How to Make a Simple Refracting Telescope (Monocular) | STEM Activity

Summary

In this educational video, Dr. Ben Finio from Science Buddies guides viewers through the process of building a simple telescope, also known as a monocular or spyglass. The tutorial requires two pieces of cardstock, electrical tape, and two specific lenses: a double concave and a double convex. The video demonstrates how to assemble these components into a functional telescope that magnifies distant objects. It also explains the importance of aligning the lenses with the tubes for proper focus and provides a link in the description for purchasing lenses and further learning resources.

Takeaways

• 🔭 Dr. Ben Finio from Science Buddies demonstrates how to build a simple telescope or monocular.
• 🛠️ You will need two pieces of cardstock, tape (like electrical tape), and two lenses: a double concave lens and a double convex lens.
• 🔗 Links to purchase the specific lenses are provided in the video description.
• 👀 The lenses refract light, making distant objects appear larger or smaller depending on their curvature.
• 🎯 The concave lens is used as the eyepiece, and the convex lens is for focusing on distant objects.
• 🏗️ To construct the telescope, roll cardstock around the lenses to form tubes, ensuring the outer diameters align.
• 📝 It's crucial not to let the lens fit inside the tube to maintain a good surface for taping.
• 🔄 The two tubes should slide in and out of each other to allow for focusing the telescope.
• 🌳 Test the telescope by looking at distant objects; it won't work well for objects that are very close.
• 🔄 If objects appear smaller instead of larger, you may have the lenses mixed up and should flip the telescope.
• 📖 For detailed written instructions and where to buy lenses, refer to the video description or visit www.sciencebuddies.org.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video by Dr. Ben Finio?

The main topic of the video is how to build your own telescope, also known as a monocular or spyglass.

What materials are required to build the telescope as described in the video?

To build the telescope, you will need two pieces of cardstock, tape (preferably electrical tape), and two lenses: a double concave lens and a double convex lens.

Why is electrical tape recommended for attaching the lenses?

Electrical tape is recommended because it is slightly stretchy, which works well for attaching the lenses to the cardstock tubes.

How can you tell the difference between a double concave and a double convex lens?

A double concave lens is curved inward on both sides, while a double convex lens is curved outward on both sides. The curvature is slight, so it can be hard to tell the difference just by looking at them.

What happens if you get the lenses mixed up during the assembly of the telescope?

If you get the lenses mixed up, you can simply flip your telescope around if you wind up looking in the wrong end.

How does the combination of the two lenses in the telescope work to make distant objects appear larger?

The combination of the two lenses allows you to build a telescope that makes far away objects look bigger by bending or refracting rays of light that pass through them. For more detailed information, the video suggests checking the link in the description.

What is the purpose of rolling the cardstock into a tube that is the same diameter as the lens?

The purpose of rolling the cardstock into a tube that is the same diameter as the lens is to create a housing for the lens that allows the outer diameter of the tube to line up with the outer diameter of the lens, providing a good surface for attaching the tape.

How does the sliding mechanism of the two tubes in the telescope aid in focusing?

The sliding mechanism of the two tubes allows you to adjust the distance between the lenses, which is necessary for focusing the telescope on objects at different distances.

What should you do if the telescope does not work when looking at a close object?

If the telescope does not work when looking at a close object, you should try looking at an object across the room or outside at a greater distance, as the telescope is designed to magnify distant objects.

How can you determine if the lenses are correctly placed and the telescope is functioning properly?

You can determine if the lenses are correctly placed and the telescope is functioning by looking through the eyepiece and adjusting the focus by sliding the tubes. If objects appear larger and in focus, the telescope is working correctly.

Where can viewers find written instructions and links to purchase the lenses for the telescope project?

Written instructions and links to purchase the lenses for the telescope project can be found in the description of the video.