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CERES
Observatory Electronic Field Trip
Students divide into five
research teams to make recommendations for building a new observatory for
NASA. Students will evaluate scientific and cultural data for five
potential
sites in Antarctica, Japan, Chile, and the United States and make presentations
to a formal review panel.
Atmospheric
Seeing Team |
Observatories are located
in places where the atmosphere is very stable. Team members will
create digital movies from "test observations" to assess the quality of
the seeing at various locations. |
Cultural
and Environmental Setting Team |
Observatories are used by
astronomers from all over the world. Team members need to analyze
the language, culture, currency, geography, and history of the potential
locations. |
Meteorology
and Climate Team |
Observatories need to be
located where there are hundreds of cloudless nights and predictable weather
patterns. Team members need to evaluate the quantity of clear nights
and describe the local climates. |
Travel
Team |
Observatories are used by
astronomers from all over the world. Team members need to critically
analyze the accessibility and costs associated with getting to these locations. |
Telescope
Design Team |
Modern observatories are
equipped with reflecting telescopes. Team members will need to evaluate
the benefits and costs of these designs: multiple mirror, single
mirror, adaptive optics, and recommend which to use. |
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Divide
the class into groups of four students.
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Each group should
select a role.
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Define individual
responsibilities within each group.
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Each group will
create an action plan.
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Establish a timeline
to implement your plans.
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Begin quest (research,
collect data, design a product, prepare to publish, present).
Teacher
Lesson Plans
Student
Instructions
Assessment
Ideas
Acknowledgments
You have now determined the
best possible location for the observatory, based on the criteria listed
above. What other possible criteria do you believe could or should
have been considered? Would the inclusion of these criteria affect
your choice? Are there any other locations (besides the five given)
that you believe should have been considered? Why? |