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Lesson Plan
Las Cumbres Observatory

The Cosmic Distance Ladder: Parallax

For Teachers 11th - 12th
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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Interactive
McGraw Hill

Stellar Parallax Interactive

For Students 9th - Higher Ed
How are scientists able to measure distances between stellar bodies? Turns out it's not very easy! Learners explore the process of trigonometric parallax as the method of determining these distances. They experience the same challenges...
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PPT
Urbana School District

Light

For Students 11th - Higher Ed
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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

When a Ruler is Too Short

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three D Constellations

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students address a major misconception in astronomy, the understanding of scale. The lesson is designed to introduce students to both celestial coordinates and to the first rung on the distance determination ladder, parallax.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Distances to Stars

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students explore the idea of parallax. In this astronomy lesson, students study the distances of stars. They investigate how parallax can be used to determine these distances.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Discovering Planet X

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Students 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. Students compare their data to that found on a website.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Distance And Parallax

For Teachers 9th - 12th
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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Parallax to Determine Distances

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students study parallax and what it is used for.  In this distance lesson plan students complete an activity that allows students to get experience using a parallax.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Three D Constellations

For Teachers 11th - Higher Ed
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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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Looking Back in Time (Alternative Activity)

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers, in groups, devise alternative ways of measuring distances. They view a video and are introduced to the concept of parallax in measuring. They discuss their ideas with the class.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Parallax to Determine Distances

For Teachers 10th - 11th
Young scholars 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.