This tutorial by astronomy researcher Andrew Vanderburg is unique. The introduction to transit light curves is simple enough for beginners, but it quickly unpacks the mathematics required to calculate transit depth, planet radius, and how to use calculations to create model light curves. For students with high interest, Dr. Vanderburg gives step-by-step directions in accessing and downloading Kepler and K2 data. A very rich resource that can be used as a student tutorial or as a refresher for teachers.

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This short tutorial from Sweden's Uppsala University provides a concise and very comprehensible explanation of how the transit spectroscopy method yields data about the atmosphere of an exoplanet. It could work well as a preparatory exercise prior to introducing the Lecture Tutorial section of this Digi Kit. Note: Be sure to choose "English" in the top menu! Appropriate for high school and/or conceptual courses.

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This learning module introduces the search for planets outside of our solar system using the radial velocity and transit methods. The module is based on the solar nebula theory of planet formation, the idea that planets form as a natural by-product of star formation. The radial velocity method is used to detect displacements in a star's spectral lines due to the Doppler Effect.  The transit method looks for drops in a star's brightness as an exoplanet moves across its disk along line of sight of the telescope. In the simulations, students can control the stellar and planetary properties and the system orientation. They can then observe the accompanying light curves to see how a planet's presence is "indirectly" detected through each of these methods. Instructor resources are available including student manuals, assessment materials, and a list of the assumptions used. NOTE! The NAEP website is undergoing a Flash-to-HTML conversion in 2019-2020. Simulations and other tools may not be accessible on a mobile device.

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