COMPUTER-BASED LEARNING
Data & Coding Activities
Hour of Code and Beyond: Recoloring the Universe
Open source, peer-reviewed program developed for #HourofCode with Google/AAS to show real-world applications and career paths for working with, and visualizing, data. Coding activity uses real NASA data to introduce coding concepts and astronomy/light concepts. It's an example of the exciting ways that computer science is both part of routine tasks in our every day lives and part of the exciting quest to explore the cosmos.
openFITS - Create NASA Images from Raw Data
With a basic understanding of astronomy data and image processing software, you can create your own astronomy images from FITS files. "FITS," which stands for Flexible Image Transport System, is a digital file format used mainly by astronomers. In this activity you can download FITS files for some of our favorite Chandra images and learn how to compose your own versions of these high-energy astronomy images.
Work with 3D Models and Tinkercad
3D modeling offers a new tool to represent and understand scientific data, particularly when we can create and manipulate models to gain new perspectives on the data being explored. But 3D modeling in astronomy can be challenging. Scientists are generally not able to fly a spacecraft out to the cosmic objects that we want to study in 3D. So astronomers have to be innovative and creative while using a wide range of tools and techniques.
Journey Through an Exploded Star
Navigate the fiery aftermath of a supernova in the “Journey through an Exploded Star” interactive simulation. Behold the violent explosion of the massive Cassiopeia A star in this mobile narrated 360° video. And, discover the invisible forces of the cosmos in this high school level activity.
http://smithsonianeducation.org/supernova/supernova2.html
MicroObservatory Robotic Telescope Network
Explore the Universe with telescopes you control over the internet, through the MicroObservatory Robotic Telescope Network operated by the. Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian https://mo-www.cfa.harvard.edu/MicroObservatory/
