Teaching Guide: Making Waves: France Córdova & Multiwavelength Astronomy

AUG 06, 2020

This lesson plan introduces multiwavelength astronomy and engages students with the compelling story of Dr. France Córdova.

AIP History

Portrait of France Córdova, a chief scientist at NASA, circa 1995. Photograph by Bill Ingalls, NASA, courtesy AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Physics Today Collection.

This lesson plan introduces multiwavelength astronomy and engages students with the compelling story of Dr. France Córdova, a Latina astrophysicist who encouraged multiwavelength observations, conducted research in X-ray astronomy, led in education environments, and directed the National Science Foundation (NSF). Students will learn how multiwavelength astronomy offers detailed pictures of astronomical bodies. Furthermore, they will consider their own goals, in the context of encouragement provided by Dr. Córdova’s words. This lesson plan is visually rich with several pictures and videos, in addition to lectures and written material. This lesson plan can be used in conjunction with the related educational video on YouTube.
Grade level(s): 9-12, College
Guide subjects: Astronomy
Minority Group(s): Hispanic, Women
In-class time: 50 minutes
Prep time: 30-60 minutes
Technology Requirements: Student web access required, Audio/Video required
Common Core Standards: Speaking & Listening, History/Social Studies, Science & Technical Subjects, Subject Writing
Next Generation Science Standards: Earth and Space Sciences

Downloads

Teaching Guide: Making Waves: France Córdova & Multiwavelength Astronomy Lesson Plan (.pdf) Biographical Powerpoint Slides (.pdf) Electromagnetic Spectrum Handout (.pdf) Engage Image - the Milky Way Galaxy (.pdf) Explain Image - the Andromeda Galaxy (.pdf)