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Project Descriptions

FINGERPRINTING THE UNIVERSE: An Interactive Science Exhibit on Spectroscopy

August 1, 1996 - August 31, 2002 | Exhibitions
How do we know the distance to a star? How do we know what a star is made of? How do we know how fast an object is moving? These questions are addressed in this 1,488 square foot permanent exhibit which emphasizes astronomical spectroscopy - the detailed analysis of light from astronomical objects. This interactive, bilingual (English/Spanish) exhibit will demonstrate different applications of spectroscopy that provide insight into the universe, and will provide opportunities for students, teachers, parents, and the general public to learn about the universe. Bilingual ancillary materials will be produced: pre- and post-visit materials for school visitors; a "Life at an Observatory" ten-minute orientation/information video to be shown at the visitor center. Target audiences are students in grades K-12, and general visitors.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 9626965
Funding Amount: 1037786

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Sandra Preston
    Principal Investigator
    University of Texas at Austin
  • Discipline: Space science | Technology
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | Middle School Children (11-13) | Youth/Teen (up to 17) | Parents/Caregivers | General Public | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits
    Access and Inclusion: Ethnic/Racial | Hispanic/Latinx Communities | English Language Learners

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