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GOF		 High Energy Groovie Movie RXTE
FAQ

High Energy Groove
Temperature and Wavelength

Level: High School (Earth Science or Physics)

Author: Kim Cochrane, Bowie High School, Bowie, MD

National Science Education Standards:
( http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/nses/html/index.html)

Science as Inquiry
From the National Standards - Content Standards A and D

Objectives:

  1. Students will be able to identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations. Specifically, students will explore the relationship between temperature and energy emitted by a radiating object.
  2. Students will be able to use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications.
  3. Students will be able to formulate and revise scientific explanations and models using logic and evidence.

Prerequisites:
Students will need the following skills:

  • ability to graph data and analyze the data
  • an introductory knowledge of astronomy and how to detect objects in space
  • working knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum

Time:
The teacher has some control over how long this takes. The teacher sets time limits at each station. Also, if more than one computer is available for use at any given time, parts of this may be given for homework. It will take about 110 minutes as written.

Materials:
All of the following will be needed.

  • Graph paper
  • Ruler
  • Computer (at least one)
  • Printed version of articles if the students will not have access to a computer to view them
  • AstroCappella 2.0 CD and CD player
  • Candle and matches
  • Three pieces of adjoined computer paper (or three pieces of paper taped together lengthwise with a line drawn through the middle (for use in activity IV)
  • Cards with parts of the EM spectrum written on them (see activity IV)

Warm Up:

  1. Have students listen to the High Energy Groove song from AstroCappella
  2. Have students listen and read the words this time just to the second verse, while they are listening the students will write down any words that they hear that relate to astronomy or a topic that they have heard and define them from previous knowledge
  3. Either go around the room for responses or collect responses or have students in group discuss the definitions (teacher depending)
  4. Make a list of the science words they discussed in class
Body:
Split the class into five groups. The groups will have about 20 minutes to complete each of the following activities. Each activity is designed for groups and each has an assessment built into it. It is the teacher's responsibility to set up and monitor the activities. The groups will rotate through all of the activities.

  1. Articles with questions
  2. Wein's Law (need candle and holder with matches)
  3. Graphing and analyzing the graphs
  4. EM Spectrum
  5. Web quest on computer

Closure:
Orally discuss the activities that the students encountered. You may want to go over questions the students have or devise questions of your own. It is the teacher's choice to devise and implement a formal assignment.