Grade Eight Program

The grade eight program is offered during the day or the evening. We explore the fundamental of lights and optics as it relates to astrophysics. In a presentation - the Viking Stone - students will complete a optics lab that demonstrates refraction, double refraction, polarization and light sources.  We also discuss telescope design along with methods of how we observe the sky. If the sky is clear, we can observe the sun in day and the night sky in the evening. We tour the observatory and discuss our research as it fits with the grade eight 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 on programs including cost, class size and how to visit the observatory.

Contact us if you wish to book a program or have any questions

Curriculum Connections – Grade Eight

Investigate the nature of light and vision; and describe the role of invention, explanation and inquiry in developing our current knowledge.

• investigate the development of microscopes, telescopes and other optical devices; and describe how these developments contributed to the study of light and other areas of science
• investigate light beams and optical devices, and identify phenomena that provide evidence of the nature of light
• measure and predict angles of reflection
• investigate materials used in optical technologies; and predict the effects of changes in their design, alignment or composition

Investigate the transmission of light, and describe its behaviour using a geometric ray model

We would also be happy to cover a specific curriculum topic upon request.