COSMIC CLASSROOM

CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Discovering Infrared - The Herschel Experiment
A simple, low cost classroom or science fair activity in which students can discover infrared for themselves. This site includes a detailed description of the experiment, an example with pictures, and a place for students to display results online.
Herschel and His Discovery of Infrared
A brief biography of William Herschel and a description of how he discovered infrared light.

The Herschel Experiment
A version of the Herschel experiment for classroom or individual use.

An Example of the Herschel Experiment
Step by step example of the Herschel Experiment - includes photographs and results.

School/Science Fair Results
See actual results from school and science fair experiments. Send in your results (outreach@ipac.caltech.edu) and we will post them online.

Reconciling the Herschel Experiment
Explains why Herschel obtained the results that he did. Why is the highest temperature in the infrared part of the spectrum?

National Science Standards Grades K-4
National Science Standards Grades 5-8
National Science Standards Grades 9-12

Discovering Ultraviolet - The Ritter Experiment
A simple, low cost classroom or science fair activity in which students can discover the existence of ultraviolet for themselves. This site includes a detailed description of the experiment as well as an example with pictures.

Ritter and His Discovery of Ultraviolet
A brief biography of Johann Ritter and a description of how he discovered ultraviolet light.

The Ritter Experiment
A version of the Ritter experiment for classroom or individual use.

An Example of the Ritter Experiment
Step by step example of the Ritter Experiment - includes photographs and results.


National Science Standards Grades 5-8
National Science Standards Grades 9-12

Infrared Zoo Lesson Plans
A set of infrared lesson plans designed for classroom use as well as extensive background information for instructors. Learners investigate and discuss infrared images of various day-to-day objects like toasters, hairdryers, and running water to learn about infrared imaging technology and infrared images. Using infrared and visible images of animals, learners will sort and categorize animals into broad categories based upon the learner's own reasoning and observations of the images. Further explorations reveal that warm and cold-blooded animals can be identified and characterized using infrared images. Learners will discover how certain snakes (pit-vipers) can find prey using a natural infrared sensor and will extend their understandings by exploring infrared technology applications. Learners will also explore how infrared images give biologists/zoologists detailed information on how warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals thermoregulate.

Infrared Activities
A list of links to infrared experiments and activities.


INFRARED LIGHT LESSONS

Heat and Temperature
When we discuss infrared and infrared astronomy we refer to infrared as being primarily a measure of heat (or thermal radiation). In this module we introduce the concepts of heat and temperature, heat transfer and detection. We also introduce several examples of what we can learn by detecting heat and measuring temperature and include links to related classroom lesson plans and activities.

What is Heat and What Causes It?
What is Temperature?
How Does Temperature Differ From Heat?
How Does Heat Travel?
How Do We Detect Heat?
How Do We Measure Temperature?
What Can We Learn From Heat Radiation?
Classroom Activities and Experiments
National Science Education Standards K-4
National Science Education Standards 5-8
National Science Education Standards 9-12

Discovering Infrared - The Herschel Experiment
A simple, low cost classroom or science fair activity in which students can discover infrared for themselves. This site includes a detailed description of the experiment, an example with pictures, and a place for students to display results online.
Herschel and His Discovery of Infrared
A brief biography of William Herschel and a description of how he discovered infrared light.

The Herschel Experiment
A version of the Herschel experiment for classroom or individual use.

An Example of the Herschel Experiment
Step by step example of the Herschel Experiment - includes photographs and results.

School/Science Fair Results
See actual results from school and science fair experiments. Send in your results (outreach@ipac.caltech.edu) and we will post them online.

Reconciling the Herschel Experiment
Explains why Herschel obtained the results that he did. Why is the highest temperature in the infrared part of the spectrum?

National Science Standards Grades K-4
National Science Standards Grades 5-8
National Science Standards Grades 9-12

Infrared Activities
A list of links to infrared experiments and activities.


The Infrared Zoo
What do animals look like in the infrared? As you tour this site, you will actually "see" the differences between warm and cold blooded animals, and learn how animals use fur, feathers and blubber to insulate themselves.

Birds
Chickens
Cockatiels
Ducks
Eagles
Emu
Flamingos
Macaw
Parrot
Swan
Tawny Frogmouth

Reptiles & Amphibians
Alligator
Chameleon
Collard Lizard
King Snake
Frogs
Leopard Gecko
Python
Turtles

Mammals
Baboon
Camel
Cat
Dog
Elephants
Giraffes
Guinea Pigs
Horses
Hound Dog
Otter
Pig
Pony
Pot-Bellied Pig
Puppy
Rabbit
Seal
Sea Lions
Sheep
Squirrel
Squirrel Monkey
Terrier
Tiger

Insects & Arachnids
Caterpillar
Millipede
Scorpion
Worms

Infrared Yellowstone
View Yellowstone National Park in the infrared! As you tour this gallery, you will see visible and infrared light comparisons of geysers, hot springs, mud pots and a variety of other geothermal features.

