | * Distribute warm blankets if needed | ||
| − | * | + | * Number students 1-n, which will be the standard order for looking through the telescope to reduce dead time |
| − | * Move the telescope! Let one student control the telescope, another, the dome | + | * For each object (probably two at most), have each group present 1-2 facts about the object, then rotate groups through |
| + | * Move the telescope! Let one student control the telescope, another, the dome | ||
* Ask each student to view; all students should then answer a set of questions about the object notebook. Use red flashlights if needed. | * Ask each student to view; all students should then answer a set of questions about the object notebook. Use red flashlights if needed. | ||
** how many objects do you see? | ** how many objects do you see? | ||
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** is there dust present? | ** is there dust present? | ||
** do the objects have a size or are they points? | ** do the objects have a size or are they points? | ||
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* Turn on dome lights | * Turn on dome lights | ||
* Ask one student from each group to share their drawing of each object and recap the major features of the object. | * Ask one student from each group to share their drawing of each object and recap the major features of the object. | ||
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Revision as of 04:07, 24 September 2014
TITLE:
Observational astronomy with the Phillips telescope
For groups of ideally ~8 students (larger groups can be divided for outdoor observing and planispheres), over 45 minutes' time
GOALS:
- Differentiate between different classes of objects
- Identify and understand major descriptive features of objects (distance, mass, temperature, luminosity)
- Understand distance scales of the universe
- Draw major features of objects
INSTRUCTIONAL PROCESS:
PREPARATION
Materials
- list of objects visible in night sky at appropriate time of year Object catalogs
- guide to astronomy definitions File:Astronomy definitions.docx
- red flashlights
- blankets and sweatshirts
Setup
- prepare telescope and dome for nighttime operations
INTRODUCTION/ENGAGEMENT:
- Gather students in warm indoor location shortly after sunset.
- Tell students they will have the chance to look at the night sky through a large telescope, and will have the chance to choose what objects to look at.
- Ask students to think of night-sky objects they know, and share a small amount about each
- Ask students to brainstorm important features of night-sky objects that can help distinguish them (type, age, distance, luminosity, mass, color, location)
- Tell students they will get to choose objects in each category to observe, and will get to make drawings of that object.
EXPLORATION
- Divide students into small groups of 3-4
- Let each group flip through an object catalog and choose an object they wish to see. Let them use the definitions handout to understand any confusing terms.
- Ask each group to identify 1-2 facts about their object that answer one or more of the following questions:
- In what constellation is it located?
- What is the history / mythology of the object
- What type of object is it?
- How far away from Earth is it? Is it in our galaxy?
- How old is it?
- Any other fun facts?
APPLICATION
- Move group to telescope dome and show sky map on computer, introduce students to controls
- Distribute warm blankets if needed
- Number students 1-n, which will be the standard order for looking through the telescope to reduce dead time
- For each object (probably two at most), have each group present 1-2 facts about the object, then rotate groups through
- Move the telescope! Let one student control the telescope, another, the dome
- Ask each student to view; all students should then answer a set of questions about the object notebook. Use red flashlights if needed.
- how many objects do you see?
- what color are they?
- do they form a shape (ring, line, circle...)?
- are there satellites present?
- is there dust present?
- do the objects have a size or are they points?
ASSESSMENT
- Turn on dome lights
- Ask one student from each group to share their drawing of each object and recap the major features of the object.
RESOURCES
