Telescopes

Description: Build and test a simple telescope

Prerequisite: 50 pts of concept work

Time: Approximately two class periods to build, test, and modify/improve the telescope

Worth: 50 points

Materials:
 * Construction paper (to make telescope tube) and tape
 * Two convex lenses of different focal lengths

Assessment
 * It must be possible to change the eyepiece to a different lens--so you effectively have two different telescopes
 * Must read a small font on an eye chart placed across the classroom
 * Must make a ray diagram using the optical bench applet to show how the telescopes work (one figure for each telescope). Include a short explanation of how the different eyepieces affect the performance of the telescope.
 * Must be adjustable such that student can focus on objects across the classroom and also on objects out the window
 * Research on the concept of resolution vs magnification in a telescope--which is more important, why, and how? At least one page of thoughtful notes with diagrams.
 * Research on real telescopes, their cost, and locations around the world. At least one page of thoughtful notes with diagrams.