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In this activity, learners make their own pinhole viewer in order to measure the size of the sun. After using the viewer to project circular image of the Sun on paper, learners use ratios and an equation to calculate the Sun's real size. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos along with important safety guidelines. This activity needs a sunny day, however an alternative is provided using the light from a tablet in a dark room. Activity guide includes a helpful section on the required equation and variables, and a "What's going on?" explanation on how the pinhole viewer works.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - adult
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- sheet of cardboard (like from a cereal box)
- piece of white paper
- small piece of aluminum foil (about 3 cm x 3 cm)
- pin or thumbtack
- scissors
- tape
- ruler
- string or yarn (about 60 cm long)
- hardcover book (optional)
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Solar System
- The Sun
-
Solar System
-
Mathematics
-
Algebra
- Equations and Inequalities
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Algebra
Informal Categories
- Outdoor Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Source Collection
- DIY Science App
Rights:
- , The Regents of the University of California, 2014
Funding Source:
- NASA, NNX10AE05G