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August 2008

Volume 7, Issue 2, pp. 1-180

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Introduction to the Demonstrations Section

2008, AER, 7 (2), 111, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008030

Online Publication Date: 04 February 2009

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Abstract Unavailable
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01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.40.-d Education

An Interactive Demonstration of Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Joanne Rosvick

2008, AER, 7 (2), 112, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008031

Online Publication Date: 08 September 2008

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This article describes a demonstration of solar and lunar eclipses using hoops and balls of different sizes to represent the orbits and bodies involved. The demonstration presents the students with a three-dimensional view of the arrangement of the Earth, its Moon, and their respective orbits, and illustrates why people on Earth do not experience eclipses every month.
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01.40.-d Education
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
96.00.00 Solar system; planetology

A Student-Constructed Three-Dimensional Model of Stars in Nearby Space

Tracy Furutani

2008, AER, 7 (2), 122, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008032

Online Publication Date: 08 September 2008

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The construction of a three-dimensional model of star distribution within 17 light years of the Sun gives students a hands-on method to understand what might otherwise involve a dry discussion of stellar types and distribution in the Milky Way. The model construction is accompanied by a worksheet that guides students in exploring different information given by the model. Though no assessment of student understanding of stellar distribution or other related topics was done, anecdotal student feedback has been positive, both in the understanding of the material and in the method of delivery.
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01.40.-d Education
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
98.35.-a Characteristics and properties of the Milky Way galaxy
97.00.00 Stars

Demonstrations Illustrating the Difficulties Astronomers Face When Observing Astronomical Objects

Jeff Stanger

2008, AER, 7 (2), 132, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008033

Online Publication Date: 08 September 2008

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This article describes a series of demonstrations used to illustrate the difficulties that astronomers face when they observe astronomical objects from Earth. The concepts covered include atmospheric distortion, atmospheric absorption, and the effect of the inverse square law on the intensity of light. These demonstrations were presented using predict-observe-explain tasks that promote active engagement and highlight misconceptions.
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01.40.-d Education
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
96.00.00 Solar system; planetology

A Doppler Shift Speed Gun

Reid Sherman

2008, AER, 7 (2), 141, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008034

Online Publication Date: 08 September 2008

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This is a fun and educational lab for any audience at the middle school level and above to learn about the Doppler shift and waves in general. The participants should review the basic properties of waves and, with some Socratic questioning, form their own hypothesis of what will happen to a sound wave when it is emitted by a moving object. Participants then construct their own instrument and test their hypothesis in both a qualitative and quantitative manner. The main part of this lab involves using a computer program and simple math to correctly measure the speed of an object, using only the waves emitted from it.
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01.40.ek Secondary school
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.50.Lc Laboratory computer use
01.50.Qb Laboratory course design, organization, and evaluation

Demonstrating Absorption Spectra Using Commercially Available Incandescent Light Bulbs

Jennifer J. Birriel

2008, AER, 7 (2), 147, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008035 | Cited 1 time

Online Publication Date: 08 September 2008

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In introductory astronomy courses, I typically introduce the three types of spectra: continuous, absorption line, and emission line. It is standard practice to use an ordinary incandescent light bulb to demonstrate the production of a continuous spectrum, and gas discharge tubes to demonstrate the production of an emission line spectrum. The concept of an absorption spectrum is more difficult for students to grasp. A variety of commercially available light bulbs can be used to demonstrate absorption spectra. Here I discuss the use of specialty incandescent light bulbs to demonstrate the phenomenon of absorption of the continuous spectrum produced by a hot tungsten filament. The bulbs examined include the GE Reveal bulb, yellow anti-insect lights, colored party bulbs, and an incandescent “black light” bulb. The bulbs can be used in a lecture or laboratory setting.
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01.40.-d Education
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.40.gb Teaching methods and strategies

Kinesthetic Life Cycle of Stars

Erika L. Reinfeld and Mark A. Hartman

2008, AER, 7 (2), 158, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008036

Online Publication Date: 22 September 2008

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We present a kinesthetic approach to learning about the life cycle of stars. Using a simplified two-layer model for stellar structure, learners recreate kinesthetically the birth, life, and death of low- and high-mass stars. Examples of how this activity has been used in several settings outside school time provide additional resources for extending student learning about this topic.
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01.40.ek Secondary school
01.40.-d Education
01.52.+r National and international laboratory facilities
01.75.+m Science and society
97.00.00 Stars

The Milky Way Model

Robert Bryan Friedman

2008, AER, 7 (2), 176, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.3847/AER2008037

Online Publication Date: 17 October 2008

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In this article, I describe constructing a scale model of our galaxy—the Milky Way—and using this model to teach modern astronomy. The Milky Way model expands on concepts usually explored in the more common solar system model. The Milky Way model presents an opportunity to probe a broad array of physical processes and astrophysical systems, as well as multiple astronomical coordinate systems and far more expansive spatial scales. This exercise is kinetic, interactive, and designed to be done in large spaces (such as a gymnasium floor) with students at the middle school to high school levels.
Show PACS
01.40.-d Education
01.50.My Demonstration experiments and apparatus
98.00.00 Stellar systems; interstellar medium; galactic and extragalactic objects and systems; the Universe
01.50.Pa Laboratory experiments and apparatus
01.50.Lc Laboratory computer use
01.50.Qb Laboratory course design, organization, and evaluation
01.40.gb Teaching methods and strategies
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