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Paper: Developing the “Multiwavelength Astronomy: Galaxies in a Different Light” Activity
Volume: 389, EPO and a Changing World: Creating Linkages and Expanding Partnerships
Page: 83
Authors: Hemenway, M.K.; Jogee, S.; Fricke, K.; Worhatch, R.; Ruberg, L.
Abstract: “Multiwavelength Astronomy” is designed to lead high school students to understand astronomers’ use of different wavelengths in studying the nature of galaxies. When developing the activity we followed the NASA-funded Virtual Design Center guidelines. With the project rationale and standards-alignment analysis completed, we surveyed high school students from several classes about their knowledge and interest in topics related to galaxy research. Their responses, and later pilot tests with secondary teachers and students, informed the development team’s efforts. Topics included are the electromagnetic spectrum, false-color imaging, image resolution, Wien’s law, and galaxy morphology. These were chosen to serve as prerequisites for future computer-intensive activities, which would involve students with data sets from the HST GEMS survey, one of the widest-area galaxy surveys conducted in two filters to date. Our description of the development process illustrates how we integrated topics of student interest into the activity while adhering to the design goal of incrementally augmenting student conceptual learning through a series of successive activities. Products for this activity include student and teacher guides, series of galaxy images in different wavelengths, a PowerPoint presentation, and sample materials for student assessment and evaluation of the activities.
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