Stellar Fingerprints: the Spectra of Stars

Young scientists observe the spectra of elements and compare that to the Doppler effect. Hook scholars from the beginning all the way to the extension activities in this 5E-format instructional activity. 

In this spectral composition of stars instructional activity, students use data collected by a spectroscope to compare the stellar spectra to a standard for 5 stars. Students compare the spectral lines to the temperatures of the stars.

The sun is missing a few branches from its family tree! A fact-filled lesson from a solar system playlist describes the characteristics of our sun that help identify its siblings. Stars that form from the same cloud typically have the...

Students investigate white light. In this science instructional activity, students participate in a variety of experiments in which they study light. Students use spectroscopes to view the components of light.