Old Faithful Geyser
Mammoth Hot Springs
Bubbling Mudpots
Hot Springs
Other Geysers
Geyser Runoff
Miscellaneous
Online Videos



Seeing Our World in a Different Light
What are the benefits of infrared technology right here on Earth? This site shows the applications of infrared imaging in an amazing variety of areas.
Astronomy
Oceanography
Meteorology
Geology, Vegetation and Soil
Animal Studies
Archeology
History and Art
Animal Studies
Archeology
History and Art
Environmental Monitoring
Medicine
Firefighting
Search and Rescue
Military
Law Enforcement
Maintenance of Mechanical Systems
Inspections of Electrical Systems
Detecting Heat Loss in Structures
Navigation
Food Industry


Infrared Astronomy Tutorial

What is Infrared?

Discovery of Infrared
Learn about Sir William Herschel and how he discovered infrared light.

Infrared Astronomy - An Overview
What is Infrared Astronomy and what are the major advantages of viewing the Universe in the infrared?

Atmospheric Windows
Which wavelengths of infrared light can be observed from the ground and which are blocked by our atmosphere? This site shows why observatories need to be sent into space, discusses infrared wavelength bands, sky transparency, and sky brightness.

Near, Mid and Far Infrared
This site goes over the division of infrared light into three regions: near, mid and far-infrared. It presents an overview of objects that appear and disappear from view as we look at the Universe in each of these spectral regions.

Infrared Astronomy Timeline
A review of the major advances in the field of Infrared Astronomy from the discovery of infrared light in 1800 to the present.

Background and Technology
A detailed history of infrared astronomy and the development of infrared technology.

Early Infrared Astronomy
New Technology
Ground Based Infrared Observatories
Infrared Astronomy Takes Off
Infrared Astronomy From Earth's Orbit


Current and Future Infrared Astronomy Projects
An overview of current infrared missions as well as those which are planned for next decade.

The Infrared Universe
A detailed review of what has been discovered in different regions of the Universe by infrared telescopes. Includes a lot of nice images.

The Planets and Our Solar System
Star Formation
Stars
Extrasolar Planets
The Milky Way - Our Galaxy
Other Galaxies
The Interstellar Medium - The Space Between the Stars
Missing Mass - Brown Dwarfs
The Early Universe


Infrared Spectroscopy
A detailed review of discoveries made in the field of infrared spectroscopy.

What is Spectroscopy
Infrared Spectroscopy - An Overview
Our Solar System
Interstellar Space
Star Forming Regions
Older Stars
The Search For Life
Our Galaxy
Galaxies
Cosmology


News and Discoveries
Recent news and discoveries as well as a summary of discoveries made by past missions such as IRAS, ISO, COBE and KAO.

Images and Videos
A gallery of infrared space images taken by IRAS, ISO, 2MASS and MSX. as well as other infrared missions and observatories, and images of the world around us in the infrared.

Classroom Experiments and Activities
Links to several sites which offer infrared related activities and experiments.

Infrared Astronomy Timeline
A review of the major advances in the field of Infrared Astronomy from the discovery of infrared light in 1800 to the present.

Multiwavelength Astronomy

Multiwavelength Astronomy
Learn why we need to study celestial objects at many different wavelengths. What unique information does each part of the spectrum bring us and why do we need to send telescopes into space?
Introduction
Overview-Table
Our Solar System
Within Our Galaxy
The Milky Way
Beyond Our Galaxy
Observing Across the Spectrum
Why Send Telescopes into Space?
Educational Links
Classroom Activities


Multiwavelength Astronomy Gallery
A Multiwavelength astronomical gallery containing same size views of numerous objects in visible, near, mid and far infrared, radio, ultraviolet and x-ray light. A detailed tutorial accompanies each set of images.
What's New?

Preview: What You Will See

Where Do the Images Come From?

