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Subjects:
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Science
Achievement. Aeronautics. Astronomy. Atmosphere. Careers. Curriculum. Earth science. Instructional issues. Professional development. Scientific research. Space sciences. Technology. Telescopes. |
Resource Type:
Lessons & activities; Math and science background information; Virtual field trips. Media Type:
Internet resource.
Languages:
English; Spanish.
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Abstract:
This World Wide Web (WWW) site, developed for grades K to 12, is the second in the PASSPORT TO KNOWLEDGE series of electronic field trips. In addition to the WWW sites, these multimedia projects involve live television over PBS and NASA-TV and print materials suggesting hands on, in class activities. LIVE FROM THE STRATOSPHERE (LFS) combines humor with serious science by providing students with a behind the scenes trip aboard NASA's Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) as it flies at 41,000 feet to study planets, stars, and galaxies with its infrared telescope.
The online materials include extensive archival information, including the full text and graphics of the printed Teacher's Guide, and current data on the KAO, astronomy and aeronautics, as well as interactive opportunities such as Field Journals written by researchers on the KAO, and the ability to send questions directly to scientists and others seen on camera. Online collaborative activities include having students at diverse sites around the nation develop group activities and real time databases relating to astronomy, meteorology, and aeronautics. Specific features of this site include flight logs that give students an idea of the efforts that go into controlling and collecting data; personal and professional information about KAO researchers; videos and TV broadcast schedules and tips for working with local science centers to plan camp ins in which local activities complement the live telecasts.
The site also provides lesson plans based on live data recorded from the aircraft's onboard system during KAO missions. Activities include: tracking the flight path of the airplane (using latitude and longitude), correlating altitude vs. outside air temperature and cabin pressure, and tracking ground speed with indicated air speed to derive wind speed. Students are also invited to submit ideas for designing the KAO replacement, SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy). Additional features include LOTS O' PICS, which provides internal and external images of the KAO as well as astronomical images of planets and galaxies. GUIDES AND RESOURCES provides teachers' information, such as curriculum materials, tips for electronic field trips, a chat room, and bibliographic references. Additional teacher materials are provided in the Teacher's Lounge, which contains links to both professional development and recreational web sites. This resource is also available in Spanish. Abstracted 02/96. (Author/LCT) |
