Asteroids: Exploring the Wilderness of Rocks

Posted December 14th, 2007 by admin
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Authors
Source: 

National Optical Astronomy Observatory
http://www.noao.edu/education/asteroids/

The project involves students in research using visible and near infrared color photometry to characterize Near Earth Objects, newly discovered asteroids, and other interesting known asteroids. The science content fits easily into the Earth Science curriculum.

All About Asteroids - a section of short articles for students
Activities:
1. Adopt an Asteroid - basic introduction to asteroids
2. Asteroid Spectra - More complete introduction to asteroids, tying them to meteorites and Earth geologic processes. Paper/computer-based.
3. Asteroid colors - Another version of more complete introduction to asteroids. Includes observation and analysis of spectral colors. More challenging than asteroid discovery, and involves mathematics and graphing.
Teachers Notes
Data archive
Asteroid Resources

Other information about this activity
Length of Activity: 
Several class period, depending on how much you want to do
Can non-scientists successfully conduct this activity?: 
Educator with subject matter knowledge
What level of help is needed to conduct?: 
Mentor suggested
Materials are self-explanatory
Required Supplies: 

Lesson plans (download from web)
Access to computers.
Internet telescope oserving time.

Access: 
free download of pdfs