Star Spectra Science: Using Balloons and Buttons to Model Spectroscopy Documents

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Main Document

Star Spectra Science: Using Balloons and Buttons to Model Spectroscopy 

written by Rebecca E. Vieyra
published by the American Association of Physics Teachers

This lesson blends physics, math, and space science as students explore the spectra of stars using a physical model composed of balloons and buttons. This activity introduces students to concepts of wavelength, color, and emission spectra. It is based on an article in The Physics Teacher.

Released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

Published June 15, 2022
Last Modified August 13, 2022

This file has previous versions.

Primary Documents (2)

Teacher's Guide: Star Spectra - Modifiable Word Version 

by Rebecca Vieyra

Printable Word version of the lesson plan with assessment.

Released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

Published June 15, 2022
Last Modified August 13, 2022

This file has previous versions.

Student Worksheet: Star Spectra 

by Rebecca Vieyra

Printable Student Guide for distribution in the classroom.

Released under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.

Published June 15, 2022
Last Modified August 13, 2022

This file has previous versions.