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Making Sense of the Universe

Light is the main messenger of the universe. Every star, planet, and galaxy sends out light, and hidden in that light is a record of what the object is made of, how hot it is, and even whether it’s moving toward us or away from us. Matter leaves its “fingerprint” on light through the way atoms absorb and emit energy. By studying these fingerprints—spectra—we can learn about things far beyond our reach. With a spectrometer, we can turn light into data, and data into discoveries about the nature of matter and the motion of the cosmos.

Watch the Science Lesson

RECORDING WILL BE POSTED 10/01/2025

Do the Assignments

Please download the Student Handout (use the button above) for specific homework and quiz questions assigned for this week.

Homework

Work through the assigned set of review questions, quantitative problems, and quiz questions. 

Space Podcast

Students choose a space-related podcast episode to listen to and write a short summary in their journal. 

Lab Project Activity

Did you know you can measure the mass of the Earth using your eyes, a notebook, and some simple math? Follow along with step-by-step videos below and you’ll pull off an experiment that sounds impossible but actually works!

Supplemental Videos

The videos below supplement the topics we covered in class, including how to measure the speed of light using a candy bar! I've included the handouts mentioned in the Physics of Light lesson video so you can do these if you'd like to. Take notes as you watch the lesson with the teacher and enjoy making these fun projects!