Saturday, SAVY Day 1 “Observing the Cosmos” (5th/6th)
SAVY Parents-
We started the day with an icebreaker titled “What Dwarf Planet Are You?” With questions like “What’s your favorite thing to do with friends?”, “Pick your favorite school subject!” and “What’s your dream adventure?” It was a great way to get the kids talking and learning a little about one another. The activity sparked much conversation and hearty laughter, making it a great start to the day!
We began the day by exploring the fundamental property that astronomers use to observe and study the cosmos: light. We used spectroscopy – light split into separate wavelengths – to infer properties of stars. Based on the way that atoms, specifically electrons, absorb or release energy, we can see patterns in the spectra of stars based on the gases contained in their stellar atmospheres. We conducted an experiment where we observed the spectra of tubes with different gases, and tried to identify the gas in several tubes using reference spectra. The kids even corrected me on the identity of one of the gases that I mislabeled!
Later in the day, we explored one of the primary instruments that astronomers use to observe the universe: telescopes. We explored different types of telescopes, mainly refractor (use of lenses) and reflector (use of mirrors), with the opportunity to see an actual telescope. We discussed and explored the example telescope, which was a Newtonian reflector: an Orion 4.5-inch with a primary mirror and secondary mirror at a 45-degree angle.
To wrap up the day, we discussed how astronomers are able to find targets for observation, like other stars, nebulae, galaxies, and all manner of objects. We explored using the planisphere, a physical representation of the night sky where, given an approximate date and time, we can observe what is in the night sky for viewing. The kids had the opportunity to build their planisphere, at which point we discussed how to use it. I must say, all of them are quick studies, and I learned how to use them very quickly! We also spoke about constellations, the ecliptic, the zodiac constellations, as well as the reason why the planets we observe are all on the ecliptic. To finish out the day, we explored Stellarium, computer software that functions in part like a planisphere, with many options for showing what objects we can see based on time and day. We also had an opportunity to look at a few objects (like M42 in the constellation Orion)!
Thought Inspirations
As your child goes through the week, here are a few questions that you can use to engage their experience, as well as gauge what they learned from the class today:
- What fundamental property do astronomers use to study and understand the cosmos? (Light)
- What tools do astronomers employ to understand properties of stars (like temperature, size, rotation, and atmosphere composition)? (Spectroscopy)
- Are short-wavelength spectra high-energy or low? What about long wavelength? What colors do these correspond to?
- What are some different types of telescopes that astronomers use to observe the cosmos? (Terrestrial refractor/reflector telescopes, radio telescopes, space telescopes)
It was a pleasure sharing the wonders of astronomy with your child, and I look forward to learning more together!
Regards,
Tommy LeBlanc