The Exhibition Galleries

M1 - The Crab Nebula
M13 - Globular Cluster
M17 - Emission Nebula
M20 - The Trifid Nebula
M27 - Planetary Nebula
M29 - Open Cluster
M31 - The Andromeda Galaxy
M33 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sc)
M45 - The Pleiades Cluster
M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy
M57 - The Ring Nebula
M64 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sb)
M65 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sa)
M74 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sc)
M77 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sb)
M79 - Globular Cluster
M81 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sb)
M82 - Peculiar Starburst Galaxy
M84 - Elliptical/Lenticular Galaxy
M87 - Giant Elliptical Galaxy
M92 - Globular Cluster
M94 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sb)
M100 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sc)
M101 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sc)
M104 - The Sombrero Galaxy
M106 - Spiral Galaxy (Type Sbp)
The Sun
The Moon
30 Doradus - Tarantula Nebula
Omega Centauri - Globular Cluster
Cassiopeia A - Supernova Remnant
Large Magellanic Cloud - Irregular Galaxy
Small Magellanic Cloud - Irregular Galaxy
Centaurus A - Peculiar Galaxy
The Antennae - Colliding Galaxies

Discovering Ultraviolet - The Ritter Experiment
A simple, low cost classroom or science fair activity in which students can discover the existence of ultraviolet for themselves. This site includes a detailed description of the experiment as well as an example with pictures.

Ritter and His Discovery of Ultraviolet
A brief biography of Johann Ritter and a description of how he discovered ultraviolet light.

The Ritter Experiment
A version of the Ritter experiment for classroom or individual use.

An Example of the Ritter Experiment
Step by step example of the Ritter Experiment - includes photographs and results.


National Science Standards Grades 5-8
National Science Standards Grades 9-12

Ask an Astronomer

Ask an Astronomer Videos
A set of wonderful, informative videos on a variety of astronomy topics.

Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question here, you can send us a new question. Includes links to other Ask an Astronomer sites.

How To Become Involved in Astronomy
Discusses the many ways you can become involved in the study of the Universe. Covers amateur astronomy, working for NASA and how to become a professional astronomer. Includes lots of links.

Cosmic Reference Guides
Guides to topics related to infrared astronomy and the Spitzer Space Telescope.

COSMIC KIDS

Ask an Astronomer for Kids
A site where kids can ask questions about space. See our list of hundreds of frequently asked questions. Answers are written especially for kids and include images.

Build It!
Print out and build a paper model of the Spitzer Space Telescope and the rocket that launched it!

Do People Glow in the Dark?
Do people glow in the dark? Well they do in the infrared! See what people look like when viewed through an infrared camera.

Learn about Infrared

Learn about the Spitzer Space Telescope
A description of the Spitzer Space Telescope designed for middle school students. Discusses the importance of observing in the infrared, the main goals of the Spitzer mission and what is involved in building Spitzer. This site also includes a game at the bottom of each main page.

What is the Spitzer Space Telescope?
Overview of the Spitzer Space Telescope.

What is the Purpose of the Spitzer Space Telescope?
Discusses the advantages of observing objects in the Universe in the infrared and why we need to send observatories into space.

What Will the Spitzer Space Telescope Do?
Overview of the Main Goals of the Spitzer Space Telescope. What will Spitzer study?

Brown Dwarfs and Super Planets
Planetary Dust Disks
The Brightest Galaxies in the Universe
The Early Universe


Building the Spitzer Space Telescope
How did the design of the Spitzer Space Telescope reduce its cost. What is Spitzer's basic design.

Stories from Space
A series of stories which teach about space, the planets and the tools used to discover the Cosmos.

What's in Space?
Read about the many different types of objects in outer space.

The First Annual Planet Awards
The planet are all competing to see which one is the best. Who will win?

Supercool Space Tools
Read about all of the cool tools that are used to explore space.

The Infrared Zoo
What do animals look like in the infrared? As you tour this site, you will actually "see" the differences between warm and cold blooded animals, and learn how animals use fur, feathers and blubber to insulate themselves.

Birds
Chickens
Cockatiels
Ducks
Eagles
Emu
Flamingos
Macaw
Parrot
Swan
Tawny Frogmouth

Reptiles & Amphibians
Alligator
Chameleon
Collard Lizard
King Snake
Frogs
Leopard Gecko
Python
Turtles

Mammals
Baboon
Camel
Cat
Dog
Elephants
Giraffes
Guinea Pigs
Horses
Hound Dog
Otter
Pig
Pony
Pot-Bellied Pig
Puppy
Rabbit
Seal
Sea Lions
Sheep
Squirrel
Squirrel Monkey
Terrier
Tiger

Insects & Arachnids
Caterpillar
Millipede
Scorpion
Worms

Spitzer in the Space Place

Games
Slider puzzles, guessing games, hide and seek, concentration, hangman, wordseaches and more.

