2015 Volume 68 Issue 2 Pages 69-91
Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagrams of non-cluster member stars, i.e., field stars, are effective not only in aiding comprehension of the distinction between main-sequence and giant stars, but also in understanding the difference between apparent and absolute magnitudes. However, there are few teaching materials available on this topic. In light of this, we have developed new astronomical teaching materials for drawing HR diagrams of non-cluster member stars. Observations were carried out for 120 stars with known distances within a 12°×15° area around α Lyr in the B and V bands to prepare the data for our material. To evaluate the usefulness of the teaching materials, trial runs were carried out with 42 high school students. From questionnaires administered after trials, we ascertained that all participants except one were able to understand the distinction between main-sequence and giant stars, and all students comprehended the difference between apparent and absolute magnitudes. It is reasonable to conclude that the teaching materials will prove to be effective for teaching stellar characteristics in high schools.
