Invented in ancient Egypt, the plane astrolabe is a tool used by astronomers and navigators to determine time and identifying positions of the Sun, Moon, stars, and planets. Read text or view the video to understand the details of its...

A summary of Hipparchus' achievements as an astronomical observer, concentrating on the possibility that he invented the astrolabe, a device used to tell the time at night from stellar positions. Contains more links on Hipparchus.

Create your own astrolabe after reading to find out what one is. Measure heights of objects around you using the astrolabe.

A description of the ancient astrolabes and how they worked. Provides information about definitions, collections, and also includes photos.

This site provides a very general overview of astrolabe principles with links to other pages for more detailed information.

This site offers a definition and history of the astrolabe. There are links for additional information and acitivities.

Students observe and measure the shadows of fixed objects throughout the school year to learn about how the seasonal change affects the sun's position in the sky.

This site offers a definition and history of the astrolabe. There are links for additional information and acitivities.

A collection of ten hands-on science experiments for the entire family that will help you understand concepts in astronomy. Make an astrolabe, find the size of the sun and moon, build a lunar settlement, find out about meteoroids, shadow...

Through this activity, young scholars will understand how to determine latitude and locate specific stars in the night sky. They will also have a chance to build and use an astrolabe.

The Astrolabe of Simeon De Witt (Back view)

The Astrolabe of Simeon De Witt (Front view)

An article discussing the tools the Islamic civilization astronomers developed and used to study the stars. Also discussed are the tools used in alchemy and metalworking.

In the school courtyard, students will measure the apparent path of the sun across the sky using a toilet plunger. Students will then generate questions as to why the sun appears to move, and what is really happening in the process. We...

This is an ongoing activity where students take monthly temperature measurements, and make observations of the weather and changes in the environment, at the same location in the schoolyard each time. They will make and use an astrolabe,...

Medieval and Renaissance-era scientific instruments are catalogued and displayed. Find references to the makers of the instruments and the ways the tools were once used.

This Ancient Exploration page presents marine technological innovations, types of ships, and information about Alexander the Great. It covers the period of time from 5000 BCE to 476 CE. Each item links to a page of additional information...

Sailors improved on many of the tools used in navigation to help them in their long journeys across an ocean. On this site from the Mariners' Museum, find many of these tools, perhaps in use already in the 15th century, but made even...

Detailed introduction on exploration and trade during the Renaissance. Provides an overview of the tools created during the Middle Ages that made such travels by sea possible as well as insight into the types of goods traders sought in...

This is a delightful site about boats and boating. Lots of games plus a terrific overview of the history of navigation. Includes a visit to a reproduction of Columbus' Nina.

Simeon de Witt created his star map in 1780 after studying European star maps and the skies. His is the 'oldest surviving Anglo-American star map.' Read about the history of star maps, a biography of Simeon de Witt, and the influence his...

Learn more about Hypatia when you check out this resource. This site features a picture and a brief synopsis of this famous scientist.

A look at mapmaking during the time of the explorers. The site profiles various mapmaking tools and the history of mapmaking from the 16th to the 18th century.

This site gives information on technical advances in Portuguese shipbuilding and navigational tools.