TRIP


HS, Earth Science Std 12.2: Describe challenges and required technologies for space exploration in regards to communication technologies, observatories, space-based telescopes, and probes.

Lesson Plans: The Distance to the Hyades Cluster To find the distance to the Hyades star cluster using the convergent point method; to recognize the uncertainties in using this method; to summarize the significant results obtained by the Hipparchos satellite and what these results mean for the distance scale of the Universe. Digital Images To simulate, by hand, how a computer may process digital images into color pictures and to learn how a planetary geoscientist interprets these pictures. Decoding Starlight The student will use data collected from the Chandra X-ray Observatory to calculate the average pixel intensity of X-ray emissions from a supernova remnant. A Journey of Discovery with RXTE In this unit (5 days long using a 90-minute block schedule), students, who take on the role of light curve experts at a fictitious Drew Freeman Research Facility, receive an important bulletin from NASA. A mysterious X-ray source near the Galactic Center has been detected by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) satellite. The students collect, graph, and analyze data gathered by one of this satellite's scientific instruments, the All-Sky Monitor (ASM), to determine whether or not this source can be accurately identified as a black hole or a neutron star. Eclipsing Binary Using data of the object Hercules X-1 taken by the All Sky Monitor aboard RXTE, the student will be able to: Identify this object as a binary source. Determine an approximate value for the orbital period of the object.

Resources: Exploring Planets: More than 25 hands-on science activities are provided in classroom-ready pages for both teachers and students for exploring Earth, the planets, geology, and space sciences. Discoveryschools.com Teachnology Space and Astronomy Lesson Plans The Space Place A great site from NASA to explore with your students. Don't miss the Goodies for Teachers area for printables and lesson worksheets. NASA Spacelink Use this website to start your search of the NASA collection of educational materials, such as classroom lessons, online activities, and multimedia resources. NASA Explores Express Lessons and Online Resources Lesson Plan Central An educator's guide to lesson plans, worksheets, web links, and more.
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