Modeling the Night Sky

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In this two-part activity, learners explore the Earth and Sun's positions in relation to the constellations of the ecliptic with a small model. Then they extend to explore the motions of the Earth and the inner planets in a larger classroom-size model.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Stars and Galaxies
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Days
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Planets
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Literature
  • Model Building
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Education and Outreach Office, McDonald Observatory

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The University of Texas at Austin, 2011

Funding Source:

  • NASA (Space Telescope Science Institute, operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy), HST-EO-10861.35-A