Viz

Astro 100: Introduction to Astronomy

Instructor: Cindy Blaha, Professor of Physics and Astronomy and Marjorie Crabb Garbisch Professor of the Liberal Arts
Astronomy
Fall 2011

Course Description
An introduction to current astronomy with an emphasis on how we know what we know. Topics include the solar system; the life cycles of stars; pulsars, quasars, and black holes; and the history and future fate of the universe.

Assignment

Seeing is Knowing : A visit to the Perlman Teaching Museum
Today we have the opportunity to explore the Seeing is Knowing exhibit in the new Weitz Center Teaching Museum. In addition to enjoying all of the great artwork and displays, I would like you to consider the following questions as you explore the exhibit and later write up your observations and critiques.

1. Explore Your Inner Art Critic
Which display is your favorite? Why? Which display is your least favorite? Explain. As you write up your answer to these questions, begin first with a description of the display you have selected as most favorite. Then explain why you particularly liked this display. Then describe your least favorite display and explain why you did not appreciate this display as much as the others. Be specific in your explaining your likes and dislikes. Was it the appearance of the display that you enjoyed? Did you enjoy its interactive nature? Its 3-D appearance? Did you really like/dislike the subject matter? Did it inspire you to think or question your place in the Universe?

2. It's All About Audience
When creating any exhibit, a museum curator tries to envision how to reach a wide variety of audiences. Effective communication depends on a careful consideration of the needs of an audience. Now, to consider this concept thoroughly, you must take on a new persona. Imagine you are one of the following visitors to the museum: 1) a visitor from the Senior Center, 2) a middle school science teacher, 3) a high school art teacher or 4) a parent with a five year old child. Try to look at the exhibit with their eyes. Which display do you think they would choose to be their favorite? Why?

3. Creativity
Your tour of the exhibit has likely stirred up plenty of creative insights. In order to provide an opportunity to focus all that inspiration, I would like you to write a short poem, limerick or haiku related to something from the Seeing is Knowing Exhibit. Have some fun – be clever, serious, funny or insightful (or all of the above!).

This assignment will be due in class on Wednesday, October 5.