Cool Cosmos Collection
The best of Cool Cosmos.

Infrared Legacy Gallery
The best infrared images from IPAC's missions and projects.

IPAC Missions Gallery
A gallery of infrared space images taken by IRAS, ISO, 2MASS and MSX. Each image includes a detailed description.

Infrared Portraits
Do people glow in the dark? Well they do in the infrared! See what people look like when viewed through an infrared camera.

Our Infrared World Gallery
View numerous infrared images of everyday objects. Many of these images provide useful examples of science concepts such as heat transfer, absorption, heat by friction, and changes of state.

The Infrared Zoo
What do animals look like in the infrared? As you tour this site, you will actually "see" the differences between warm and cold blooded animals, and learn how animals use fur, feathers and blubber to insulate themselves.

Birds
Chickens
Cockatiels
Ducks
Eagles
Emu
Flamingos
Macaw
Parrot
Swan
Tawny Frogmouth

Reptiles & Amphibians
Alligator
Chameleon
Collard Lizard
King Snake
Frogs
Leopard Gecko
Python
Turtles

Mammals
Baboon
Camel
Cat
Dog
Elephants
Giraffes
Guinea Pigs
Horses
Hound Dog
Otter
Pig
Pony
Pot-Bellied Pig
Puppy
Rabbit
Seal
Sea Lions
Sheep
Squirrel
Squirrel Monkey
Terrier
Tiger

Insects & Arachnids
Caterpillar
Millipede
Scorpion
Worms

Infrared Yellowstone
View Yellowstone National Park in the infrared! As you tour this gallery, you will see visible and infrared light comparisons of geysers, hot springs, mud pots and a variety of other geothermal features.

Old Faithful Geyser
Mammoth Hot Springs
Bubbling Mudpots
Hot Springs
Other Geysers
Geyser Runoff
Miscellaneous
Online Videos

Infrared - More Than Your Eyes Can See
A wonderful online video describing infrared and infrared astronomy. Includes thermal infrared video footage of everyday objects, animals and people. Requires Windows Media Player.

Ask an Astronomer Videos
A set of wonderful, informative videos on a variety of astronomy topics.

Our Infrared Universe
Animations of the SpitzerBR!Telescope and of the objects that it has observed. Tour the center of our galaxy.


Spitzer Observatory Animations
A gallery of pre-launch visualizations of the launch of Spitzer as well as conceptualizations of Spitzer in orbit.

Spitzer Science Animations
Animations related to Spitzer science covering a wide variety of astronomical topics.

Lyman Spitzer: A Space Visionary
A video biography of Professor Lyman Spitzer, Jr. Professor Lyman Spitzer, Jr. was a true Renaissance man, a perfectionist who excelled at anything he tried. This 5-minute video testifies to his life and influence.

2MASS Galactic Center
Travel along the plane of our own Milky Way galaxy to the galactic center. This video was created using near-infrared data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey.

Our Infrared World
See infrared videos of Yellowstone and Volcanoes National Parks and more.

Infrared Yellowstone
Watch geysers, bubbling mud pots, hot springs and more in these infrared/visible comparison videos.

Infrared Volcanoes Watch videos comparing an infrared and visible view of Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park.

Infrared Flying Model Rocket
Watch a model rocket take off in the infrared.

M51 and Gizmo
A wonderful, humorous animation showing what would happen if Earth was moved closer to the sun.

What is It?
Learn about infrared imaging by viewing a variety of objects in the infrared. Try to guess what each image is! Find the answers and learn interesting facts about infrared light.

Concentration Game
Learn about infrared light and infrared astronomy while playing a game to match infrared pictures.

Infrared Hide and Seek
Over a dozen animals are hiding in the dark. Can you find them in the infrared? In this game, you will learn new things about familiar animals by viewing them in a "new light".

Slider Puzzles

Hangman

Word Search

SIRTF in the Space Place

Build It!
Print out and build a paper model of the Spitzer Space Telescope and the rocket that launched it!

Educational Links
Includes links to: Educator Resources, General Astronomy, Astronomy for Kids, Electromagnetic Spectrum, Experiments and Activities, and tutorials for Gamma Ray, X-Ray, Ultraviolet, Visible, Infrared, and Radio Astronomy.

Illustrations
Artist illustrations covering space topics and spacecraft.

Informal Education
A collection of images, videos, and other resources for museums, planetaria, television, and similar venues.

Infrared Links
A list of infrared missions, observatories, departments, databases and utilities.

Paper Products
A listing of our educational posters, brochures and lithographs available for educators (Includes images).