Astronomy lab writing essay

NATS 1020 – EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
STAR CLOCK ACTIVITY
You may copy BLACK text verbatim in your e-Portfolio
* Re-write text in BLUE in your own words.
* GREEN are notes from me to you.
Title
Objective: To be able to use patterns in the natural world that can be observed and used to
describe phenomena, such as telling time.
Grade Level: Middle School
Next Generation Science Standard:
1-ESS1-1. Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Use observations of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
Background: (Concepts to explain. Please write in paragraph form. Bold key words)
• Daytime and nighttime concepts of time is based on the motion of the Sun. For
example, when the sun is directly overhead at the equator, we call it noon.
• How can we tell time during night? (HINT: We use the position of stars and
constellations – the Big Dipper in the Northern Hemisphere)
• What is Polaris (North Star)?
• How can we use the Big Dipper to find Polaris?
• Do we see the Big Dipper year-round? Why? (Explain how the Earth spins on its axis and
how the Big Dipper moves in circles above horizon to us in the Northern Hemisphere).
• Explain this:
• Therefore, the Big Dipper can be used as a celestial clock.
Materials
• What materials did you use for this activity?
• Handout provided
• Flashlight (to read the star clock at night)
• Scissors
• Paper fastener
• Optional: Compass (to point the star clock towards north)
Procedure
1. Print out the two sheets on page three of this PDF. The two parts for the Star Clock are
sized to fit on a single letter-size sheet of paper.
2. Cut out the parts.
3. Then join them as shown in the top image using a paper fastener. If desired, you can
glue each circle to construction paper or thin cardboard to add stiffness. That’s it!
4. Once it’s dark, go outside and face north, holding the Star Clock so the current month is
at the top of the outer circle.
5. Now turn the black disk until the small picture of the Big Dipper matches the real Big
Dipper’s position in the sky. The current time will appear in the cutout. Note: If daylightsaving (summer) time is in effect, you’ll need to add one hour to the indicated time.
This is what I’d like for you to create:
DO’s and DON’Ts
• Do not use pronouns (I, he, she, etc.). For example, do not write “I did blah, blah, blah”
• Number steps as if you are explaining it to someone else
Add a video of yourself teaching someone who to tell time using the Star Clock. (about 30
seconds to one minute) doing the activity
• The shorter, the better (get to the point); Please do not submit anything more than 2
minutes.
• Please TALK during your video, explain how to use the Star Clock to determine the time
(See reflection below)
• You may place the video anywhere you’d like on the page.
• You may add pictures in addition to your video if you’d like
Reflection (Write this in paragraph form – also say it in your video)
1. Why is this a great activity for students? Will they be able to visualize Earth-Moon
phases better?
2. Please describe:
a. The parts of your star clock (sheet with dates & time, overlapped with a picture
of the North Star and the Big Dipper)
b. Turn the bottom paper so the current month is facing up.
c. Which direction do you need to stand to use your Star clock?
d. Why do you spin the top paper (black disk) and when do you stop spinning?
3. Please add:
a. Can you predict the location of the Big Dipper at different times of the year by
using your Star Clock? How?
Page 77
THE TIME IS
How to use your Star Clock—
• Go outside and find the Big Dipper and North Star.
• Face the North Star.
• Turn the outer circle of the Star clock so the current
month is at the top.
• Turn the inner circle until the picture of the Big Dipper
lines up with the Big Dipper in the night sky.
• Read the time in the window. Remember to add an
hour if it’s daylight saving time.
© 1994 Pacific Science Center
CASSOIPEIA
North Star
BIG DIPPER
STAR CLOCK LITTLE DIPPER
Star Clock Pattern:
Inner Circle
Page 79
MAR
FEB
JAN
DEC
NOV
OCT
SEP
AUG
JUL
JUN
MAY
APR
PM PM PM PM PM PM
PM
PM
PM
AM
AM
MA
MA
MA MA MA
MA
MA
AM
AM
PM
PM
9
8 7 6 5 4
3
2
1
1
2
11
10
9
8
5 6 7
4
3
2
1
1
2
11
10
N
O
ON
MIDN
GI HT
Star Clock Pattern:
Outer Circle
Approximate price: $22
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