Activity Template - GK-12活动模板u2014u2014GK-12.pdfVIP

Drexel-SDP GK-12 ACTIVITY Activity Template Subject Area(s) Earth Space, Measurement Associated Unit: Astronomy Associated Lesson: Astrolabe Activity Title : Classroom Gazing Grade Level 6 (6-7) Time Required: 35 Minutes Group Size: 1 Expendable Cost per Group US $ .50 Summary In this activity the students build a modern version of a historical astronomical instrument, the astrolabe. The astrolabe was a device used in medieval times for astrology, navigation, surveying, and timekeeping. Students build an astrolabe using a protractor, a straw, a piece of string, a small bead, and some tape. Students then use the astrolabe to measure the altitude angle of objects around the classroom. Engineering Connection Engineers need to know how to make accurate measurements and construct tools needed to make those measurements. This activity allows students to create a measurement tool and use it to make measurements. Civil engineers can also use surveying equipment that performs a similar function to the astrolabe. In addition, students learn about navigation techniques that engineers developed before the time of GPS or Mapquest. Keywords angle, astrolabe, astronomy, measurement, protractor Educational Standards • Science: 3.4D • Math: 2.3 Pre-Requisite Knowledge Familiarity with a protractor is helpful. Learning Objectives After this lesson, students should be able to: • Measure angles of altitude using their astrolabe • Explain what an astrolabe is and what it can be used for Materials List Each group needs: • A protractor • A small piece of string • A straw • A small bead or paperclip • Some scotch tape To share with the entire class: • Introduction / Motivation Have you ever looked at the sky on a clear night and seen just how many stars there are? How could anyone try to catalog them and know which star is which from night to night? In medieval times, astronomers used