Unit Seven: Astronomy

This week we kicked off Astronomy! Due to the Solar Eclipse, we have focused our attention to the nearest star: the Sun. This unit aims to show how to view the eclipse safely, how to use a telescope and solar filter to view Sun flares and Sun spots, and to encourage our girls to think about the Universe and how it is truely a new frontier. This unit will hopefully wrap up with a visit to WVU's observatory and planatarium for an after school experience.

It takes all areas of STEM to solve problems.

Projects like this one helps our girls to see that the STEM catagories don't stand alone. They all work together to help make our environments better. This introduction project uses architecture, environemental sciences, math, and engineering to help solve one problem.

UV Rays

UV exposure is something that we get exposed on a daily basis. We know that the sun contributes to a lot of that exposure, even on a cloudy day. Our first challenge was for our girls to build a structure that protects an object from UV Rays. Using color changing beads that they fastened to their object and UV flash lights to provide UV exposure, the girls had to build a structure that shielded the oject from the UV rays. They had some parameters to meet: only use the given material, structure must stand 4" above the object, and the structure must have an entrance/exit. Although each team or individual had different approaches for solving the problem, their answers to the issue were both thought out and brilliant. Fostering an environment of respect helps resolve disagreements quickly and respectfully.

Measuring Up...

Madisyn and Ava discuss the opening of their structure and measure to make sure their UV sensitive object will fit.

UV is foiled again!

Reagan and Ryleigh use foil as not only a protective layer, but also a reflective layer.

Stucture Discussion

Mila and Addisyn discuss ways to make the walls of their stucture stand up and be solid to fully protect their object.

Working

Smarter,

Not

Harder!

Special Presenter: Cody Blosser, WVU student

Cody Blosser, WVU student and future Astronomy Educator, will bring his telescopes and show the Girl's STEM class how to observe features on the sun safely using solar filters.

An early peak at the sun: Our girls got to peak at the rising sun using special filters on the telescopes.

Getting dialed in: Guest Speaker Cody gets his telescopes dialed in on the sun for viewing.

Students were able to take turns looking through two different types of scopes with two different types of filters.

Students observed sun spots on our closest star. There were not any flares visible during our viewing time.

Viewing the Eclipse

The Elipse on Monday April 8, 2024 is pretty special for many reasons: total Eclipses don't happen often, the next North American one is September 14, 2099, and it is a chance to enjoy a celestial event that doesn't include total annihilation of mankind.

Here are some safety guidelines:

Never stare at the Sun without special protective eyewear. Never. Don't do it. Yes, I am talking to you.
Do not use regular sunglasses to view the Eclipse. See guideline 1.
If you don't have Solar Eclipse glasses, you can create a pinhole projector which is an indirect way to observe the Eclipse. This Youtube video will show you how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiT_KHRlSHQ
If you have pets, you may want to put them inside and close the blinds for safety. Most animals don't stare at the sun, but the unusual light patterns might make them do that. Also, if your pet has storm anxiety, the eclipse may bring out those behaviors as well.
DO NOT use eclipse glasses for cameras, binoculars or telescopes. They require special filters. You can seriously burn your eyes because the curved lenses bend and concentrate the Sun's light rays.

Maddie and Lilly show the proper observation method using ISO 12312-2 solar eclipse glasses.

Want to try this in your classroom? Lesson plans found below! 😎

Lesson Title: Building a UV Shelter

Objective:

- Students will learn about the harmful effects of UV rays on animals and humans

- Students will design and build a UV shelter using UV beads to protect an animal or person from UV rays

- Students will test their UV shelter to see how effective it is in blocking UV rays

Materials Needed:

- UV beads

- Cardboard or foam board

- Scissors

- Glue

- Tape

- Markers or paint

- UV light source (sunlight or UV flashlight)

Procedure:

1. Introduction:

- Start the lesson by explaining to students the harmful effects of UV rays on animals and humans. Discuss how UV rays can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and other health issues.

- Show students an example of a UV shelter made with UV beads and explain how the beads change color when exposed to UV rays.

2. Designing the UV Shelter:

- Divide students into small groups and have them brainstorm and design their own UV shelter using UV beads.

- Provide students with materials such as cardboard or foam board, scissors, glue, tape, and markers or paint to create their shelter.

3. Building the UV Shelter:

- Have students begin building their UV shelter according to their design plans. Encourage them to be creative and innovative in their designs.

4. Testing the UV Shelter:

- Once the UV shelters are complete, have each group test their shelter using a UV light source (such as sunlight or a UV flashlight).

- Discuss with students the effectiveness of their UV shelter in blocking UV rays. Encourage them to make any necessary adjustments to improve their shelter.

5. Reflection and Discussion:

- Have students reflect on the process of designing and building their UV shelter. Discuss what they learned about the harmful effects of UV rays and the importance of protecting themselves and animals from UV exposure.

- Ask students to share what they would do differently if they were to build another UV shelter in the future.

Page updated

Report abuse