Cornell University
Resolution—Not Just for the New Year
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
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DISCOUNT LENSES ( GELATIN WAVE GUIDES)
Students study attributes associated with concept of fiber optics is done using a labmade fiber optic from clear molded gelatin. A variety of shapes can be cut and pieced together to form a conduit to transmit the laser beam by internal...
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Let's Do the Wave!
Students distinguish waves from matter, differentiate between transverse and longitudinal waves, use sine curves as representations of transverse waves, label characteristic properties of waves, diagram transverse waves having specific...
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Hubble Space Telescope Webquest
Middle schoolers research the Hubble Space Telescope. In this Hubble Space Telescope instructional activity, students complete a webquest about the Hubble Space Telescope.
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Algebra: Mirror, Mirror on the Universe
Students assess how algebra, telescopes, space exploration and optics are so important in astronomy. They encounter studies on the Hubble Space Telescope, Hubble Deep Field and how algebra helps to determine the effects of contamination...
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Hinode-Close Up of a Sunspot
In this solar sunspot learning exercise, students use two photographs from the Hinode solar observatory showing a sunspot on the solar surface. Students solve 5 problems including finding the scale of the images, determining the smallest...
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Light, Sound and Energy
The students will be given opportunities to work independently and in teacher-directed situations to study and discover the many facets of light and sound, and the uses of energy in our environment. The grade 4 students will learn the...
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Psychedelic Checkerboard Op Art
Young scholars analyze optical illusions from the packets, both individually and as a class. They create an original optical illusion design using pattern and repetition. They determine which color needs to be in the pattern.
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Kaleidoscope of Color
Students study the history of the invention of the kaleidoscope by Sir David Brewster. They create a kaleidoscope using art supplies.
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Light
All aspects of the path of light are included in a great summary. Internal reflection and the angles of paths in different materials are explained and the behavior of visible light through lenses and the effect on focal points are...
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The Impact
Students study different inventors and inventions. In this invention introduction lesson students pretend that they are an inventor and come up with their own invention. Â
K5 Learning
Space Based Astronomy
How much astronomy can you study with the naked eye? Learn more about the ways scientists explore the galaxy with a short reading passage and set of short-answer questions.
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Making a Periscope
Students experiment with a simple periscope to see how it reflects light. They draw a diagram of the path a ray of light follows as it travels from an object, through the periscope, and into your eye.
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One Word Substitution
In this letter o words activity, learners match the letter o words to their definitions. Students complete 10 matches for letter o words to definitions.
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Start the Space Flight Time Line
Young scholars research space flight exploration and technology. In small groups, they research a significant event from early time until the start of the space age. A class time line is created from the research groups.
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Looking into Space
Students explore how telescopes work, build a model of their own, and consider how real telescopes can be used to ask-and help answer-questions about the universe.
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Do Different Colors Absorb Heat Better?
Students work together to test how the color of a material affects how much heat it absorbs. They make predictions and take notes on their observations. They discover how engineers use this type of information.
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Civil War Photography Lesson Plan
Students explore photographs from the Civil War Era. In this Civil War instructional activity, students consider how photography impacted public opinion of the war as they analyze the provided photographs and discuss the evolution of...
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Learning to Play the Panpipes
Students experience what a pan pipe is and how sound is produced on it. Research a brief history of the pan pipe. Employ producing a characteristic tone and be able to produce various pitches. Play a simple melody and ensemble on the pan...
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Protein Assays: Bio Rad and Page Gels
Students conduct the Biuret Test and the Bio Rad Protein Assay. They examine the spectrophotometer and graph molecular weights and the concentrations of the proteins investigated. They prepare solutions for the Bio-Rad test and use the...
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Solar Dynamics Observatory: Working with Giga, Tera, Peta and Exabytes
In this solar observatory learning exercise, students read about the solar observation data that NASA will be collecting. Students solve 6 problems related to the collection of data using computers to store the solar data using...
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Lenses and Mirrors
Students investigate lenses and mirrors showing how they bend and reflect light waves.
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Looking into Space
Students explain how telescopes work and how they can contribute to our knowledge of the universe.
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Finding the Spot
Fourth graders use circles to "home in" on particular spots, showing the ability of scientists to locate unseen objects in space. This activity shows how scientists know certain objects exist in space due to the forces exerted by...