Re: [Phys-L] astronomy activities

[Arlyn DeBruyckere <arlyn.debruyckere@isd423.org>]

Do a scale model of the solar system. I use 0.5 au = 1 meter for distance
and 5 au=1 meter for planet size (any smaller size and some planets will be
less than a pencil dot in size). Give each planet to a group of 3 or 4
students. Have them construct a 2D scale model of the planet and then place
them out (10 objects including the sun, add an extra if you want to include
earth's moon an another to include one of the larger asteroids between Mars
and Jupiter). Even really "smart" students are amazed at the distance and
sizes when we measure it out to Pluto. It is easy to see the 'inner
planets' and 'outer planets'.

Drawing out scale models gives a hands on, concrete level of understanding
of the immense size of stars, solar system, galaxies and distances between
galaxies.

I also require 6 star sessions. 2 we do on computer by simulation at a
different location (Sydney) and opposite time of the year (June or July for
a winter class). The other 4 must be done outside with me when it is dark.
I typically provide 12-14 opportunities to get in the minimum of 4 others
and always have one or two who fail because they don't attend. At these
sessions I will point out stars and constellations along with altitude and
azimuth. Students record sketches of the constellations along with the
altitude and azimuth numbers.

A great video to show is Mysteries of the Universe (study guide of mine
attached e-mail me individually if it doesn't go through). It is getting
old but describes many of the major physics advances of the 20th century.

On Tue, May 28, 2019 at 2:11 PM Anthony Lapinski <alapinski@pds.org> wrote:

> Teaching astronomy (high school) next year. I have some
> traditional/observing labs for Polaris altitude, gravity, circular motion,
> spectra, telescopes, magnetism, Moon, sunspots, parallax, inverse-square
> law, etc. Wanting some labs for the solar system and cosmology topics.
> These are less tangible.
>
> Observe any visible planets over a few weeks?
> Hubble law analogy?
>
> Other ideas?
>
> --
>
>
>  <http://www.pds.org>
>  <https://www.facebook.com/princetondayschool>
> <https://twitter.com/PDSPanthers>
> <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVE-nTva0BlK0rT6vayqpIQ>
> <https://www.instagram.com/princetondayschool/>
>
>
> *CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE:*
> The information transmitted, including attachments, is intended only for
> the person(s) or entity to which it is addressed and may contain
> confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission,
> dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon
> this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient
> is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender
> and
> destroy any copies of this information.
>
>
>
>
> Please consider the environment
> before printing this email.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Forum for Physics Educators
> Phys-l@mail.phys-l.org
> http://www.phys-l.org/mailman/listinfo/phys-l


-- 
Arlyn DeBruyckere
Science Teacher
School Photographer
Hutchinson High School
1200 Roberts Road SW
Hutchinson MN 55350

HHS Weather at http://weather.isd423.org/

View My Calendar at
https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=arlyn%40arlynsphotos.com&ctz=America/Chicago

https://sites.google.com/a/isd423.org/mrdebruyckere/
http://www.hutchk12.org
mailto:arlyn.debruyckere@isd423.org

http://www.educationminnesota.org
If it is to be it is up to me!

Hutchinson Sports Photos on the Web
http://www.arlynsphotos.smugmug.com