ESM Educational Resources – National Radio Astronomy Observatory

Curriculum Materials

The radio portion of the electromagnetic spectrum is characterized by low-energy waves with very long wavelengths relative to optical light. With that characterization, one might think that this type of radiation is not useful but nothing could be further from the truth. Radio waves are used for a multitude of purposes including baby monitors, Bluetooth, streaming video, predicting weather, studying the universe and so much more.

So that you can gain a better understanding of the radio waves, NRAO has developed nine high school lessons that contain teacher guides, lesson plans, and all the necessary student pages. While these materials are intended for a formal education setting we have also developed a citizen science project that can be done anywhere. The citizen science project guides you as you discover the radio waves around you focusing on local broadcasters, signals from aircraft, and Wi-Fi networks. Be sure to upload your data after your investigation so that together we can build a better understanding of when and where radio waves are being used.

Citizen science: https://superknova.org/citizen-science-project/
Lessons : https://superknova.org/educational-resources/

Students Building Crystal Radios — Danielle Rowland NRAO Program Manager and 3 Wave (cohort) 2 students building crystal radios at the Green Bank Observatory Science Center 11/18/2023.

In the News

Astronomers, Satellite Internet Provider Develop New System to Share the Sky

August 9, 2024 | News Release

Astronomers learn about the universe by pointing their telescopes to the sky. But what happens when a satellite comes between them and the cosmological objects they hope to study? New cooperative work between the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) and SpaceX shows a way to share this finite resource between radio astronomers and industry.

Protecting ALMA’s Skies

April 19, 2024 | News Feature

The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), renowned for observing the cosmos’s darkest and most distant corners, has taken a…

NRAO and SpaceX Coordinate to Protect Radio Astronomy

March 18, 2024 | News Release

NRAO and SpaceX have engaged in coordinated experiments involving NRAO telescopes and the Starlink satellite constellation for over two years. Early experiments began in late 2021 with the deployment of working Starlink user terminals near the Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) in New Mexico and have continued to the present day. These experiments highlight the ways in which satellite constellations and radio telescopes might be able to coexist, provided there is mutual awareness of what the other is doing.

See All

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.

Spectrum Management

Curriculum Materials

In the News