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In this activity, learners cut out and fold their own collapsible origami starshade, an invention that shields a telescope's camera lens from the light of a distant star so that NASA scientists can examine exoplanets trillions of miles away. By folding their own model starshade, learners will understand how this oversized invention can be packed aboard a rocket. Includes a guide with step-by-step instructions and pictures, a video that explains the purpose and engineering of a starshade, and extensions to build a model space telescope to represent how the whole system works.
- Under 5 minutes
- 30 to 45 minutes
- free per student
- Ages 8 - 18
- Activity, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Starshade printable template
- Scissors
- Empty ballpoint pen or stylus (optional)
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Astronomy
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
-
Vibration and Waves
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Mathematics
- Geometry
Informal Categories
- Model Building
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Printable starshade cutout
- NASA video about starshades
- Extension Activity: Build Paper Model Spacecrafts
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- Public domain, ,