RECOLOURING the UNIVERSE

Pencil Code: Colour, Astronomy and Coding

Using data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and other satellites on exploded stars, star-forming regions, and black holes, you'll learn basic coding. By following the video tutorials below, you will see just how integral coding is in the pursuit of learning about our Universe. It's an example of the exciting ways that computer science is both part of routine tasks in our everyday lives and part of the exciting quest to explore the cosmos.

Launch the coding activity now or start with the resources below for background information, facilitator guides, video tutorials and student examples.

Launch the Coding Activities

Grades 4-12 students with no prior coding experience can learn how to use computers to create images and understand astronomical data. Participants learn basic coding starting with familiar objects and simple concepts such as shape and colour, graduating to astronomical objects. Following a scaffolded set of activities, and working with data from NASA orbiting telescopes on sources from exploded stars to star-forming regions, to galaxies, to black holes, participants can experience real world application of science, technology and even art.

Note: This activity can take from 40-75 minutes, depending on the total number of students, the length of time allotted per step, etc.

Link: https://chandra.cfa.harvard.edu/edu/pencilcode/?fbclid=IwAR1N5QtrQ2wSZs3wT_uQ-2QHCrv_5qVy9-wy9gEorg56d57XdwNriYX3V_s