Las Cumbres Observatory
The Cosmic Distance Ladder: Parallax
Scientists don't have a ruler long enough to measure to the stars, so they rely on math. Scholars learn to calculate the distance from Earth to a star using the parallax method. They use angle measures from different perspectives to...
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Using Parallax to Determine Distances
Students examine the concept of parallax. They determine a method to calculate the distance of objects from their data, participate in a demonstration, and describe how our eyes use parallax to determine the distance of objects.
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When a Ruler is Too Short
Students measure distances using parallax. In this math lesson, students explain how this method helped astronomers with their studies of the solar system. They determine the length of their arm using parallax and compare it with other...
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An application of the Parallax Effect
In this parallax effect activity, learners observe 2 photographs taken of an active area of the sun by 2 STEREO satellites and 1 photograph taken of the same active area of the sun by the SOHO satellite. Students observe the shift in...
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Using Parallax to Determine Distances
Students study parallax and what it is used for. For this distance lesson students complete an activity that allows students to get experience using a parallax.
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Distance And Parallax
Students will determine distances to nearby stars using parallax. In this Astronomy lesson plan, students will use a web program, trigonometry, and sketches to determine the distance of stars.
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Three D Constellations
Students address a major misconception in astronomy, the understanding of scale. The instructional activity is designed to introduce students to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder,...
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Distances to Stars
Students explore the idea of parallax. For this astronomy lesson, students study the distances of stars. They investigate how parallax can be used to determine these distances.
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Biography of a Star: Our Sun's Birth, Life, and Death
Students examine how astronomers use parallax to determine the distances of stars in the Sun's neighborhood. They construct a pinhole protractor, and measure angles and calculate distances.
Urbana School District
Light
You matter, unless you multiply yourself by the speed of light ... then you energy. Presentation covers the behavior of light as both a wave and a particle, light versus sound, space travel, why objects have colors, depth perception,...
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How Do Astronomers Measure Distances to Stars?
In this astronomy learning exercise, students participate in an activity using the parallax effect to measure star distances. They record their information in a data table then complete 5 fill in the blank conclusion questions.
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Parallax
Students discover how astronomers used the diameter of the Earth's orbit around the Sun as a baseline for estimating the distance of some stars, and the meaning of "Parsec" and "light year."
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Discovering Planet X
Learners investigate the movements of the planet Pluto. Students participate in a hands-on activity to record data similar to the movements of the planet Pluto. Learners compare their data to that found on a website.
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Demonstrating the Distances of Stars
Students examine the distance from Earth to stars. They create a model to show the arrangement of constellations. They also identify the importance of the parallax effect.
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Measure Up!
Young scholars examine parallax and angular measurements. In this investigative lesson students calculate distances of objects and map their results.
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Three D Constellations
Students are introduced to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder. They convert spherical coordinates to Cartesian coordinates to construct a three dimensional model of a constellation...
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The Undiscovered Planet
Students find a planetary object using star fields. In this investigative lesson students determine the distance to an object using trigonometric parallax.
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Perception And The Interpretation of Experiences
Students describe a problem and propose alternative strategies for the solution. They use a model or drawing to visualize the solution to a problem. Students identify alternative factors to be considered when examining possible...
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Time Travel to the Edge of the Universe and Back!
Learners analyze the size of the universe and calculate the time to travel to near and distant destinations.
Learning to Give
Asian Folktales
A great way to learn to understand people and their environment is to study their folktales. Stories from China, Vietnam, India, Iran, Persia, and Palestine offer an opportunity for readers to investigate the cultures of Asia. A list of...
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Gifts of All Sizes
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this stewardship lesson, students consider human capacity for generosity as they read folktales from different cultures that feature characters giving of themselves.
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Stars
In this stars learning exercise, students determine if 15 statements about stars, constellations, Polaris, light years and the position of the stars are true or false. If they are false, students change the italicized word in the...
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Geometry of Radio Meteor Reflections
Ninth graders investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on technological development. They describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes, space probes and remote sensing...
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Ptolemy, Copernicus, & the Church
Students determine the difference between a geocentric universe and a heliocentric universe.