Griffith Observatory (Dave Farina)
Location
2800 E Observatory Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Contact
(213) 473-0800
Griffith Observatory is a facility 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 planetarium shows inside have a small added charge.
Audience: Students of any age with an interest in physics, chemistry, astronomy, and earth science.
Refer to this guide in navigating the observatory. Complete as many of the activities as possible, and have a great time!
Area 1: Wilder Hall of the Eye Exhibits and the Rotunda
Area 2: Ahmanson Hall of the Sky Exhibits
Area 3: Cosmic Connection and Downstairs Exhibits
Area 4: Rooftop and Zeiss Telescopes
BONUS: Check out "Centered in the Universe" in the Planetarium! I cry every time.
Come back soon!
Next Generation Science Standards Addressed:
Earth Science
ESS1.A: The Universe and Its Stars
ESS1.B: Earth and the Solar System
ESS1.C: The History of Planet Earth
Life Science
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
LS2.A: Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems
LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
Physical Science
PS1.A: Structure and Properties of Matter
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes
PS4.A: Wave Properties
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Engineering & Technology
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions
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.