Teaching sequence

Lesson objective

In this lesson students explore the technologies used by scientists to gather and interpret information about the universe and the celestial bodies it contains.

Introduction

Brainstorm the ways in which scientists observe space.

Explain that scientists have instruments and tools they use to gather data about the universe.

Core

1. View the introduction video in the Video tour of the electromagnetic spectrum. 
2. Review students’ understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum.
3. Place students into groups and have them log onto and watch the Video tour of the electromagnetic spectrum.
   Within their groups ask each student to choose a different region of the electromagnetic spectrum (as seen in the video) and record:
   • the name of the region
   • information about space that can be gathered using that region
   •  the instruments that are used in the study of that region. Ensure that all regions have been covered.
4. Discuss what the students have recorded and explain that scientists combine data from multiple sources to obtain information about celestial objects.
5. Explain to the students that Australia has been a leader in radio astronomy and is involved in an international project called the Square Kilometre Array.
6. Have students conduct Activity 3, ASKAP: why do we need another radio telescope? (Window to the universe: The Square Kilometre Array p 102) 
7. View the slide show Giant telescopes of tomorrow  looking at new telescopes under development.

Conclusion

Explain to students that scientists are also searching the universe for Earth-like planets.

View the video Seeing stars. 

Discuss the possible outcomes of finding Earth-like planets.