Video analysis with a 30 Hz frame rate is the standard tool in physics education. The development of affordable high-speed-cameras has extended the capabilities of the tool for much smaller time scales to the 1 ms range, using frame rates of typically up to 1000 frames s[superscript -1], allowing us to study transient physics phenomena happening…

Stellar parallax is a concept that is dealt with infrequently in the high school classroom other than by qualitative consideration of stereoscopic parallax and argument by analogy. Use of stellar parallax for distance determination can be difficult for students to understand without some type of hands-on experience to explore the concept. Thus,…

Presents a technique for obtaining a rough measure of the brightness among different stars. Materials needed include a standard 35-mm camera, a plastic ruler, and a photo enlarger. Although a telescope can be used, it is not essential. (JN)

This article presents information on the development of an integrated curriculum that uses both art and science in the study of the solar system. The art aspect of this lesson is introduced with the use of multiple images of space and its visual offerings, which will focus the class on the lesson and gain their attention. Among other things, the…

Describes a technique utilizing analyses of photographs to study planetary motion. (CP)

Describes the Cygnus Loop, one of brightest and most easily studied of the older "remnant nebulae" of supernova outbursts. Discusses some of the historical events surrounding the discovery and measurement of the Cygnus Loop and makes some projections on its future. (TW)

Recommends that teachers make use of the motivation that many young people devote to hobbies. Gives examples of this approach including the study of force, speed, work, power and various electrical concepts with model trains; acceleration and velocity with rocketry; focal length, magnification, field of view with astronomy and photography. (GS)

Describes the topics covered and methods used in a liberal arts astronomy course on photographing the night sky. (MLH)

Presents two exercises in astronomy: (1) the production of star trails and (2) the measurement of the distance between stars and their apparent movement in the sky. Includes directions, illustrations, and activity questions. (MA)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate the diurnal and seasonal motions of the sun, which can be used in different grade levels, depending on the degree of difficulty required for the analysis, as an effort to generate student interest in the scientific method. Includes an activity to teach students elementary concepts of the sun's apparent motion…

In 2001, the "All Sky Camera Network" came to life as an outreach program to connect the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) exhibit "Space Odyssey" with Colorado schools. The network is comprised of cameras placed strategically at schools throughout Colorado to capture fireballs--rare events that produce meteorites.…

Equipment and procedures for simple astrophotography are discussed. Sample photographs are provided. Suggested are several uses of the slides and the techniques for teaching astronomy. (CW)

Describes how astrophysics can be a do-it-yourself project within a school boy's budget and background, by giving detailed instruction on equipment construction. In addition, this article describes many experiments to undertake, with the equipment, such as determining color temperature, star spectra, chemical composition and others. (BR)

Provides background information on the equipment and knowledge necessary to do an astronomy activity on the earth's rotation. Details an activity in which students can measure the rotation of the earth using a camera and the stars. (CW)

The NASA's Mars Student Imaging Project (MSIP) is led by the Arizona State University (ASU) Mars Education Program, a major partner of NASA's Mars Exploration Program. MSIP is based on the National Science Education Standards and includes curriculum on terrestrial planet characteristics, experimental design, and proposal writing. Three spacecraft…