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Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve ActivityPlotting an Asteroid Light Curve Activity
Publisher
Las Cumbres Observatory
Resource Details
Curator Rating
Educator Rating
Not yet Rated
Grade
6th - 12th
Subjects
Math
3 more...
Resource Type
Activities & Projects
Audience
For Teacher Use
Duration
1 hr
Instructional Strategy
Inquiry-Based Learning
Technology
Ed Software
Internet Access
Usage Permissions
Fine Print: Educational Use
Activity

Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve activity also includes:
  • Asteroid Data Spreadsheet (.xlsx)
  • Space Book
  • Asteroid Tracker
  • Activity
  • Join to access all included materials

Data can tell us a lot about celestial objects that are just too far away to study otherwise. Learners examine data on the brightness of an asteroid to predict its rotation rate. Graphing the data reveals a periodic pattern that allows individuals to draw conclusions about its motion.

3 Views 1 Download
CCSS: Adaptable

Concepts

asteroids, light, periodicity

Additional Tags

science

Instructional Ideas

  • Assign different data to each group to analyze and compare results
  • Use as a math and science interdisciplinary lesson creating an equation to model the light curve

Classroom Considerations

  • Requires computers with spreadsheet software

Pros

  • Provides clear instructions for using a spreadsheet to analyze data
  • Includes background information relevant to the exploration

Cons

  • None

Common Core

HSF-IF.B.4

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