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Duration
of Activity:
60 minutes to build the spectroscope.
1 class period for each of the activities chosen.
Student
Prerequisites:
- Have some
prior exposure to the nature and topic of light.
-
Have sufficient small motor skills to handle cutting and taping.
Materials:
-
1 poster and grating for each student
(Available from the Stanford SOLAR Center).
- Student
work sheets from Study Guide
-
The DVD "Colors of the Sun", produced by
Stanford SOLAR Center (optional)
-
Access to various light sources such as incandescent and flourescent bulbs
-
The DVD "Colors of the Sun", produced by
Stanford SOLAR Center (optional)
- The Study Guide gives additional materials needed for the
various activities.
Teacher Preparation:
Initially build one of the spectrographs
to learn how to construct and use it.
View Completed Spectrograph
Study Guide and Work Sheets:
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Objectives:
Students
will:
-
Build and learn how to use their own working spectroscope.
-
Observe how white light can be refracted to form a color spectrum that gives
distinctive information about its source.
-
Learn what spectroscopic data can specifically tell astronomers about the Sun, planets, stars,
and other objects far away.
- Observe that the visible spectrum is
only a part of what our Sun, a star, emits within the electromagnetic spectrum.
-
Determine that the distance of an object from an observer affects the
apparent size of the object
-
Understand how technological design can help scientists to better understand
our Earth, our Sun, our solar system, and the university around us.
Grade Level:
Grades 2-4, 5-14
Relationship to National Standards:
Procedure:
The study guide details steps for each activity. The activities are:
-
Sizing up the Stars:
Students observe that two objects of equal
size can appear to be different sizes when placed at a greater or
lesser distance from the observer. (Grades 2-8)
-
A Rainbow Connection:
Students observe how white light can be refracted to form a visible
color sectrum that has a pattern. (Grades 2-4)
- From a Distance:
Students utilize their abilities for technological design to perform
science inquiry by proposing methods for obtaining information about a faraway object
with being able to handle or get close to is. (Grades 5-8)
-
Wavelength and Energy:
A graphic demonstration of the relationship between energy and wavelength.
Designed to initiate a discussion about the electromagnetic spectrum. (Grades 5-8)
-
Resonance Rings:
Introduces students to the concept of resonance and the absorption of energy
by atoms or molecules when electromagnetic radiation enters the Earth's atmosphere.
(Grades 5-8)
-
Spectroscopic Observations:
Students construct their own spectroscope, observe common light
sources, record their spectra, and compare their findings with fellow classroom
scientisits. (Grades 5-14)
Assessment:
Assessment information is included in the
Study Guide.
Glossary:
A glossary is included in the
Study Guide.
Bibliography:
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