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Astrophysics
Resources, Classroom Activities, Useful Websites
Innovative Physics: Connecting Physics to Industry
This is material from the CDROM produced by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in partnership the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD). The material includes: Practical activities, Investigations, Materials testing, Careers information and profiles and an extensive annotated list of web-links.
To access the page click here.
The author was Cameron Bell. The support of the following is acknowledged: Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing- Swinburne University of Technology, Prof Matthew Bailes, Dr Chris Fluke, Dr Sarah Maddison and Stuart Gill, and Keith Burrows, formerly of Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School.
Course Planning
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A planning document for the 2005 - 2008 Study Design prepared by Gary Bass. It contains numerous activities and many useful websites. | |||
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5.08 MB | ||
A PowerPoint presentation by Keith Burrows for use with the Year 11 VCE Astrophysics DS. The presentation is in five parts in two separate files. | |||
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6.23 MB | ||
A PowerPoint presentation by Keith Burrows for use with the Year 11 VCE Astrophysics DS. The presentation is in five parts in two separate files. | |||
Resources
Text Resources
- Ellyard, D 2001, Sky Watch: A Guide to the Southern Skies, ABC Books, Sydney
- Freedman, RA & Kaufmann, WJ 2002, Universe, 6th edn, WH Freeman and Company, New York.
- Pasachoff, JM 2001, Astronomy from the Earth to the Universe, Brooks/Cole, New York.
- Wyatt, P 1996, Astronomy for the Southern Hemisphere, CSIRO Series, Cambridge University Press, Melbourne.
Audiovisual Resources
It is recommended that teachers should view any video before purchase.
- Marcom Projects: Modern Physics & Cosmology, Origins Back to the Beginning 1 & 2, Origins, Where are the Aliens 1 & 2, Starlight, Stars of the Universe, What are Stars?
- VEA: Stars: Birth to Death, The Big Bang, Destination Cosmos
Relevant papers from recent Physics Teachers Conferences
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Outreach & Education from the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing |
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The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing is at Swinburne University. This session was at the 2007 Physics Teachers Conference. | |||
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Outreach & Education from the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. |
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The Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing. This session was at the 2007 Physics Teachers Conference. | |||
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Presented by Keith Burrows, AIP EdCom at the 2007 Physics Teachers Conference. | |||
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Audio file of Teaching astrophysics in VCE Physics by Keith Burrows. 60mins. | |||
Classroom Activities
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A list of books and lab resources that may be of use in implementing the Astronomy and Astrophysics Detailed Studies in the new curriculum. | |||
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A list of websites that may be of use in implementing the Astronomy and Astrophysics Detailed Studies in the new curriculum. | |||
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68.1 kB | ||
An updated (Feb 2004) version of the text of the talks given by Keith Burrows at St.Kevins (Sept 03) and STAVCON (Nov 03) and Physics Teachers conference (Feb 04). It describes an approach to teaching this detailed study. | |||
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A practical activity submitted by Russell Downie. This prac uses a photographic slide of many dots that are projected onto a target of a set size. The slide set is available from Peter Mansell Fax 9808 5998 at a cost of $8. For further details about this prac contact Russell at rdownie@plc.vic.edu.au. | |||
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A practical activity submitted by Russell Downie. | |||
Victorian Space Science Education Centre
At Strathmore Secondary College offers programs for VCE Physics students.
Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing
Offers virtual 3D tours; a regional program is available.
Useful Websites
Victorian Space Science Education Centre
At Strathmore Secondary College offers programs for VCE Physics students.
Australia National Telescope Facility (ATNF)
Website for students and teachers.
Interactive Applets
Interactive Applets for Video: Galileo-Battle for the heavens.
CLEA website
Includes good downloadable exercises
The Universe Forum: A comprehensive, but archival NASA site
The Universe Forum is the national centre for the teaching and learning about the structure and evolution of the universe. Sponsored by NASA and based at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, the world's largest centre for astrophysical research, the Forum uses the unique resources of NASA's space science research program to create exciting learning experiences for students, teachers and the public. This is an archival site. The Universe Forum's role as part of NASA's Education Support Network concluded in September, 2009. Please visit NASA at http://nasascience.nasa.gov/ for current information about NASA's science, education, and public outreach activities.
