Measuring the Diameter of the Sun

Designed by School Power...NaturallySM, this lesson familiarizes advanced earth science and physics learners about the variables that affect our supply of solar energy. They examine gas spectra and perform calculations. There is an...

How did ancient peoples determine the height of really tall objects? Young scientists and mathematicians explore the concept of using shadows to measure height in a hands-on experiment. Paired pupils measure shadows, then calculate the...

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.

Scientists could measure the diameter of the sun before they knew its distance. Scholars construct a simple mirror box to measure the diameter for themselves. They compare this measurement with the official size, listed in a textbook,...

Pupils study the sun and how solar energy works. To learn about renewable energy, they complete a lab activity using a pizza box as a solar heater. Quite clever!

Starting with a paragraph of information presenting the different ways we can observe planetary objects, pupils work through these instructions to see how they can observe and measure angles.  Your class will discover how these angles...

A gentle voice and jazz music make this video easy on the senses. It provides a close-up view of a micrometer as the narrator explains how it works and how to use one to measure the diameter of a metal wire. Since a micrometer is used...

Measuring the diameter of the sun may get a little heated, but using an indirect approach can help individuals keep their cool. Learners use the reflection of the sun to measure how long it takes for it to move one diameter. Using the...

Ninth graders operate a model to observe the type of motion that occurs at a fault during an earthquake. They explore the effects of several variables. Students measure movement, calculate averages and plot and graph information.

A gentle voice and jazz music make this video easy on the senses. It provides a close-up view of a Vernier Ruler as the narrator explains how it works and how to use one to measure the diameter of a pen. Since this ruler is used for...