Science Standards:
Nature of Science and Scientific Models (Conceptual)
Objectives:
Materials:
Directions:
1. Using transparencies, different groups of students place marks in
constellations that have the objects listed in the tables.
2. Groups summarize their data using the overhead for the rest of the
class.
3. Students combine data from all groups on the overhead.
4. Class discusses the three dimensional characteristics of our galaxy.
5. Students complete the student answer sheets.
Note: Some of the materials from this activity were developed by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics Project STAR Philip Sadler, Project Director.
Directions: Suppose that we look for specific kinds of objects. Each group will be assigned to look at one particular kind of object. The locations of those objects are given in the attached tables 2 - 5.
1. Make an X with a colored marker at the location of each
different object . Each group will then combine their observations
with other groups.
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Description objects listed in the attached tables.
Table 1 This table includes the constellations in which the Milky Way
shines brightest.
Table 2 Nebulae These are clouds of hydrogen dust and gas which eventually
form new stars. An example is the Great Orion Nebula in the Orion's Sword
Belt.
Table 3 Open Star Clusters These groups of several hundred stars are
easily seen with binoculars. They are usually similar in age, brightness,
composition, and distance. An example is the Pleiades (the Seven Sisters)
in Taurus.
Table 4 Globular Clusters These are old, tightly packed clusters of
several hundred thousand stars. These stars are very metal poor and are
made of mostly hydrogen. An example is object M13 in the constellation
of Hercules.
Table 5 Galaxies These objects contain several hundred billion stars. Sometimes considered island universes, the most best example in the Andromeda Galaxy which is just east of the great square of Pegasus.
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2. In general, where are each of these found in the sky?
3. Questions to ponder.
Are the stars spread evenly around the night sky?
Are all of these stars inhabitants of the Milky Way Galaxy or are some
of them inside other galaxies? Are all stars inside galaxies?
Do you think that the Earth is inside or outside the galaxy? (Why?)
Do you think that we are at the center of the galaxy or off to one side?
(Why?)
How is the distribution of galaxies different than the other objects?
Do you think that galaxies are inside or outside our galaxy?
There is an area of the sky that appears to have no galaxies. Why might
that be?
Summarize where we are in the cosmos.
INSERT Table of Objects
FIGURE 209
HERE
INSERT STAR Constellation Map IMAGE
FIGURE 210
HERE