Download ASTRO OTTER (for secondary students)

Astro Otter
Fulldome Short Video Presentations
From the Big Bang to the Solar System
time: 8:15
The Big Bang Theory is presented as an example of how scientific theories are
developed from observations and are judged by the accuracy of the predictions
based on the theory. Several visual models are used to help explain the
expansion of space. A short discussion of the three main lines of evidence
supporting the Big Bang Theory includes Hubble’s Law, cosmic microwave
background radiation and the H/He ratio. The program concludes with a short
view of the accretionary disk model of the formation of the solar system.
TEK Gr.8- 8(E)
The Life Cycle of Stars
time: 8:15
This program nicely summarizes the life cycles of stars. All stars are “born” when
globules, occurring in nebulae, develop into proto-planetary disks and eventually
into either brown dwarves or proto-stars. The characteristics of a star’s “death”
are determined by the mass of the star. Additional vocabulary used in this
program includes: hydrogen fusion, main sequence, planetary nebula, white
dwarf, black dwarf, red supergiant, neutron star, black hole.
TEK Gr.8- 8(A)
Galaxies
time: 4:45
Beginning with a description of galaxies in general, and of the Milky Way in
particular, this program then briefly discusses the various telescopes used by
scientists to study galaxies in different wavelengths of the EM spectrum. The
program concludes with a concise summary of the characteristics of elliptical,
spherical and irregular galaxies.
TEK Gr.8- 8(A)
Light Years
time: 2:45
This clever program explains how a light year is a unit of distance and not of
time. Examples of distances to “nearby” stars are expressed in terms of light
years.
TEK Gr.8- 8(D)
Organization of the Universe
time: 2:15
This program tours the universe from the smallest to largest astronomical objects
including: asteroids, comets, moons, planets, the sun and stars, galaxies, solar
systems, star clusters, galaxy clusters (including our local group), superclusters,
and the universe. This piece does a good job helping students of all ages to
develop an organizing framework for their understanding of the universe.
TEK Gr.8- 8(B),
Distances in Space
time: 5:30
Astronomers use radar waves to measure the distances to rocky bodies in our
solar systems. Other means to determine distances to objects outside our solar
system include the measurement of parallax and the standard candle method of
distance calculation. Both Astronomical Units and Light Years are explained as
units of distance.
TEK Gr.8- 8(D)
Phases of the Moon
time 5:30
This programs presents a clear model that explains why we see different phases
of the moon. The names of the phases and timing of the phases is explained in
moderate detail.
TEK Gr.8- 7(B)
Earth’s Asteroid History
time 6:15
Asteroid impacts have had a profound influence on the development of life on
earth. This program outlines the evidence for the theory that asteroid impacts
could be responsible for several massive extinctions during earth’s geologic past.
Students over fly Barringer Crater in Arizona and see evidence supporting
existence of Chicxulub Crater in the Yucatan a possibly cause for the extinction
of the dinosaurs.
TEK Gr. 6-11(A)
Asteroids, Comets and Meteoroids
time 6:00
What are the differences and similarities between asteroids, comets and
meteors? If you are not sure, perhaps this is a program for you and your
students. Additional vocabulary includes: proto-planetary disk, the asteroid belt,
silicaceous and carbonaceous asteroids, meteor, meteorite, meteoroid and
meteor shower.
TEK Gr. 6- 11(A)
Characteristics of the Planets
time: 12:30 or 14:45
This program describes in appropriate detail, the characteristics of each planet,
including the orbital characteristics and any other significant or unusual features
of each planet. Particular emphasis is made to describe the differences between
the terrestrial and the Jovian planets and how they formed. This program
contains moderately enhanced vocabulary including; elliptical and eccentric
orbits, retrograde rotation and motion, aerobic activity, magnetic field , an
explanation of Astronomical Unit (AU), and the limited use of chemical formulas.
TEK 7.13, 6-11(A), 6.13(A)
Eclipses
time 6:15
The differences between solar and lunar eclipses are clearly explained. Students
see why we do not have a lunar eclipse every full moon and why solar eclipses
occur only during a new moon. Partial, total and annular eclipses are explained.
TEK Gr. 6- 11(A), Gr. 8-7(A)
Seasons
time: 6:30
The common misconception that the seasons are caused by the varying distance
between earth and the Sun is dispelled at the very beginning of this lesson.
Visual modeling and several different explanations show that the seasons are
caused by changes of the solar angle of incidence with Earth's surface.
TEK Gr. 8- 7(A)
Tides
time: 2:45
This short lesson clearly explains and visually models how the gravitational
attraction between the oceans and the moon results in our tides. Neap tides and
Spring Tides are mentioned briefly.
TEK Gr. 8- 7(C)
Space Exploration
time: 6:30
Beginning with Galileo’s historic telescopic observations, this story of the history
of space exploration quickly brings students up to date. Information is included
about the US vs. Soviet Space Race, Shuttle missions to the International Space
Station, unmanned missions throughout the solar system, and information about
the many telescopes in orbit around earth. Students also learn about the dangers
of, and accommodations necessary for, life in space.
TEK Gr. 6- 11(C), Gr.7 9-(A)
Gravity
time: 6:30
Gravity is explained as the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun and
the Moon in orbit around the Earth. Also detailed are Newton’s Third Law of
Motion and his Law of Universal Gravitation.
TEK Gr.6- 11(B)
Earth's Orbit
time 3:30
The Earth's orbit is compared to the orbits of other planets. Many orbital
characteristics are discussed including orbital speed, shape, inclination, period,
distance from the sun. Enhanced vocabulary includes elliptical, perihelion,
aphelion, and ecliptic.
Moon Properties
time 6:15
The moon is compared to earth, crater formation is illustrated and recent
missions designed to search for water on the Moon are discussed. The lesson
concludes with a presentation of theories about the origin of the Moon.
TEK Gr.5- 8(D)
Motion of the Universe
time 6:15
This lesson covers many important topics including the Copernican Heliocentric
model of the solar system. Details are given about observations that Galileo
made that supported this scientific model of the solar system. This presentation
also discusses the Sun's orbit around the center of the Milky Way galaxy, The
Milky Way's orbit around the center of the Local Group of galaxies and the Local
group's motion in the direction of the Virgo Cluster. The mini-lesson concludes
with a clear explanation of the Doppler Effect and how it was applied by Edwin
Hubble to determine the relative motion of galaxies.
TEK Gr. 6- 11(A), Gr.8- 8(B)
Sun Properties
time 3:15
This lesson discusses some basic properties of the sun including why the sun is
so bright compared to other stars, the size of the sun is compared to planets and
how the sun produces energy is described briefly. The lesson stresses that
energy from the Sun is the basis of most life on Earth. In conclusion, the final
stages of the Sun's Life Cycle are described.
TEK Gr.5- 8(D), Gr.6- 11(A)
Technology from Space Exploration
time 3:15
Many examples of technology originally developed for the space program have
found there way into the general marketplace and have greatly changed our way
of life.
History of Astronomy
time 7:15
This presentation would be suited for a wide range of grade levels. The
development of Astronomy is discussed beginning with Aristotle and other
ancient Greeks. Ptolemy's geocentric model and a short description of epicycles
is compared to the Copernican heliocentric model. The contributions by Galileo
and Kepler are included. The lesson stresses how scientific theory develops as a
result of the interplay between predictions and observations.
TEK Gr.8- 8(E)