Synopsis:
The science of optics teaches us how to make "bigger eyes", and if you want to look at something very far away, or very faint, you're going to need a really huge eye--such as the one used at Kitt Peak by astronomers studying distant galaxies.
Running time 3:29 minutes.
Lesson Guides:
It's a Big Universe
Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra--Powers, Roots and Scientific Notation
Grades: 6 - 9
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can do arithmetic operations with numbers that are expressed in scientific notation
Download Teacher Guide: It's a Big Universe (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: It's a Big Universe (PDF)
Mirror Curvature
Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra, Quadratic Functions
Grades: 6 - 9
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can recognize a parabolic shape
- Can relate the coefficients of a quadratic function to their influence on the shape and position of the parabolic graph of that function
- Can determine the equation of a quadratic function that closely matches a set of points
Download Teacher Guide: Mirror Curvature (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: Mirror Curvature (PDF)
Telescope #2
Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra--Quadratic Equations and Functions
Grades: 8 - 12
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can graph a quadratic function
- Can relate the coefficients of a quadratic function to their influence on the shape and position of the parabolic graph of that function
Download Teacher Guide: Telescope #2 (PDF)
Download Student Lesson: Telescope #2 (PDF)
Kitchen Paraboloids
Subject: Mathematics
Topics: Algebra, Quadratic Equations and Functions
Grades: 9 - 12
Concepts:
- Parabola
Knowledge and Skills:
- Can recognize a parabolic shape
- Can determine the equation of a quadratic function that closely matches a set of points
Flash 7 or greater is required.
Download it.
