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What Objects To Focus On For School Astronomy?

Posted by timothy on from the satellites-and-moonbeams dept.

IceDiver writes "I am a teacher in a small rural school. My Grade 9 students are doing a unit on astronomy this spring. I have access to a 4" telescope, and would like to give my students a chance to use it. We will probably only be able to attempt observations on a couple of nights because of weather and time restrictions. I am as new to telescope use as my students, so I have no idea what objects would look good through a 4" lens. What observations should I attempt to have my students make? In other words, how can I make best use of my limited equipment and time to give my students the best experience possible?"

6 of 377 comments (clear)

  1. The Sun by dcollins · · Score: 4, Funny

    Advantages: Easy to find in the sky. Viewable during daytime hours.

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    1. Re:The Sun by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

      Neighbours' bedroom windows. A much better view.

    2. Re:The Sun by 0100010001010011 · · Score: 4, Funny

      That's no moon.

    3. Re:The Sun by batquux · · Score: 4, Funny

      The moon is more important too, being that it shines at night. The sun only shines during the day when it's light out anyway.

    4. Re:The Sun by Impy+the+Impiuos+Imp · · Score: 4, Funny

      Of course not. That's usually too low to see through the window.

      > What Objects To Focus On For School Astronomy?

      Here's a suggested lesson plan for questions the teacher could discuss.

      1. Which seasons of the year provide the most productive viewing because there's no steam buildup in the bathroom windows?

      2. Is there a significant difference in viewing quality between a screen and a quadruple set of panes in a slid-open window? Which is better for what kinds of body parts?

      3. Do older women tend to have larger areolae than younger ones? If so, why do you think that is?

      4. Is perky truly "better" than saggy, pendulous ones? What do you actually feel, since nobody is looking and social pressure is off?

      5. Do they tend to be contracted or relaxed before the shower? After? After drying?

      6. How much does your rhythmic viewing activity affect the stability of the image through: A. The shaking of your body? B. The shaking of the telescope itself through the floor?

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  2. Caution: by drainbramage · · Score: 5, Funny

    Do NOT look at Sun with remaining eye.

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    No brain, no pain.