Ripples in Spacetime

In 2015, scientists with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO) detected gravitational waves for the first time. These elusive waves were first predicted by Albert Einstein as part of his General Theory of Relativity in 1915, but remained beyond the grasp of scientists until recently. Ripples in Spacetime is a 3-part lesson plan in which students will learn about what gravitational waves are, how they are detected and why they are important. In Lesson 1, students will explore the nature of spacetime and colliding black holes and learn about how LIGO detects gravitational waves. In Lesson 2, students follow in the footsteps of the astronomers who detected gravitational waves and light from the first colliding neutron stars through an interactive role playing activity. And in an optional Lesson 3, students will attempt to observe the light from a gravitational wave event in real time themselves. This lesson is appropriate for high school students taking physics or astronomy. It can be taught with (Lessons 1-2) or without (Lessons 1-3) access to a telescope.

*Note: Lesson 3 is still in development, more details and the most recent version can be provided by contacting faith.t.stults@gmail.com*