The Hands-On Universe Project

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The "Hands-on Universe" project creates eight supplemental investigations in which students analyze astronomical images taken by remote telescopes using charge coupled device detectors. Current and past images will become available from the Automated Supernova Search, which takes 500 images per clear night. The analysis is done in the classroom using IBM-compatible image processing software developed at the University of California/Berkeley for research work. The activities, intended for high school astronomy, physics or physical science courses, provide hands-on investigations coupled with an in-depth experience of engaging in science research using powerful technological tools. Telecommunications links students, teachers and professionals in a genuine collaborative and apprenticeship style interaction which can lead to original research. The activities, generated by professional astronomers and teachers, include investigations of the mass of Jupiter by measuring the motion of one of its moons, spatial dimensions of the solar system, collaborative searches for varying sources, plotting light curves, and distance to distant objects. Materials will include an introductory video, student materials, and software for students to conduct their own image processing activities.