Stellarium
[http://www.stellarium.org/ Stellarium] is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. It is being used in planetarium projectors. Just set your coordinates and go.(from website).
Visit http://www.stellarium.org/wiki/index.php/Education for more information and ideas.
Lesson Overview
This lesson uses the Stellarium software to give students of any age (you can modify it for your particular age group) an opportunity to view what is in essence a portable planetarium. You can do any type of activity that would be appropriate for a planetarium setting with Stellarium. This lesson is a simple lesson designed to illustrate the rotation of the Earth by observing the stars.
Historically, it was believed that the Earth was the center of the universe and that the stars revolved around us. Based on what can be observed from Earth that is not unrealistic.
GRADE LEVEL
- This activity is appropriate for elementary through high school students.
DURATION
- The activity should take between 30 - 60 minutes depending on the amount of time you wish to give students for exploration. Their time with Stellarium is mainly to collect data. You will need additional time for students to explore what the data means and discuss it with their peers.
MATERIALS
Computer lab with Stellarium software installed
- A journal for writing down observations
TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS
- Spend some time with the software before going to the lab. While students can explore on their own, it will save time if you give them some specific directions to get started
- You might consider whether working individually will be better for your students, but small groups of 2 or 3 will probably work better as it is a collaborative activity.
- At some point, encourage students to share information with another student or group.
Goals
- Students will explore the rotation of the heavens
Objectives
Procedure
Credits
Lesson developed by [wiki:JimHutchinson Jim Hutchinson] - Media Specialist at Windsor High School in Windsor, CO