Embedded Files
Student Learning Goals:
Student Learning Goals:
I can outline the ways in which astronomers observe the universe.
I can use appropriate scales to measure distances in the universe.
Astronomy
Astronomy
Modern day astronomers have amazing technology to work with. Modern telescopes have become larger and larger to allow us to see further into space. In 1995, the Hubble Space Telescope was pointed towards a region of space previously thought to be empty.
The photo produced after two days showed multitudes of galaxies that had never been observed before. Known as the ‘Hubble Deep Field’, this image further demonstrated the enormous size of the universe.
Activity Title: Exploring the World of Telescopes
Duration: 60 minutes
Grade Level: High School
Materials:
Images of different types of telescopes
Whiteboard or blackboard and markers
Laptops or tablets for students
Handouts or worksheets for students
Instructions:
Begin the activity by asking students if they have ever used a telescope.
Write down students' responses on the board.
Divide the students into pairs or small groups.
Provide each group with a laptop or tablet and access to online resources, such as scientific journals or educational videos.
Assign each group a different type of telescope to research, such as refracting telescopes, reflecting telescopes, or radio telescopes.
Encourage students to use scientific evidence to support their findings.
Have each group present their research to the class using images, diagrams, or graphs on the whiteboard or blackboard.
After each presentation, allow time for questions from the class and discussion.
Assessment:
Observe students' participation in group work and presentations.
Evaluate the accuracy and clarity of students' presentations.
Assign a follow-up homework task where students write a short essay on the benefits and limitations of different types of telescopes.
Objectives:
To understand the different types of telescopes.
To use scientific evidence to support their findings.
To develop skills in group work and presentation.
6.1.1 Telescope questions
Telescopes and technology
The first telescopes were optical telescopes, which use lenses to collect light and focus it for the eye to see. The larger the diameter of the lens, the more light that can be collected and the further you can see.
But, as telescopes got larger, the size of the glass lenses required reached the point where they would be too big to support their own weight, so polished mirrors were used instead to collect and focus light.
Radio telescopes gather information in the form of radio waves. Radio telescopes follow the same principle as optical telescopes, in that they collect signals and reflect them inwards to focus them, but the reflective surfaces do not need to be polished mirrors. This means that radio telescopes can be made much larger than optical telescopes.
Multiple radio telescopes can also be linked together to look even further into space. The Square Kilometer Array radio telescope, which is expected to be completed in Western Australia in 2028, will be made up of thousands of dishes whose total collection area will be bigger than one square kilometre (or one million square meters).
Other Types of Telescopes
Other Types of Telescopes
Relying on optical telescopes that detect only visible light would not provide astronomers with a complete picture of the universe.
Many celestial objects do not emit radiation in the visible range and so would be invisible if it were not for the development of telescopes that detect other frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.
Ultraviolet light reveals hot stars and quasars while visible light allows us to image hot stars, planets, nebulae and galaxies.
In the infra-red we see cool stars, regions of star birth and cool dusty regions of space.
X-rays and gamma rays are the highest energy electromagnetic radiation produced by deep space objects such as stars.
Radio waves are unimpeded by the dust in our galaxy so they can be used to detect other galaxies unable to be seen by optical telescopes behind the centre of our galaxy.
Space Telescopes
Space Telescopes
Visible light and radio waves are the only two frequencies within the electromagnetic spectrum that penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere to any large extent, allowing us to place optical and radio telescopes on the ground.
The remaining types of radiation are filtered out by the atmosphere. So, to place gamma ray, X-ray, ultraviolet or infra-red telescopes on the ground would be fruitless.
Astronomers have teamed up with space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) to launch telescopes in orbit around the Earth (beyond the atmosphere) and within space probes travelling throughout the solar system and beyond.
Lesson Title: Exploring the Universe
Duration: 60 minutes
Grade Level: High School, Stage 5
NSW Syllabus Outcome:
ST5-12MW: Construct and interpret representations of the universe and its components, including the solar system, stars and galaxies, and use evidence-based arguments to support ideas about the universe
ST5-16ES: Evaluate the impact of scientific ideas, including astronomy and space science, on individuals and societies
Materials:
Images of the universe and its components
Laptops or tablets for students
Whiteboard or blackboard and markers
Handouts or worksheets for students
Introduction (10 minutes):
Start with a hook by asking students if they have ever looked up at the sky at night and wondered what else is out there.
Introduce the topic of the universe and ask students what they already know about it.
Write down students' responses on the board.
Give a brief overview of the main components of the universe: solar system, stars, galaxies, etc.
Direct Instruction (25 minutes):
Show images of the universe and its components
Discuss the different characteristics and features of each component, including size, distance, and movement.
Use the handouts or worksheets to guide students in completing tasks that reinforce their understanding of the different components of the universe.
Use the whiteboard to draw diagrams or graphs to help explain difficult concepts.
Guided Practice (15 minutes):
Have students work in pairs or small groups to research and present information about a specific component of the universe, such as a particular star or galaxy.
Encourage students to use evidence-based arguments to support their ideas about the component they researched.
Provide students with laptops or tablets to access online resources, such as NASA's website or educational videos.
Independent Practice (10 minutes):
Assign a task where students write a short essay on the impact of scientific ideas in astronomy and space science on individuals and societies.
Encourage students to use examples to support their ideas.
Conclusion (10 minutes):
Recap the key learning points of the lesson.
Ask students to share their favorite thing they learned about the universe.
Highlight the importance of scientific ideas in astronomy and space science and how they have impacted individuals and societies.
Preview the next lesson and what students can expect to learn.
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