Purpose
In order to increase the quality of science education in high school and, at the same time, to develop in our students cognitive interest in science it would be helpful to incorporate elements of modern astrophysics into the curricula of different science courses, such as physics, chemistry, physical science, earth science, etc..
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Objective
- to introduce general properties of all electromagnetic waves,
- to describe astronomical and artificial sources of electromagnetic
radiation,
- to identify the position of each type of radiation in the electromagnetic
spectrum according to its wavelength and frequency,
- to discuss methods used to detect and analyze different waves,
- to analyze the relation between the specific properties of waves, and
their position in the electromagnetic spectrum,
- to highlight the idea of how knowledge about radiation helps scientists
solve the mystery of the evolution of the Universe,
- to develop in students strong interest in astrophysics.
Objectives and the syllabus of the unit may vary, depending on the
time devoted to it, the grade level of students, and teachers'
preferences. These are some of the non-traditional
activities that may increase the efficiency of the unit. Group research work, poster contest, science conference, quipu making, and
even, putting electromagnetic radiation on trial! - are among those
teaching techniques.
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Features
- quipu making A very interesting and non-traditional way to identify each type of radiation
in a spectrum is to create a
Quipu
that contains complete information
about this spectrum. Quipu, a so-called knotted-rope-artifact, is a
mysterious way of coding and decoding any type of data in a very compact
and unusual manner. This method was used by the ancient Incas. Using knots
of different shapes (single, figure eight, and long knots) and strings of
various lengths and thicknesses, students not only can arrange
electromagnetic waves in a spectrum, but also insert any other type of
information (wavelength, frequency, energy, etc.).
- electronic bulletin board As part of this activity, students can electronically communicate with each other, posting insights, ideas, evidence and questions on electromagnetic radiation.
- electromagnetic radiation on trial! As part of this activity, students will put the different types of the electromagnetic radiation "on trial", selecting the judge, prosecutor,
defense counsel, and jury, and learning about electromagnetic energy
by arguing the pros and cons of each wavelength. The "Trial" is a format which allows students to explore
electromagnetic radiation properties. The different types of
electromagnetic radiation will serve as the "defendants"
who are
accused of properties which may or may not be true for that particular
wavelength.
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Procedure
Extensions
References
The idea of organizing educational games such as trials on physical phenomena was first introduced by Irina Lanina, Professor of Education at St. Petersburg Pedagogical University, Russia. (I. Lanina, "Not by a lesson alone (Ne urokom edinym)," Moscow, Prosvescheniye, 1991.)
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