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...

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.

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...

Young scholars 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.

In this astronomy worksheet, 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.

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.

For this stars worksheet, 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 sentence to...

Pupils 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.

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.

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...

Students analyze the size of the universe and calculate the time to travel to near and distant destinations.

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.

Students study parallax and what it is used for.  In this distance lesson students complete an activity that allows students to get experience using a parallax.

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.

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...

Learners 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...

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."

Students find a planetary object using star fields.  In this investigative lesson students determine the distance to an object using trigonometric parallax. 

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...

Learners examine and explain how the distance to nearby stars can be measured by the parallax method, discuss the role of women in the history of American astronomy, form their own opinions of the importance of Harlow Shapley and Edwin...

Students determine the difference between a geocentric universe and a heliocentric universe.

Students explore the scientific revolution. In this scientific revolution instructional activity, students complete activities regarding Ptolemy, Copernicus, and the Church.

An excellent website detailing how a star's properties can be determined, and how these properties lead to the way a star is classified.

Investigate the use of the parallax effect for determining distance in space, and explore the arrangement and relative distance of stars in the galaxy. Create a sample star field and transform it into a three-dimensional model.