Grade Six at the RAO
The grade six program is offered during the day or the evening. We explore the solar system, the galaxy and our place in the universe. We discuss the purpose and design of telescopes in our presentation on the amazing James Webb Telescope. During the presentation we discuss exoplanet research and how learning about planets orbiting distance stars is informing our knowledge of our own solar system.
Students will also take part in a telescope building activity that introduces light and optics concepts, along with methods of how we observe the sky. If the sky is clear, we can observe the sun during the day or the night sky in the evening.
Finally, we will tour the observatory and discuss our research as it fits with the grade six curriculum. Students are encouraged to share their big astrophysics questions and learn how astronomers here in Calgary are adding to our understanding of space.
Please see Booking Information for details including cost, class size, and how to prepare for your visit. Contact us if you wish to book a program, or if you have any questions.
Curriculum Connections – Grade Six
Understanding: Knowledge of the solar system continues to develop with further space exploration, discovery, and use of technologies. Investigate digital or non-digital resources that contribute to understandings of the solar system.
- How telescopes capture light and allow us to interpret what we are observing
- How optics technology creates observing opportunities
- How telescope optics allow us to observe the universe from different methods and light waves which leads to discoveries and new perspectives
Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened by investigating natural systems and their interactions.
- How the discovery of exoplanets is helping us to understand our solar system.
- How to define a life planet
- When we will know when we have discovered life outside of earth in the universe
We would also be happy to cover a specific curriculum topic upon request.