GEAR UP Telescope Training and Curriculum

(Presentation found at http://goo.gl/bn5jt4)

Bruce PalmquistCentral Washington University

palmquis@cwu.edu

Outline

• Unpacking the telescopes and ID items

• Safe solar viewing (brief lecture & modeling)

• Using the telescopes during the day (outside)

• Sun-related resources (web explorations)

• Astronomy resources (web explorations)

• Using the telescopes at night (outside)

Observational astronomy relevant NGSSMS-ESS1-1. Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to

describe the cyclic patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons.

MS-ESS1-2. Develop and use a model to describe the role of gravity in the motions within galaxies and the solar system. (motion of planets)

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. (sun spots)

HS-ESS1-4. Use mathematical or computational representations to predict the motion of orbiting objects in the solar system. (Jupiter’s moons)

Unpack telescopes for solar use

Almost always used

Telescope

Base

Tripod

Eyepieces

Totebag

Used for solar viewing

Viewing screen

Solar filter

Sun viewing safety rules with a filter

• Never touch the filter itself

• Make sure the filter is tightly secured

• Have a trusted adult or older student monitor the telescope AT ALL TIMES

• Aim the telescope away from the Sun when not in use for a short time

• Cover the telescope when not in use for a long time

• Emphasize it is not safe to look directly at the Sun

• For more information about solar filter safety, read the article found here.

Projecting the Sun’s image safely• Cut a 2” diameter hole in a piece of cardboard and fit it

snugly over the front of the telescope

• If you use the screen that comes with the telescope, make sure it is securely fastened

• Have a trusted adult or older student monitor the telescope AT ALL TIMES

• Cover the end of the telescope when not in use

• Emphasize it is not safe to look directly at the Sun

• For more information about projecting an image of the Sun safely, read the article found here.

Setting up the telescopes outside

• I will set one up and aim it at the Sun

• Then you will set up your own and aim it at the Sun

• I’ll help, evaluate your set-up, and give feedback

• Sketch what you see in the eyepiece

• We can look at terrestrial objects using the upright image corrector

Three Sun information resources

• The Sun Lab from NOVA Labso http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/sun/o Sun information and solar projects for students

• Stanford Solar Centero http://solar-center.stanford.edu/o Sun information and multidisciplinary curriculum

• Solar Stormwatcho http://www.solarstormwatch.com/o Interpret images and contribute to science research

Sun 101

• Go to The Sun Lab and view Sun 101

• Discuss the questions

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/lab/sun/o How can you use this with your students?o Especially explore the Research Challenge sectiono Share your good idea here http://goo.gl/HNYCl0

The Multidisciplinary Sun

Science is okay but I like

• History, Art, Music, Poetry, Literature

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore

http://solar-center.stanford.edu/ o How can you use this with your students?o Especially explore the For Educators sectiono Share your good idea here http://goo.gl/HNYCl0

Students as contributing scientists

• With solar stormwatch, students add to science knowledge about the Sun

• How can that be? Just watch this

• Students get virtual badges for their efforts

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore

http://www.solarstormwatch.com/o Click Log In on the right side to create an account

Three resources you may not know

• NAAP Astronomy Labso http://astro.unl.edu/naap/o Simulations for many astronomy topics

• Astronomycasto http://www.astronomycast.com/o Podcasts about many astronomy topics

• Sky & Telescope magazine onlineo http://www.skyandtelescope.com/o Articles and a simple interactive star chart

NAAP Labs

• Go to NAAP Intro page and review lab list

• Go to the Lunar Phases Lab

• Go to http://goo.gl/pGxGLP to find a sample

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore o Share your good idea here http://goo.gl/HNYCl0

Astronomycast

• Go to Astronomycast and listen to ep. 178

• Review the show notes

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore

http://www.astronomycast.com/o How can you use this with your students?o Especially explore the Show Notes sectiono Share your good idea here http://goo.gl/HNYCl0

Sky and Telescope• Go to Sky & Telescope, look at the star chart

• Set it for our date & location (customizable!)

• Your turno Take about 15 minutes to explore

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/ o Click on “Register here” so you can use the charto Click on “Interactive sky chart”, set for your locationo Go to a date you may use your telescopeo Click “Create PDF” for a printable chart

Other night viewing resources

• Heavens-Above (http://www.heavens-above.com/)o Identify human-made satellites

• Sky Maps (http://www.skymaps.com/) o Printable map with a lot of extra informationo I distribute these at public star parties

• Globe at Night (http://www.globeatnight.org/)o A great citizen science star counting activity to help

determine the extent of light pollution

• Add your favorite apps at http://goo.gl/HNYCl0

Unpack telescopes for night use

Almost always used

Telescope

Base

Tripod

Eyepieces

Totebag

Used for night viewing

Red dot finder

Setting up the telescopes outside

• I will set one up and aim it at an object

• Then you will set up your own and aim it at the same bright object

• I’ll help, evaluate your set-up, and give feedback

• Find at least three more objects from the Evening Sky Map http://www.skymaps.com/