Chandra Astrophysics Institute

Investigation 1: Size and Distance

Overview: Students build their first predictive model (the relationship between angular width, linear width, and distance) to understand how models and observations relate. Students observe and measure angular width from images on digital cameras, learn to use scientific notation, and use these skills to create their own “trick photographs” involving everyday objects. They apply the idea of angular size by exploring the minimum angular size resolved by their eyes and other telescopes.

Activities	Topics
Activity 1	Models in Science / Simple Telescopes
Activity 2	Opening observations to generate questions about “size of objects in images” / plotting observations about angular size
Activity 3	Defining and measuring angular width, unit conversions, scientific notation
Activity 4	Building and applying mathematical models of angular size
Activity 5	Spatial resolution / proper motion
Activity 6	Investigation summary / review project