EXTENDED CLASSROOM Kopernik Observatory & Science Center

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Barnaby Merritt
5 years ago
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1 Kopernik: Build Your Own STEM Program (Grades K-12) What do you need to reinforce in your classroom? Kopernik staff will plan with you the ultimate program for any STEM curriculum. Programs can also be created for an interdisciplinary curriculum or for special needs. Kopernik has the equipment, trained teachers and labs ready for you. Class Limit: MINIMUM class size = 16 students Kopernik: Electricity and Magnetism (Grades 3-8) Students experiment with hands - on simple circuits, lights and motors as they discover the relationship between electricity and magnetism. The skills stressed include observing comparing and analyzing test results, predicting and model building. Also included: an introduction to robotic applications. Class Limit: MINIMUM class size = 16 students 1

2 Kopernik: Exploring the Moon (Grades K-2) Hands-on exploration of Phases of the Moon, cratering, investigating Moon rock and the history of Moon exploration. Kopernik: Exploring the Sun (Grades 3-8) The Sun is especially active every 11 years (right now ). Students observe the Sun live through Kopernik s telescopes specially fitted for Solar studies (weather permitting). Use science tools both ancient and modern to learn about sunspots and solar prominences. Discover the beauty and power of the Sun s radiation in the physics lab. Students in grades 3-5 explore the birth and death of stars. Students in grades 6-8 explore H-R diagrams and models of the sun s interior, its magnetism and its effect on the earth. 2

3 Kopernik: Forces and Machines (Grades 3-8) Students use simple machines to explore the concepts of force, work, friction, energy, transfer and mechanical advantage. Small teams of students design and test inclined planes, pulleys, and roller coasters. Kopernik: Practice for the NYS Science Performance Class (Grade 4) Students will experience hands-on learning with this course in Scientific Inquiry and Concepts at Kopernik. In the first part of the program, students will explore scientific inquiry as they work in small teams to test properties of matter such as: mass, volume, weight, magnetism and more. For the second part of this program, teachers can choose one of the following concepts in Physical Science: (1) Forces, (2) Erosion (3) Basic Concepts of Light. Forces understand forces of gravity, acceleration & friction by designing roller coasters Erosion - understand erosion by using stream tables in Kopernik s Earth Science Lab Basic Concepts of Light understand basic concepts of light using mirrors, lenses and telescopes. Teachers may modify the topics to suit their curricular needs. Length of program: approximately 2 hours 3

4 Kopernik: Grade 8 Science Performance Class (Grade 8) Kopernik offers three activities to allow students review in basic measuring, observation and inferring skills. Students will explore field-of-view by using hand lenses, microscopes, and a telescope. Students will then calculate the momentum of a ball rolling down an inclined plane. In addition, students will calculate density and identify a mystery metal. Teachers may substitute one of the above activities for an activity on classification and dichotomous key. A worksheet will be provided for closure to review these activities. Kopernik: Helios Student Science Research (Grades 9-12) Students will research a topic in astronomy using data and images available through internet resources and Kopernik telescopes and lab equipment. Students will learn research methods and how to contribute to actual astronomical research and data archives. Program is (4) classes 6:00 pm 9:00 pm., independent study with a scientist s supervision. Venue Cost: $ per student (minimum 3 students per district) Length of Program: 12 hours total 4

5 Kopernik: Kopernik In-School Program for large groups (Grades 4-12) Kopernik understands your concern about travel costs, and offer your students an interactive Space Science presentation and one activity at your school. Narrated by our knowledgeable Astronomy staff, we challenge your students to set high goals and instill in them a desire to study Math & Science and be part of future Space Science Technology. District Cost: $8.50 per student MINIMUM class size = 100 students Class Limit: Site: In-school Kopernik: Kopernik Sampler (Grades 3-12) Students experience what astronomers do and what tools we use at the observatory along with a sample of exciting STEM activities. The Computer planetarium simulator will show them the night in the daytime and a telescope tour or solar and daytime planetary viewing, weather permitting. Teachers may choose one additional activity from our Earth or Physical sciences. 5

6 EXTENDED CLASSROOM Kopernik: Properties of Matter (Grades K-8) Grade K-2 students classify objects; explore solids, liquids, gases, and create a mystery substance. Grade 3-5 students discover the three states and physical properties of matter through hands-on activities. Grade 6-8 students conduct experiments exploring physical & chemical changes, investigate the Periodic Table and calculate density. Kopernik: Sound and Light (Grades 3-8) Students explore the properties of sound waves & light waves and how they travel. They will see sound waves with an oscilloscope and explore the concepts of frequency and amplitude using wave simulations and tuning forks. Students investigate visible & invisible wavelengths of light, see a LASER demonstration, and explore the spectrum of light. Class Limit: MINIMUM class size = 16 students 6

7 Kopernik: Using Radio to Communicate with Astronauts on the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (*) (Grades 6-12) This program offers activities to enrich middle and high school curricula in Physics, Astronomy, Earth Science, and Technology using HAM Radio education as its central core. Through this series of programs, students will develop the strategies and skills to communicate with astronauts on the International Space Station live through radio and satellite technology. Below are recommended 4 day preparatory classes. You may choose to take one, two three or all four. (*) Prerequisite: Schools must apply through NASA to talk with the astronauts on the Space Station about 6 months before the activity date. For more details, contact Kopernik Education: tbresee@kopernik.org Day 1 - Astronomy - What is an Observatory? Light & Sound Experiments, Space Weather with SOHO Day 2 - Tracking Satellites, Build a NASA satellite model, Astronaut Q & A rehearsal Day 3 - Slow Scan Radio/ Television, Radio Simulation Lab, Tracking the ISS, Sounds from Space Day 4 - Model Rocket building workshop, Future Human Spaceflight presentation (optional) Venue Cost: $15.00 per student per day MAXIMUM class size = 80 students Length of Program: 4 hours /day 7

8 Kopernik: Violent Weather (Grades K-8) Grade K-2 students collect weather data and explore the water cycle. Grade 3-5 students collect weather data and investigate forecasting. Students explore the water cycle, cloud formation and violent weather such as thunderstorms and hurricanes through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Grade 6-8 students collect weather data, predict the weather, and learn to read weather maps. They examine the ways in which pressure and temperature interact to create weather. Kopernik: Volcanoes and Earthquakes (Grades 2-6) Grade 2-6 students classify rocks, identify minerals, and explore plate tectonics through the study of earthquakes and volcanoes. Students work in small teams to make a smoking volcano erupt. Class Limit: MINIMUM class size = 16 students 8

9 Kopernik: Working as an Astronomer (Grades K-8) This program will introduce students to the workings of a professional astronomical observatory. Students test lenses, observe through telescopes, and receive an insider s tour of the largest public observatory in the Northeast. The program includes a simulated trip through space and a question & answer session. The science skills stressed include measuring, observing, and questioning. 9

Critical Content. Earth Science (10 th -12 th )

Critical Content. Earth Science (10 th -12 th ) Nature of Science Understand that scientific inquiry is a logical series of steps used to solve a scientific problem Compare and contrast a hypothesis, theory and law N.12.A N.12.A.1 N.12.A.2 N.12.A.3