The Telescope feat. Levels of Engagement - Kevin

Engagement Levels

• Looking through the scope
• Moving the scope
• Identifying Objects
• Finding patterns or making comparisons
• Asking questions about telescope applications
• Formulating questions/models about scale or the mechanics of a telescope

Observations

Interactions with the telescope begin with visual observation (maybe identifying it as a familiar object) and quickly progress to touching and using (i.e. looking through the telescope).  They might identify the parts of the telescope by manipulating it (look through the eyepiece, block the lens, or change the position by rotating the mount).  This would lead to making relevant observations like that the lens must be unobstructed to see through it and that the telescope magnifies faraway objects.  They could notice similarities and differences between the several types of telescopes.  They will identify specific objects through the telescope.  Younger (and smaller) people are often guided by adults to look through the telescope (they sometimes need to be picked up and held at the eyepiece).

Questions

Visitors might ask each other what they see through the telescopes.  They will ask about the differences between the telescopes (e.g. “What does that one do?”)  They might try to find a specific landmark like the mission.  Parents/chaperones often ask children to identify what they see.  

More Questions

How does this work?  How far is that?  Does this work when it's dark out?  Can I see the moon?  Why can't I hear what's happening?  Are there telescopes for sound?  What are telescopes for?  Who uses telescopes in the real world?  When were telescopes invented?  Can I make my own telescope?  What's the biggest telescope in the world?  Why are observatories on the tops of mountains?  Why is the Hubble telescope in space?  What's the biggest possible telescope?  What happens if I look through the other end?  Are microscopes tiny telescopes?  Why can't I see inside the telescope tube?  Can you make a clear telescope?

Ideas for Extending the Exhibit

The telescope could be used to help people identify how to make better observations.  Facilitators could ask questions that help the user make more detailed observations.  The cross-cutting concepts might be a helpful starting point.  For example, facilitators could guide people to find patterns or describe scale and proportion.  Cause and effect through the focus adjustments.  What's the difference?

There could be more materials by the telescopes.  Lenses and tubes to talk about field of view and magnification.  This could also help develop models of what's happening in the telescope tube - even just to get people to think about the phenomena inside the telescope.  Drawing materials to "draw what you see in the circle."