Kevin McCarron
Course: Astronomy
Grade Level: 11-12
Abstract: This
project will help the 11-12th grade astronomy students understand the
primary research they will do with active galactic nuclei (AGN) for the
CITeam. Presently there is little connection for the students to
understand what it is they are doing. The project doesn’t describe why
they should compare the standard stars to the varying AGN. This
project will bridge the gap to show how this is done and why.
Supporting materials:
Collaboratory at Northwestern University
The stationary that developed for the CITeam AGN research project
will be used. It is a great way to document what the observer has
done and a place to request images.
American Association of Variable Star Observers
http://www.aavso.org
This website gives excellent background on variable star observing and a place to submit data.
This
will give my students more real (and messy) data to work with. It will
also force them to do advanced analysis on the data. This will force
me to address their questions as from a researcher, searching for
knowledge, not a student looking through other people’s interpretation
to find answers.
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Project
State Standards:
11.A.5a Formulate hypotheses referencing prior research and knowledge.
11.A.4d Apply statistical methods to the data to reach and support conclusions.
11.A.5e
Report, display and defend the results of investigations to audiences
that may include professionals and technical experts.
11.A.3f Interpret and represent results of analysis to produce findings.
11.A.3g Report and display the process and results of a scientific investigation.
12.F.5a
Compare the processes involved in the life cycle of stars (e.g.,
gravitational collapse, thermonuclear fusion, nova) and evaluate the
supporting evidence.
Description:
1. Every student will select a variable star for the semester. It must:
A. be visible from Charleston IL or Perth Australia the entire
semester. (correct Dec for the site and correct RA for the term of the
semester.)
B. It must be dim, so that others aren’t looking at it. (dimmer than 15th magnitude)
C. The period of variation must vary greater than one week and less than one year.
2.
During the semester we will request three consecutive (one after
another) observations once per week using the Hands-On Universe or the
Collaboratory request system.
3. Every Monday we will calculate the
magnitude of the star and enter the data onto a spreadsheet in American
Association of Variable Star Observers format.
4. Students will start a plot by the fourth week.
5. At midterm, students will print a copy of their current plot and distribute to the rest of the class.
6.
Two weeks prior to the end of the semester, students will submit data
to the AAVSO. He or she will again print out the plot and data for the
rest of the class.
7. Each student will talk with at least three
other students. By the end of the semester, each student will
establish a classification scheme based on the data and submit it
defending the scheme in a brief, one-page letter.
8. Subsequent years, students will get data from prior year classes when trying to establish a classification scheme.
Resources:
Collaboratory at Northwestern University
The stationary that developed for the CITeam AGN research project
will be used. It is a great way to document what the observer has
done and a place to request images.
American Association of Variable Star Observers
www.aavso.org
This website gives excellent background on variable star observing and a place to submit data.
Evaluation:
Data collected: 25 points
Data collected weekly (weather could prevent this).
Accurate
Personal Data Analysis: 40 points
Analyzed within two weeks
Done accurately
Includes uncertainty analysis
Class Data Analysis: 10 points
Done twice during the year.
Accurate
Final report: 25 points
Scientifically sound
Evidence-based
Clearly defended