Go Beyond: The Sun and Light Pollution
Go Beyond: Tools for Observing the Night Sky
Go Beyond: Ursa Major, Big Dipper, “The Big Bear”
What is Light Pollution?
Overview
Learn how light plays an important role in what you see and don't see in space. Engage in fun activities learning about light pollution and how the Sun, Earth and Moon interact with one another. Finally we will incorporate the other planets in our solar sytem and learn how they all move about one another in space.
Why is the sky blue?
Teacher:
Have students create their own constellations by poking holes in empty containers and shining a flashlight or other light source through the container. Students could create their own unique constellations or try to recreate those seen in the sky.
Is it easier to see your constellations with the classroom lights on or off? Why?
Have students work together to construct a physical model that simulates how the sun, earth and moon move in relation to each other. Teacher will need to bring Styrofoam balls and wires in for student teams to use.
Building on the previous lesson, have students add to their model the additional planets in our solar system. What are interesting characteristics about each planet? Do all Planets move around the Sun the same way as Earth?
Student directions:
After learning about the different constellations, you will create your own. Using a milk jug, poke holes using the nail to create your own constellation. While holding your jug, have your partner shine the flashlight into the jug. Try it with the overhead lights on and off. Which works better? Talk with your partner.
Using your Styrofoam balls, decide between your partners which will be the Sun, Moon or the Earth. After decorating your chosen heavenly body, practice moving them around each other using the appropriate sequence.
Now we are going to use the additional Styrofoam balls to add the remaining planets. Divide the Styrofoam balls up among the team and decide who is creating each planet. What order do they go in? Do they all move around the Sun the same speed? Using the Earth’s pace as the default, the remaining planets should practice moving around the Sun using “that planet’s” speed. Is it faster or slower?