Science Probe I Technology Activities

Chapter 15

Internet

The study of quasars, pulsars, black holes, and nebulas can help cosmologists understand more about the universe. Select one of these objects to search the Internet for current research (include information from the last five years). Obtain information that will answer the following questions:

a.How was the object first detected and by whom?
b.How many of these objects have been discovered?
c.How many light years away is the closest one?
d.How large are the objects?
e.What is the object made of?
f.How did the object form?

It might also be helpful to correspond through e-mail or talk in a web discussion site with an astronomer or someone who works in an observatory to get your answers. Prepare a presentation using sky maps, sketches, computer graphics, or other multimedia to inform your classmates about the object you have selected. Below are web sites to get you started:

The Web Nebulae
http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu:80/billa/twn/top.html

The Astronomy Cafe
http://www2.ari.net/home/odenwald/cafe.html

Application Software

Activity 15A – Use a word processing program to set up the three-column table as directed in this activity. As you read the sections, take your notes on the computer. Use a graphics program to create your drawings; then insert them into the table in the appropriate location in your notes. Print the data and graph, and secure them in your SCIENCE PROBE Logbook.

Activity 15B – Use a spreadsheet program to make the data table shown in Table 15.1 of this activity. Record the data in the spreadsheet as you perform the activity. Use the mathematical functions of the spreadsheet to do the calculations for finding the number of sheets thick (or the number of light years). Print the final spreadsheet with all calculations, and secure it in your SCIENCE PROBE Logbook where you will answer the discussion questions for this activity.