Downloads

This page has links to files that contain educational outreach materials to support the NOVA Origins television series. The series explores the origins of the universe, solar system, Earth, life on Earth and the search for life in the universe. Since it covers a number of scientific disciplines, Pacific Science Center has used an integrated approach in developing the educational outreach materials. 

This programming builds off, and complements, the interdisciplinary nature of the subjects by focusing on the underlying concept of “How do we know what we know?” Whether we are dealing with the origins of life, the origins of planets or the origins of the universe, the underlying question will be what is the evidence for our present understanding of the subject. 

Two general topics of investigation are used in all outreach components:

• Electromagnetic energy (light) and how it provides evidence for our understanding of objects beyond the Earth.
  
• The fossil records available to us on the Earth and how they tell us what we know about the history of the Earth and life on the Earth.

The materials are described below.

Click on the links to download and view the files. (To download without viewing, right-click if you're using a PC, or hold down the control key and click if you're using a Macintosh.)

The Light Decoders demonstration leads an audience through the tools and methods astronomers use to determine the temperature and the chemical makeup of objects distant in space.  The demonstration is appropriate for groups ranging in size from 20-100.

It’s Fossil Time! demonstration leads an audience through the methods used by geologist to determine the relative and numerical age of rocks and fossils. The demonstration is appropriate for groups ranging in size from 20-100.

Cladistics Activity cart is a one-on-one, or small group activity where participants explore and compare the physical characteristics of skulls. Participants make inferences about relationships of organisms. The cart activity is appropriate for one-on-one and small group interactions.

Spectra Activity cart leads individuals or small groups through first hand experiences in comparing the emission spectra of several gasses, allowing participants to see that each gas produces a unique spectral pattern. The cart activity is appropriate for one-on-one and small group interactions.

Sram, a workshop in Remote Planetary Exploration, is a two-hour enrichment class where students use tools of geology, spectroscopy and robotics to design a simulated mission to another planet. This class is appropriate for children aged twelve and above and for groups of 10-30 participants.

Community Celebration Notebook contains strategies to build community partnerships and organize community celebrations.

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