Make Your Own Telescope

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Discover how a refracting telescope works by making one from scratch using common items. This telescope won't have a tube so the learner can see how an image is formed inside the telescope. One lens of a drugstore pair of reading glasses serves as the objective lens of the telescope - the lens that gathers light from stars or other objects. A magnifying glass serves as the eyepiece.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • A pair of "drugstore" reading glasses ("Weak" glasses—those with low numbers—will work the best)
  • magnifying glass
  • flashlight
  • masking tape
  • piece of waxed paper or thin typing paper

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Brand, Judith ; Hipschman, Ron

Rights: