Size it Up

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
Learners investigate why the Sun and Moon appear the same size in the sky even though the Sun is over 400 times larger in diameter. Learners use discs of different sizes and view them from at least 10 feet away. They learn that the larger disc needs to be further away to appear the same size. After completing the activity for a variety of disc sizes, learners can try to predict the position of different discs. When learners set up a free account at Kinetic City, they can answer bonus questions at the end of the activity as a quick assessment. As a larger assessment, learners can complete the Smart Attack game after they've completed several activities.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • At least 2 flat discs of 2 different sizes. (For example, you might use a paper plate and a large pizza pan. You can also make your own discs from construction paper or poster board)
  • ruler
  • tape measure
  • Masking tape
  • marker

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Moon
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Circles

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • use mouse
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes assesments for student learning:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation