Curated OER
The Vocabulary of Space
Students build their knowledge and understanding of vocabulary related to space. In this space lesson, students discuss four categories of words and phrases related to space.
Curated OER
Lenses and Mirrors
Students investigate lenses and mirrors showing how they bend and reflect light waves.
Curated OER
Heat Currents
Students using a slide made out of aluminum foil and pin holes observe visible light.
Curated OER
The Transit in Pictures
Learners investigate the Transit of Venus and create and produce a public service commercial promoting the Transit of Venus and providing information about its safe viewing.
Other
National Optical Astronomy Observatory Homepage
The National Optical Astronomy Observatory runs most of the big professional optical telescopes in the United States and this is their homepage. It includes information about the many facilities they run, some of the recent science...
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: What Are Telescopes Used For?
Scientists use telescopes to study the various components of the universe. How do telescopes work? Learn here about the electromagnetic spectrum and the various types of telescopes.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Telescopes Study Guide
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] This study guide summarizes key points about electromagnetic radiation and the different types of telescopes that rely on various forms of it. Includes a few...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Terrific Telescopes
Why? File provides insight into four advances in telescope technology as well as shows how they are "improving our harvest of cosmic understanding."
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Optical Instruments
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What optics are and different types, and how they work and form images.
PBS
Pbs Nova: Hunting the Edge of Space
A collection of articles and interactives on the topic of telescopes and what we have learned from them about the universe, including information about some of the strangest phenomena. One section discusses the giant telescopes of the...
University of Maryland
Optics Highlights: The Telescope
Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of the invention of the telescope. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Isaac Newton which focuses on his contribution...
National Museum of Science and Industry (UK)
Ingenious: Optics Images
This series of images is a combined collection of over three museums' collections of optics images. The images are sorted by pages with about nine images per page and over ten pages.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Make a Telescope
An activity for making a telescope using a cardboard tube and two lenses. Accompanied by an explanation of how the telescope works, and a link to an article about lenses.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Galileo Galilei
Biography of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), one of the most famous scientists and inventors of all time. He is best remembered for his invention of the telescope, which caused him to question the contemporary belief that the Earth was the...
TryEngineering
Try Engineering: Telescoping Periscope
Working in teams of "engineers", students explore how a periscope works and is used. They design, build, and test a working periscope made from everyday materials that has adjustable mirrors and be able to telescope as well.
Other
Lowell Observatory
Lowell Observatory homepage describes the history and current work done at the Lowell Observatory. Contains basic information about the telescopes and the results of work done by staff scientists. It is a national landmark.
Other
Atmos: Optical Design and Analysis Software
This is a page written by a member of the Amateur Telescope Makers Association, Massimo Riccardi. It describes a downloadable software program which can be used to analyze and design mirrors to exact specifications.
NOAA
Noaa: National Weather Service: The Sun and Its Effect on the Earth [Pdf]
The Space Environment Center (SEC) put together a slide show for use by teachers on Space weather. Begin with discussing solar emission and the sun itself. Then end with a summary of climatic effects of space weather, and a note on space...
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: New Observatory Brings Stars Closer to Earth
A radio story describing the development of the newest technology in telescopes based on an old idea. Images of the 80-acre interferometer are shown on the site.
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Refracting Astronomical Telescope
An app for investigating the operation of a refracting telescope. The location of the eyepiece and objective lens can be altered, and the focal point and path of light through the lenses can be observed.
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Apps Zur Physik
This site, in German, offers numerous apps that illustrate common physics principles. Apps are organized into categories: mechanics, oscillations and waves, electrodynamics, optics, thermodynamics, the theory of relativity, physics of...
Space Telescope Science Institute
Hubble Site: Hand Held Hubble
This site has an activity to make a hand-held telescope. "The Hubble Space Telescope that's orbiting Earth right now is the size of a school bus, but you can make a model of it that you can hold in your hands!"
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Lens Maker's Formula
A discussion of the lens-maker's formula and its use in determining the effect of lens shape and index of refraction upon the magnifying power of a lens. Includes an interactive problem-solving section.
Space Telescope Science Institute
Hubble Site: Quick Facts
Site provides quick facts and figures on the Hubble Space Telescope. Site includes spaceflight statistics, optical capabilities and data statistics and much more.