Fall 2011
OUT-OF-CLASS LAB ACTIVITIES
During the course of the semester, each student is required to complete two out-of-class activities that will be completed at night.
TELESCOPE OBSERVING/PLANETARIUM LAB
A teaching assistant will be available on the roof of Davey Lab (the 6th floor) every Monday through Thursday evening (starting August 29) to assist students in the use of a telescope to observe astronomical objects.
Where: Davey Lab: 6th floor - roof (if weather is clear)
Davey Lab: Room 541A - planetarium (otherwise)
Days: Monday to Thursday
Times: 8:30 - 10:00 pm
There will be no telescope observing during Thanksgiving Break or Spring Break. Each student is required to attend one evening of telescope observing and complete two activities based on observations. These activities are to be handed in to the teaching assistant BEFORE leaving the telescope area.
In the case of inclement weather, there will be an alternate planetarium project available to students. The planetarium is located at 541A Davey Lab (one floor down from the telescopes). Due to limited seating, the planetarium will be available on a first come, first served basis, and will start promptly. If necessary, two planetarium shows will be given. Those who arrive late to the first show will have to wait until the second show. Late arrivals to the second show will not be allowed in. A planetarium show will last approximately 30-45 minutes. Bring the Star and Planet Locator with you.
To check if it will be clear enough to use the telescope, see the observing status webpage at
http://www.astro.psu.edu/telescopes/status.html
Students are encouraged to complete the projects as soon as possible. Any student can complete the telescope lab before September 22. After that date, students will only be allowed to attend the lab session during the period of time listed below, as determined by your last name. Neither the telescopes nor the planetarium will be open during Thanksgiving Break or Spring Break. The last day to complete the project is determined by the first letter of your last name, but the final deadline is November 17.
The project dates have been broken down according to last names.
|
First letter of your last name |
Project Date |
|
anyone |
Aug. 29 - Sep. 22 |
|
A - E |
Sep. 26 - Oct. 06 |
|
F - L |
Oct. 10 - Oct. 20 |
|
M - R |
Oct. 24 - Nov. 03 |
|
S - Z |
Nov. 07 - Nov. 17 |
MOON LAB
This lab will be completed during the three-week period from Sep. 26 - Oct. 13 only. During this period of time, all students are required to complete the out-of-class Moon lab activity.
A teaching assistant will be available in 541 Davey Lab during the specified weeks, Monday through Thursday evenings from 7:30 - 9:30pm to assist students with the lab activity. The lab report shoud be submitted to the teaching assistant BEFORE leaving. Students will be permitted to work in small groups (of 2 - 4 students).
Where: 541 Davey Lab
Days: Mondays through Thursdays (Sep. 26 - Oct. 13 ONLY)
Times: 7:30 - 9:30 pm