Griffith Observatory (Chris Kipp)

Location

2800 E Observatory Rd

Los Angeles, CA 90027

Contact

(213) 473-0800

Description

Griffith Observatory is a facility in Los Angeles sitting on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin, including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast,Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with an excellent view of the Hollywood sign, and an extensive array of space and science-related displays. Since the observatory opened in 1935, admission has been free, in accordance with Griffith's will. However, some planetary shows inside have a small added charge.

Audience

High school physics, astronomy, or earth science students.

Map

Photographs

Topics Addressed

Waves, Optics, Planetary Motion, Gravity

Standards

HS-PS2-4. Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the gravitational and electrostatic forces between objects. [

HS-PS4-1. Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of waves traveling in various media.

HS-PS4-4. Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation have when absorbed by matter

HS-ESS1-1. Develop a model based on evidence to illustrate the life span of the sun and the role of nuclear fusion in the sun’s core to release energy that eventually reaches Earth in the form of radiation.

HS-ESS1-2. Construct an explanation of the Big Bang theory based on astronomical evidence of light spectra, motion of distant galaxies, and composition of matter in the universe.

HS-ESS1-3. Communicate scientific ideas about the way stars, over their life cycle, produce elements.

Field Trip Guide

Directions

You can either drive directly to the parking lot at the observatory, or you can park at the bottom and hike up (recommended).

Foucault Pendulum

Observe the pendulum swinging back and forth in the main lobby. Use a timer to record the time it takes the pendulum to complete 10 periods. Record the time and use it to calculate the length of the pendulum. Ask the guide what the actual length of the pendulum is. Calculate your % error.

Time ________________

Calculated Length_______________ Actual Length_____________ % Error______________

Periodic Table of Elements

The museum contains a large model of the periodic table that lights up. Press the buttons which light up the different sections. Make a list of what types of events produce the different elements on the table.

Spectrum Tubes

Next to the periodic table display is a section of tubes that contain elemental gases. Press the buttons to pass electricity through these gases. Look through the special diffraction grating to see the spectra given off by each gas. Describe the differences you see and explain how this information could be used to identify the different elements that make up the stars.

West Hallway

The west hallway contains several displays that each contain a model of planetary motion. Describe how the motion in each model is being used to represent the following: Seasons, Sun and Stars, Day and Night, Moon Phases, Tides, Eclipses.

East Hallway

The east hallway describes how we observe the light given off throughout the universe. Read the various placards and describe the type of information scientists get from the different wavelengths of light. Which type of light from the electromagnetic spectrum led to the idea that the universe was expanding? Which type led to the idea of the big bang?

Planetary Gravity

In the basement level, there are several models that all you to measure your weight on another planet. Test each machine and record your weight on each of the planets, including Earth. Using your mass, calculate the acceleration of gravity in m/s² on each of these planets.