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ASTROID

[1] [2]

[1] Gravitational Lens, HST observation of Abell 2218[2] Rotation curve (observed and theoretical), SuW 1/2005 S.32ff.

Lesson Plan

Guided ResearchModel

Dr. Christian Reimersreimers@astro.univie.ac.at

http://www.virtuelleschule.at/cosmos/

• General InformationThe scenario aims to illustrate one of the evidences for dark matter. This includes the study of the rotational curves of spiral galaxies.– Duration: 3 x 50 min.– Vocabulary: dark matter, galaxies, rotation curve– Tools and Materials: PC with Internet connection,

Paper, work sheets (excel, diagram), Pencil– Aims and Objectives: Students should ...

- ... be able to plot data- ... learn basics on the structure and detection of matter

– Students‘ Misconception: - confusing types of matter - visible parts of galaxies are dominant

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• Educational Phase 1: Stimulation– Presentation/Discussion:

motivation by emotion (pictures of galaxies)

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[1] HST observation of M51 „Whirlpool Galaxy“ [2] HST observation of M104 „Sombrero Galaxy“

• Educational Phase 2: Scientific Prediction– Discuss list of possible dark matter candidates and their

interactions with measurable quantities / indirect detection

– Draw up a list on the blackboard with various proposed methods and missions to detect dark matter

– Finding pictures of galaxies and their rotation curves (internet research)

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[2] Interactive Applet on the Doppler effect

[3] Doppler image of M33[1] Illustration of the galaxies rotation (Sextans A)

• Educational Phase 3: Experimental Activities– Kepler rotation in the Solar System (central point mass)– Applet with M(r) => v(r) [in development]

[2] „rotcurve“-Applet of real galaxieshttp://burro.cwru.edu/JavaLab/RotcurveWeb/main.html

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[1] Work sheet: Kepler rotation in the Solar System

• Educational Phase 4: Abstraction of the finding– Prediction Compared to Results:

v2(r) = G * (Mvisible(r) + Mdark(r)) / r

If existing matter is only the observed (visible) matter, the rotation curves of spiral galaxies could not be described.

Mtot > Mvisible => Mdark thus Mtot = Mvisible + Mdark

With assistance of Tutorials and Links.

– Discussion: Short discussion on detection methods and theoretical issues.

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• Educational Phase 5: Consolidation– Quiz/Multiple-Choice-Test with Feedback– Exercises/Tasks:

• Comparing simple calculations and self-composed diagrams with obtained data

• Talk: Thoeretical background ist provided to find information on the internet to start a talk about types of dark matter

• Discussion: Change of paradigm of matter over the centuries

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[1] Multiple-Choice-Test (ASTROID)

• Ressources:– Worksheet (solar system; xls)– Worksheet (diagram; pdf)– Simulation (rotation curve; Applet)– Glossary (of related terms; pdf)– Examples with solutions and diagrams (for teachers; pdf)– Informationsheet (types of matter; pdf)– Informationsheet (posibilities of types of DM; pdf)– Informationsheet (internetlinks and further infos; pdf)

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