NASA CONNECT™ Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance©

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Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance©

Educator Guide

Description

In this hands-on activity, students use similar triangles and proportions to create a shoebox eclipse viewer. The students simulate a total eclipse by making a model that uses the diameters of circles and proportional reasoning to determine where to place one object so that it eclipses an object farther away. They apply what they learn about angular size to predict the diameter and distance of another object that can be eclipsed at even greater distance.

Instructional Objectives

Students will:

make simple measurements to determine indrect measures.
make and test conjectures about the relationship between side length and angle measure in triangles.
measure an angle using a protractor.
solve problems that involve the use of proportions.
create a model of a solar eclipse.
understand how the distance away from the viewer affects the angular size of an object on Earth and in space.
explain the conditions necessary for a solar eclipse to occur.
use appropriate data gathering techniques and clearly communicate ideas.

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Books, periodicals, pamphlets, and web sites may provide teachers and students with background information and extensions. Inclusion of a resource does not constitute an endorsement, either expressed or implied, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Produced by the NASA LaRC Office of Education
Responsible NASA Official: Dr. Robert M. Starr
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NASA´s Sun-Earth Connection Education Forum has sponsored and coordinated education and public outreach events to highlight NASA´s Sun-Earth Connection research discoveries. Our strategy involves using celestial events, such as total solar eclipses and the Transit of Venus, as well as Sun-Earth Day during the March Equinox, to engage K-12 schools and the general public in space science activities, demonstrations, and interactions with space scientists.

Visit our web site to learn more about NASA´s Sun-Earth Connection Forum.
http://sunearthday.nasa.gov