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...
McGraw Hill
Stellar Parallax Interactive
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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Stars
In 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...
Curated OER
Three D Constellations
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.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Using Parallax to Determine Distances
Students study parallax and what it is used for. In this distance instructional activity students complete an activity that allows students to get experience using a parallax.
Curated OER
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."
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
20th-Century Astronomy
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...
Curated OER
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.
Curated OER
Ptolemy, Copernicus, & the Church
Students determine the difference between a geocentric universe and a heliocentric universe.
Curated OER
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...
Curated OER
Ptolemy, Copernicus, & the Church
Learners explore the scientific revolution. In this scientific revolution lesson, students complete activities regarding Ptolemy, Copernicus, and the Church.
Curated OER
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...