Activity

Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Plotting an Asteroid Light Curve activity also includes:

Data can tell us a lot about celestial objects that are just too far away to study otherwise. Learners examine data on the brightness of an asteroid to predict its rotation rate. Graphing the data reveals a periodic pattern that allows individuals to draw conclusions about its motion.

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CCSS: Adaptable
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Assign different data to each group to analyze and compare results
  • Use as a math and science interdisciplinary lesson creating an equation to model the light curve
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires computers with spreadsheet software
Pros
  • Provides clear instructions for using a spreadsheet to analyze data
  • Includes background information relevant to the exploration
Cons
  • None
Common Core