Section 1: Create a New Proposal

CAST Proposal: Diffraction

Section 1: Create a new proposal Select Event Type Workshop (1 hour, 15 minutes)

Section 2: Presenters Dr. Mary Kay Hemenway Astronomy Department ESC Region: 13 1 University Station C1400 Austin, TX 78712-0259 The University of Texas at Austin Day phone: 512-471-1309 Evening Phone: 512-467-8770 Fax Number: 512-471-6016 Years of Teaching Experience: 32 [email protected]

Dr. Dan Lester McDonald Observatory ESC Region 13 1 University Station, C1402 Austin, TX 78712 The University of Texas at Austin Day phone: 512-471-3442 Evening Phone: 512-450-1120 Fax Number: 512-471-6016 Years of Teaching Experience: __ [email protected]

Lyn D. Onato Science Department ESC Region 1 Hidalgo High School 910 E Pirate Drive Hidalgo, TX 78557 Day phone: 956-843-3160 Evening phone: 956-668-7359 Fax number: 956-843-3322 Years of Teaching Experience: 11 [email protected]

Section 3: Presiders No presider requested

Section 4: Basic Information A. Presentation Audience (Choose best one): Teachers

B. Presentation is for Grade Level(s) (Check all areas that apply): High School College

of 3 C. Presentation Content: Earth and Space Science (astronomy, environmental, geology, oceanography, etc.) Physical Science (chemistry, physics, integrated physics and chemistry, etc.)

D. Presentation Format: Hands-on (Classroom style)

E. I can accommodate the following number of participants per session: 26 - 50 Participants

F. This presentation may be offered at any of the following times: Thursday PM Friday AM Friday PM Saturday AM

G. Equipment Provided: Overhead projector and screen will be provided. Any other equipment items must be provided by the presenter.

H. Accessibility Concerns: Check all disabilities which would cause a significant challenge for participants Visual Impairment: Yes Hearing Impairment: No Mobility Impairment: No

Optical phenomena will be examined in the activity.

Section 5: Session Title and Description A. Session Title: Exploring Light: The Optics of Diffraction

B. Brief Abstract of the Session: Hands-on activities on diffraction. Use bulbs, lasers, diffraction gratings, and compact discs to illustrate and measure diffraction and learn their astronomical applications. Sponsor: McDonald Observatory and NASA. Handouts.

C. TEKS: IPC 5-B, Physics 8-A

D. Indicate if your session should be clustered with a specific affiliate organization, i.e. ACT2, ISEA, ISET, TABT, TAEE, TCES, TESTA, TMES, TSAAPT, TSELA, TTOPS, TRC, or Dana Center.

E. Please describe your planned session in 100 words or less (limit number of letter spaces): Attendants will participate in an activity designed for high school astronomy and physics classes. First we will review the wavelike nature of electromagnetic radiation, covering topics such as constructive and destructive interference. Then we do experiments using diffraction gratings of various materials, light bulbs, lasers, and rulers. Participants make measurements relating wavelengths to grating spacing. Astronomical applications of gratings are included in the extensive handouts. This workshop is sponsored by a NASA grant to support workshops on optics in astronomy.

Section 6: Safety Information and Guidelines A. Identify any potential safety hazards: None B. Indicate what precautions will be taken to deal with any hazards and to inform participants and viewers of any risks: None

Please provide details about the use on any of the following: open flame, animals, microorganisms, biohazards, projectiles, chemicals or radioactive substances.

of 3 Section 7: Special comments for the Program Chair - Please Note Here Any special comments for the Program Chair: Thank you for another CAST! Adjacent workshop time slots for a single room assignment are desired. Otherwise, please schedule this workshop at a different time than the four other McDonald (Hemenway and/or Lester) sessions (one proposed short course, four other proposed workshops).

Questions? Contact Carol Fletcher or Marsha Willis, CAST 2007 Program Co-Chair