Science: 4-3.8 Recognize the purpose of telescopes.
Essential Question: What is the purpose of a telescope and how does it help us study space?
Tools for Studying Space
Suppose you want to observe the features of the moon. Using just your eyes, you can see some dark areas on the moon’s surface. But you cannot see details.
A helpful tool for observing objects in space is a telescope. A telescope makes objects that are very far away look many times closer. The telescope was invented about 400 years ago. Since then, it has been the main tool of astronomers. An astronomer is a scientist who studies objects in space.
You could use a telescope to observe craters on the moon’s surface. This photo shows how the moon appears through a simple telescope.
Astronomers use telescopes to study other planets and their moons. They also use telescopes to observe distant stars and other solar systems.
How do telescopes work?
You are able to see because your eyes gather light and form a picture. A telescope also gathers light to form a picture. But telescopes can gather much more light than your eyes can. This is how they make faint, faraway objects look brighter and closer.
Tools for Studying Space
Suppose you want to observe the features of the moon. Using just your eyes, you can see some dark areas on the moon’s surface. But you cannot see details.
A helpful tool for observing objects in space is a telescope. A telescope makes objects that are very far away look many times closer. The telescope was invented about 400 years ago. Since then, it has been the main tool of astronomers. An astronomer is a scientist who studies objects in space.
You could use a telescope to observe craters on the moon’s surface. This photo shows how the moon appears through a simple telescope.
Astronomers use telescopes to study other planets and their moons. They also use telescopes to observe distant stars and other solar systems.
How do telescopes work?
You are able to see because your eyes gather light and form a picture. A telescope also gathers light to form a picture. But telescopes can gather much more light than your eyes can. This is how they make faint, faraway objects look brighter and closer.
Learning Tasks & Assessments:
Students will view the Discovery Education video, The Telescope, and work in small groups to complete the Telescope Group Work Sheet. (DOK 1) Formative Assessment: Students will complete an exit ticket. Draw and identify the purpose of a telescope. What is the purpose of this tool? Assessment Guidelines: The objective of this indicator is to recognize the purpose of telescopes; therefore, the primary focus of assessment should be to locate from memory what the purpose of this tool is in the study of outer space. However, appropriate assessments should also require students to identify a telescope from a picture or drawing. |
Resources:
Britannica School Elementary - Telescopes: Discovery Education Video: The Telescope Science Investigations: Physical Science: Investigating Sound and Light- All About the Telescope Telescope Group Work Sheet Students will create a “Popplet” page. Students will include a picture or drawing of a telescope and purposes of a telescope linking out. What is the purpose of this tool? |