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Getting started
Introduction and Telescope Guide
(4-04)
A brief description of the goals of "From the Ground Up!," along with step-by-step instructions for how to start using the activities.
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1. How does my eye compare to the telescope?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
In these introductory activities, compare the workings of your own eye to that of the telescope. Estimate your eye's aperture, field-of-view, "exposure time," and other parameters.
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2. What does the universe look like?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
Observe a wide range of celestial objects, from planets and stars to nebulae and galaxies. Create a "group portrait" of the universe, reflecting on key questions about your images.
Use this "how-to" guide to help find the size or distance of objects in your images from their angular size:
Determining Angular Size from Images
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3. Is the Moon really larger when it is near the horizon?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
Is the Moon really larger when it's on the horizon... or is that just an illusion? In the course of this challenge, you'll explore the distance to the Moon and the nature of scientific investigation. Prepare to be surprised!
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4. What are Jupiter and its moons like?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
One of Jupiter's moons is believed to contain a warm, salt-water ocean. Could it harbor life? Use the telescopes to image the planet Jupiter and its four brightest moons. Then use your images, your knowledge of physics, and simple table-top experiments to plan a mission to Jupiter to find out.
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5. Can we communicate with an alien star system?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
Could we communicate with an alien planetary system? Could we travel to nearby sun-like stars? In this activity, you will use the telescopes to determine the distance to nearby sun-like stars known to be orbited by planets.
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6. How large and how old is the universe?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
How big and how old is the Universe? First use the telescope to create a glittering gallery of galaxies. Then use your images, and additional data, to explore the deepest of cosmic questions!
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7. What does the universe look like in color?
Student Science Journal
Teacher's Guide
(12-03)
What does the universe look like in color? What can color tell us about the universe? Use the telescopes and their filters to create full-color portraits of the universe.
Images for use with this activity. (opens a new page)
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