Views of the Universe: Telescopes, Starlight and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

This activity is designed for students to view and compare images of the universe constructed from different wavelengths of light. Students will observe images from the various telescopes and form questions about the featured space objects. This is an activity in data analysis and critical thinking. Students will be able to make connections between the location of a telescope and its received wavelengths. Students will be able to order images of different nebulas, galaxies, and stars according to their stage of development. Students will be able to record the name, distance from earth, and unique features of space objects along with images in a power point presentation.
Key Vocabulary: Electromagnetic Spectrum, Telescope, Star, Pulsar, Nebula, Galaxy, Wavelength, Lightyear

This activity is best done over two or more class periods in a computer lab or with a computer cart in the classroom. Standards match to eighth grade or high school earth science. This is best suited to 30 or less students, usually in pairs to maximize the use of computers. I use this activity after reading about telescopes and the electromagnetic spectrum in our text.

This activity requires a computer lab or cart with at least one computer for every two students. Teacher's introduction and the lab sheet should include a diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum, the list of websites, and a table for organizing data. Some table features include the telescope name, location, wavelengths detected, and design elements. This activity can be done at many points during the unit, and the level of inquiry varies with prior knowledge. Teachers can display some key images and have students volunteer questions that they have about the images. The crab nebula is an example of one image that can be found on many of the websites. This can be used for an example during the introduction. An example of good questions to write down from the class would be "What is the scale of this picture?" (compare to earth or our solar system) or "How far from earth is this?" These questions may be answered in the further images on the website or from another telescope site. The PowerPoint presentation can be modified according to the skill level of the class. Many students have had prior experience with the program, but some not. Advanced students can help other groups. Students will be able to navigate the websites easily, and teacher can float around to assist and keep everyone on task. Students should copy images and information into PowerPoint at many points during the activity time. Slides should include an image and information about it, including answers to the class questions and other good questions written by the presenters. The student presentations can be done in class on a following day, this activity may take 3 class periods total. Telescopes list, table (Microsoft Word 40kB Aug5 09)

Each telescope website has a page on how the images are created from the received data. Students will need help to find the correct pages. Many of the telescopes record images of the same space features. Students can be prompted to find these similar images and note the differences. If students have difficulties with the website navigation or power point, other students are often happy to help their classmates. This strategy should help to keep everyone together in producing the presentations. Partners are best to view the websites and make the presentations, threesomes do not work well. Make sure students are saving frequently. In the past I have just shown many of the images and websites in class but the students are very inquisitive and the websites contain so many images that having them create their own presentations should allow the whole class to view a wider variety of images.

Students will record data about each telescope in a table that includes location, wavelengths of light detected, and unique design features of each telescope. Students will be able to find information on how images from each instrument are created from the received data. This should be summarized in a PowerPoint presentation that consists of six or more slides. An introduction slide and a slide about some of the telescopes should be included. 4 image slides with information on the telescope taken from, image features, light years from earth, and answers to good questions about the image.

8.3.3.1.1- the sun is one of billions of stars in the milky way
9.3.3.2.1- the formation of the solar system
9.3.3.3.1- evidence for the big bang theory