By Melissa Perez
STEMIA SW Junior High Math, Science, and Options Teacher

During the week of May 11-14, 2026, our Grade 9 students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory for a full day of hands-on learning in astronomy and astrophysics. Students began the day by brainstorming what they believed to be the greatest discovery in astrophysics, followed by thoughtful discussions about the ideas each group selected. Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of engaging activities designed to help them better understand how scientists study objects in space. Using surveyor cameras, rulers, protractors, and scaled measurements, students worked to determine the actual width of either a distant barn or the Andromeda Galaxy. They also explored spectroscopy by examining heated gases through spectroscopes and comparing the unique spectral lines each gas produced. 

In addition to the hands-on investigations, students learned about important astronomy concepts including parallax, the electromagnetic spectrum, different types of telescopes, red shift and blue shift, and the units of measurement used to describe vast distances in space. The afternoon concluded with a guided tour of the observatory’s three telescopes, where students had the opportunity to learn how each instrument is used to observe and study celestial objects. It was a fantastic day of inquiry, collaboration, and real-world scientific exploration that connected directly to our current Space Exploration unit.