Reading the Rainbow

Reading the Rainbow

In this hands-on activity, we introduce students to the fundamentals of analyzing light and spectra, or spectroscopy. Using images from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), students will undertsand that stars appear different colours. But why? Analysing a variety of...
Let’s break the particles!

Let’s break the particles!

Let’s learn how to break particles to study their composition with a simple device (“the accelerator”). Students will study the effect of collisions between marbles, introducing various forms of energy, such as potential, kinetic and binding energy...
Find the hidden rainbows

Find the hidden rainbows

This activity is about discovering the spectra around us and understanding the physical processes that make light. Using diffraction grating glasses, students will be able to view the spectra of everyday light sources. This will introduce line and continuum emission...
Let’s play with powers of 10

Let’s play with powers of 10

To understand the very diverse scales in Nature —from the smallest meaningful length (Plank’s length) to the size of the observable Universe, let’s familiarize ourselves with orders of magnitude or powers of 10! In this activity, students play a game of cards to...
Light in a matchbox

Light in a matchbox

By building a homemade spectrometer with simple materials like a CD and a matchbox, you can discover the visible light spectrum observing it quickly and easily and discovering the colors that compose it. Resource Link Access the complete activity resource Activity...
SKAO and the mysteries of invisible light

SKAO and the mysteries of invisible light

In this collection of activities, students will learn about the existence of light beyond what humans can see with their eyes, and how these invisible types of light provide astronomers with a new view of the Universe. Using laboratory equipment, students will...