Course: Journey to a Black Hole: Astrophysics for Teens

Join us on a most unusual expedition, to learn about gravity, velocity, the electromagnetic spectrum, and the speed of light. Our journey focuses on high-energy radiation including gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic rays. You will work inside a virtual cloud chamber to identify different types of radiation. The creative video and animation take you outside our solar system to explore supernovas, collapsing stars and black holes. These mysteries of the universe demonstrate some of the most extreme applications of physical laws. When you learn how black holes are formed, this lesson could change the way you look at the stars forever!

Video Excerpt:

Course Lesson Plan:

Each course segment contains a comprehensive video and quiz
or lab.

Gravity
Escape Velocity
Escape Velocity Virtual Lab
The Speed of Light
Relativity at Higher Speeds
Space Time
Formation of Stars
The Lives of Stars
SuperGiants and SuperNovas
Radiation
Cloud Chamber Virtual Lab
Formation of Black Holes
Gamma Rays
Event Horizon
Black Hole Hunting Virtual Lab

Teachers:

Be sure to see the lesson extensions created by The Space Foundation on the Control Panel for Teachers. Click on "Lesson Resources".

Sponsors:

This course can help you meet the following National Science Education Standards:

The National Science Education Standards present a vision of a scientifically literate populace.
They outline what students need to know, understand and be able to do in order to be scientifically literate at different grade levels.

NSE Standards in this course:

Middle School:
As a result of their activities in grades 5-8...

Content Standard	...all students should develop:
A	Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry An understanding of scientific inquiry
B	An understanding of: Properties and changes of properties in matter Motions and forces Transfer of energy
D	An understanding of: Structure of the earth system Earth's history Earth in the solar system
E	Abilities of technological design Some understanding of science and technology
G	An understanding of: Science as a human endeavor Nature of science History of science

High School:
As a result of their activities in grades 9-12...

Content Standard	...all students should develop:
A	Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry An understanding of scientific inquiry
B	An understanding of: Structure of atoms Structure and properties of matter Chemical reactions Motions and forces Conservation of energy and increase in disorder
D	An understanding of: Energy in the earth system Geochemical cycles Origin and evolution of the earth system
E	Abilities of technological design Some understanding of science and technology
G	An understanding of: Science as a human endeavor Nature of science Historical perspectives

Getting Started: