Stars and Planets in the sky
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Requires computer access |
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Requires downloading from the Web |
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- Main Topics & Concepts
- Motions of objects in the night sky
- Constellations
- Observing Planets
- Standards
- This topic touches on California for 8th grade Earth Science Standard 4e.
- Science Probe Text
- Science Probe I, §14.2 The Stars You See in the Sky
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Activity Access Description SP I activity 14A Stars and Patterns of Stars Students examine their existing ideas about the distances to stars compared with the Sun, and create their own constellations. SP I activity 14B A Beginner's Star Map Students are supplied with a star map, which they use to locate and label constellations. They practice using pointer stars as aids to find other constellations. SP I activity 14C A More Advanced Star Map Students enhance their previous map by finding and labeling the zodiacal constellations and speculate on when each would be visible in the northern hemisphere. SP I activity 14D Observing the Night Sky Students use their star map to find constellations and stars in the sky and note how their locations correspond to the time. Several students can be assigned to observe the sky at different hours and compare their locations. - Activities & Lessons
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Activity Access Description - C-4 Observing a Planet
Universe at Your Fingertips ASP*
Students observe constellation maps and identify the "wandering star." Then they go outside to simulate the motion of planets around the Sun in front of more distant background stars. - F. Star Finding and Constellations
The Universe at Your Fingertips ASP*
Eight hands-on activities for grades 6-9 - J-1 Making Measurements of Objects in the Sky
Universe at Your Fingertips ASP*
Students make a simple astrolabe to measure the changing locations in the sky of the Sun, Moon, and stars. - F. Star Finding and Constellations
More Universe at Your Fingertips
ASP* More hands-on activities. Find That Planet! SEGway**
Students use star maps and an on-line ephemeris generator to locate planets in relation to constellations. They test their mapping by observing the planet. *Astronomical Society of the Pacific. Ordering info $$
**Science Education Gateway for teachers - Resources
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Resources Access Description Your Sky Fourmilab/John Walker
A program that lets anyone make star charts for any date (historical or future), time, and location. Various options let you control the type of map and how busy it is. You can get the whole visible hemisphere, just areas near your local horizon, or zero in on a particular target.