A range of effective applets on spectral analysis
Applets and investigations on Stars and Galaxies from a 'Exploring Earth' website. This is one of about 30 chapters covered on this website.
HR diagram applet
An applet in which add 1, 10 or 100 stars, to a HR diagram (Luminosity vs Temp), then watch as they each evolve over time.
Black body radiation applet
The applet show an Intensity vs frequency graph. The temperature is controlled by a slide control. The intensity graph changes shape against a background of the visible spectrum. The scale on the intensity axis changes to keep the graph within the screen.
Galaxies Galore, Games and More
A range of attractively presented activities for primary and lower secondary students. Teacher notes included.
American Astronomical Society
This site can access some useful educational sites of web-based courses, teaching strategies, demos, practical activities as well as software and applets. The site also gives access to sophisticated astronomy and astrophysics journals.
Committee on the Physics of the Universe
The US National Academy of Sciences' Broad Physics and Astronomy has set a committee with the task of "identifying the observational, experimental and thoeretical routes to understanding the birth and destiny of the universe, the laws that govern it, and even the nature of space and time". The committee published its report in 2000. Their plans and miniutes of meetings are also available.
Institute of Physics (UK) Teaching Astronomy Page
These resources aim to support the teaching of astronomy and space to 11-16 year olds. The resources are built around a series of five Teachers TV programs which are available to watch at www.teachers.tv. The programs were produced with funding from the Science and Technology Facilities Council, on behalf of the Institute of Physics and Teachers TV. Within the programs there are sections to use with students, where astronomers talk about their work in an inspiring and engaging way, as well as guidance and advice on setting up and managing practical activities with students. The activities are supported by full teaching notes.
National Schools Laboratory (UK)
This UK website offers schools in the UK and Ireland free access to the Liverpool Telescope. However the website does have some useful resources including activities, worksheets and information for students.
Galaxy Song by Eric Idle
Eric Idle sings his Galaxy Song to accompanying images (2:40 min)
Deep Space in the Classroom
An initiative of Macquarie University on using the Faulkes Telscope Project with ASISTM funding to develop curriculum materials for Australian Schools. There are 6 teaching modules.
Deep Space in the Classroom Materials by Jeff Stanger
Material prepared by Jeff Stanger of Sydney Girls High School as part of the 'Deep Space in the Curriculum' project: An initiative of Macquarie University on using the Faulkes Telscope Project with ASISTM funding to develop curriculum materials for Australian Schools. There are 6 teaching modules.
NASA Science, Education, and Public outreach
NASA site for current information about their science, education, and public outreach activities.
Useful Video Websites
Spitzer's Spin on Stars
Spitzer's Spin on Stars. Watch this NASA video explaining the similarities between spinning stars and spinning skaters. The stars with dust clouds spin slower - similar to a skater with extended arms. Video courtesy of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (2.5 min)
Destiny - The Sun's Fate
Like other stars of its type, our Sun will eventually become a planet-engulfing red giant (2 min video)
Time and Temperature: The Sun
Our sun is a medium-sized star. Eventually, the supply of hydrogen fuel will run down and the star will die. In the process of dying, the sun will go through stages, including becoming a red giant, core fusion and status as a white dwarf (2:15 min)
Star Size Comparison: You tube
A Youtube video (2:35 min)that shows the comparative size of the stars using realistic images of rotating planets and stars. It starts with the moon, moves through the planets, then the sun, followed by about a dozen stars of increasing size, finishing with the largest stars known. The video finishes with the questions, how long would it take an aircraft to fly around the largest star. Answer over 1000 years.
NASA Multimedia Video Gallery
There are a range of search categories including: Moon & Mars, Solar System, Technology, Universe, etc. There are about 60 videos listed under 'Universe'
Google Earth: Sky
With Google Earth's new Sky feature, you can: i) Browse around and zoom in to distant galaxies and nebulae, ii) View constellations and the movements of the planets, iii) Hear astronomy podcasts and read celestial research from expert sources and iv) Create and share your own imagery, placemarks and more.
Powers of 10
The Website for the famous 'Powers of 10' video. They have established a Powers of 10 Video Response Competition with announcements to be made at the end of January 2011.
Cosmic Voyage
This Youtube video is similar to the Powers of 10 video except that it runs for 8:35 min and is narrated by Morgan Freeman. It is reputed to be an extract from the IMAX film 'Cosmic Voyage'.