Adopt an Object: Overview

Project Description

Groups of students "adopt" a sky object and learn as much as they can about it. After reading some background information about sky objects and multiwavelength views, each group is assigned an object (or selects one of their own). The groups use the Datascope, a tool used by professional astronomers, to study the object in detail. They also read about the object on other web sites. Each group prepares an oral presentation and a written report to explain their object to the rest of the class.

This is an open-ended project that requires a lot of teacher support. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the Datascope and the reference web sites before attempting the project with students.

Concepts

• Telescopes can see many more sky objects than the unaided eye
• Sky objects can be divided into categories such as stars, nebulae, galaxies, and quasars
• Light comes in many wavelengths, most of which are invisible
• The same object looks different when viewed with different wavelengths of light
• Scientists use web-based tools and resources to learn about the sky

Target Audience

Middle school (grades 6-8) science students. The project can be used with no major modifications for older students, up to the Astronomy 101 level. Younger students may have difficulty reading the text of the project. For these students, you may want to print out and explain some of the activities, instead of having them read the screen.

Classroom Time

You can teach the preliminary materials (all the pages before "Choose Your Object") in one to two 45-minute class sessions. You should allow at least one class session to help and supervise students using the Datascope and other resources. Students can finish their research at home. You should allow at least five minutes in class per group for oral presentations.

Real World Relevance

This project helps students gain an appreciation for the beauty of the night sky, and for the fact that astronomers have learned a great deal about it. Students use a real tool that astronomers are currently using to study the sky.