A Learning Game About Telescopes
Scope It Out
This game teaches the player the basic concepts behind telescope design. The Webb Telescope may be unusual in appearance - but it has a lot in common with simple tube-shaped telescopes. The game includes an introduction to different types of telescopes and two telescope matching interactions.
Playing Hints
Be sure to pay attention as you go - the information contained in each level will help you solve the puzzles in the next level. This game is best suited for teens and interested adults.
Minimum Screen Size Requirements
This game requires a minimum screen size of 1024wx768h. It is designed for tablets, laptops and desktops. It is generally not mobile phone compatible but may be played on larger format phones with some scrolling in landscape mode.
Accessibilty
Note this game does not have accessibility built in but has a full transcript where users can access the flow of and all the information learned in the game.
Transcript Of The Game
Transcript: [PDF]
Information For Educators
Scope It Out! was approved by the NASA Education product review in 2010. There are a few worksheets to go with the game:
- Lesson 1, developed by Susan Higley in Mathematics (.pdf files): Overview, 3,2,1 worksheet, Scope It Out worksheet.
Feedback
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Thanks, Wired Geek Dad, for the nice review!
Build It Yourself
This game teaches the player that science requirements drive telescope mission design and engineering. Choose what science your satellite will be used to study, and then decide what wavelengths, instruments, and optics will help you learn the most about the science you've chosen. After you launch your satellite, you'll see what it looks like, and learn what real mission has data similar to the one you created. You'll discover a large range of astronomical missions, dating from the 1980s to today.
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