Teaching Guide: Conflict on High: The Struggle Between Astronomers and Native People
Students will learn, through research and debate, about the conflicts that can arise between astronomical and local communities over the construction of observatories.
Kitt Peak National Observatory Victoria DiTomasso
In this lesson, students will learn about the conflicts that can arise between the astronomical and local communities over the construction of telescopes. They will read two sources about the conflict and resolution between Native Americans and astronomers over the construction of telescopes on Kitt Peak in Arizona. They will analyze the bias in these two sources. Then they will research and present the various aspects of the conflict between native Hawaiians and astronomers over the construction of the Thirty Meter Telescope on the peak of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. They will debate about the possible solutions to the unresolved conflict at Mauna Kea.
Grade level(s): 9-12, College
Guide subjects: Astronomy, Contemporary
Minority Group(s): Native American
In-class time: 70-120 minutes
Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access required, Audio not required, Audio/Video not required
Common Core Standards: Reading: Informational Text, Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies, Science & Technical Subjects, Subject Writing
Next Generation Science Standards: Earth and Space Sciences, Earth’s Systems, Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science, Links Among Engineering, Technology, Science and Society