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Day 9 Space Detectives
Objectives:
Students will define stellar spectrum, use Wien’s Law to determine temperature of
a star from it’s stellar spectrum, define spectral line and correctly identify various
elements by studying their atomic spectra. (Standards 3.4.10C, 3.4.10D)
PA Assessment AnchorS8.D.3.1.3 Compare and contrast characteristics of celestial bodies found in the solar
system (e.g., planets, moons, asteroids, comets, meteors, meteoroids,
meteorites, inner and outer planets).
Bell Ringer- A star has a Peak Wavelength of 418nm. What is it’s temperature?
Wien’s Law- Temp degrees C x peak λ = 2,900,000
Temp = 6937.8 C
What color would it be?
Clue- hotter than our sun?
Blue
I.
Review results from previous lab : Atomic Spectra Lab.
II.
Space Detectives.
A. Divide students into 4 groups
B. Each group is divided into 6 different stars
C. Students read instructions and begin the lab.
D. Students should complete data tables on pages 4 and 6 of Lab
III.
Closure: Students will complete the “debriefing” component with the lab
Begin in class and finish as homework).
Exit Bell Ringer: What two things can astronomers learn about a star by studying it’s
spectrum? Answer : temperature and color.