Friday, September 30, 2005
EVEN day: Sundial plans explained
Simple sundial plans will be finished; the sundial lecture will be completed if it isn't already.
Your assignment is to build a sundial which will tell time you can set your watch with.
The sundial can be any style, equatorial, analemmatic, horizontal, or otherwise, but only equatorial instructions will be provided.
The sundial must be built accurately so that it will tell local solar time in Antioch, CA.
It must include a mechanism or information so the LST can be converted to Pacific Standard Time.
This means it should have an offset built in for our longitude; a copy of the equation of time or the equivalent analemma plus instructions on how to use it, and the current rules for daylight saving time printed on it.
Bonus points may be awarded for more permanent designs, adjustable designs, or advanced designs requiring more mathmatics.
The sundial due date will be at least a week into the future and will be specified in class.
Your assignment is to build a sundial which will tell time you can set your watch with.
The sundial can be any style, equatorial, analemmatic, horizontal, or otherwise, but only equatorial instructions will be provided.
The sundial must be built accurately so that it will tell local solar time in Antioch, CA.
It must include a mechanism or information so the LST can be converted to Pacific Standard Time.
This means it should have an offset built in for our longitude; a copy of the equation of time or the equivalent analemma plus instructions on how to use it, and the current rules for daylight saving time printed on it.
Bonus points may be awarded for more permanent designs, adjustable designs, or advanced designs requiring more mathmatics.
The sundial due date will be at least a week into the future and will be specified in class.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
ODD: The analemma. Sundials explained.
We will also begin the process of explaining how to build a sundial, which is your next big project.
We will explain time zones, daylight savings time, longitude and latitude on the earth, and the equation of time.
The analemma will be shown and explained.
As a reference you might consider visiting www.analemma.com.
We will explain time zones, daylight savings time, longitude and latitude on the earth, and the equation of time.
The analemma will be shown and explained.
As a reference you might consider visiting www.analemma.com.
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
EVEN day: Shadow of a stick lab is due
Today we'll look at your data for the shadow of a stick lab and determine the time of local solar noon.
We will also begin the process of explaining how to build a sundial, which is your next big project.
We will explain time zones, daylight savings time, longitude and latitude on the earth, and the equation of time.
The analemma will be shown and explained.
As a reference you might consider visiting www.analemma.com.
We will also begin the process of explaining how to build a sundial, which is your next big project.
We will explain time zones, daylight savings time, longitude and latitude on the earth, and the equation of time.
The analemma will be shown and explained.
As a reference you might consider visiting www.analemma.com.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
ODD: Azimuth lab due today. Altitude (stick shadow) lab due today. Puzzle in class. Stonehenge assigned.
Altitude of the sun (stick shadow) lab is due today.
Motion of the sun acrostic puzzle assigned. When the puzzle is solved, don't forget to read the solution and do what it says.
Finish the sunrise position (azimuth) lab and turn it in. For full credit, you should have
a data table
a graph
the dates and azimuths for the extremes (maximum and minimum) of azimuth
the dates when the azimuth was equal to 90 (there are two)
You name, date and class period
and the answers to the questions
what is the independent variable
what is the dependent variable
for this experiment.
Afterwards the Stonehenge assignment will be made. This is due next week.
Motion of the sun acrostic puzzle assigned. When the puzzle is solved, don't forget to read the solution and do what it says.
Finish the sunrise position (azimuth) lab and turn it in. For full credit, you should have
a data table
a graph
the dates and azimuths for the extremes (maximum and minimum) of azimuth
the dates when the azimuth was equal to 90 (there are two)
You name, date and class period
and the answers to the questions
what is the independent variable
what is the dependent variable
for this experiment.
Afterwards the Stonehenge assignment will be made. This is due next week.
Monday, September 26, 2005
EVEN day: Azimuth lab due. Puzzle in class. Altitude (stick shadow) of the sun postponed. Stonehenge assigned.
Shadow of a stick lab, which was due today, is postponed until Wednesday because I will be out.
Instead, students will do the following:
Motion of the sun acrostic puzzle. When the puzzle is solved, don't forget to read the solution and do what it says.
Finish the sunrise azimuth position lab and turn it in. For full credit, you should have
a data table
a graph
the dates and azimuths for the extremes (maximum and minimum) of azimuth
the dates when the azimuth was equal to 90 (there are two)
You name, date and class period
and the answers to the questions
what is the independent variable
what is the dependent variable
for this experiment.
Afterwards the Stonehenge assignment will be made. This is due next week.
Instead, students will do the following:
Motion of the sun acrostic puzzle. When the puzzle is solved, don't forget to read the solution and do what it says.
Finish the sunrise azimuth position lab and turn it in. For full credit, you should have
a data table
a graph
the dates and azimuths for the extremes (maximum and minimum) of azimuth
the dates when the azimuth was equal to 90 (there are two)
You name, date and class period
and the answers to the questions
what is the independent variable
what is the dependent variable
for this experiment.
Afterwards the Stonehenge assignment will be made. This is due next week.
Friday, September 23, 2005
ODD day: Altitude of the sun
A shorter version of the sunrise lab, where we find out the position of the sun at local solar noon on a variety of dates through computer simulation. Different groups will be assigned different dates.
Quick Quiz:
What is the independent variable here?
What is the dependent variable?
What are the interfering variables?
Quick Quiz:
What is the independent variable here?
What is the dependent variable?
What are the interfering variables?
Thursday, September 22, 2005
EVEN day: Finish computer simulation; Stonehenge project
Today we finish the computer simulation of sunrise positions.
Stonehenge project described and assigned. Due next week.
The Stonehenge project will be described.
Here is the assignment:
Design a structure which can be used to observe the sun's rising and setting position on a variety of days throughout the year. In particular, its position at the summer and winter solstices, the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, your birthday and your favorite holiday.
The structure should show where the observer stands, and how the sunrise is observed (reflection, light through a window, shadow casting, etc.) Dates and events should be labeled.
Models or architectural-type floor plans (overhead view drawings) are acceptable, although elaborate models which actually project light through the structure will be given additional consideration.
Stonehenge project described and assigned. Due next week.
The Stonehenge project will be described.
Here is the assignment:
Design a structure which can be used to observe the sun's rising and setting position on a variety of days throughout the year. In particular, its position at the summer and winter solstices, the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, your birthday and your favorite holiday.
The structure should show where the observer stands, and how the sunrise is observed (reflection, light through a window, shadow casting, etc.) Dates and events should be labeled.
Models or architectural-type floor plans (overhead view drawings) are acceptable, although elaborate models which actually project light through the structure will be given additional consideration.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
ODD DAY: Finish computer simulation; Stonehenge assignment.
The azimuth lab will be completed today.
We will also discuss the signifigance of the autumnal equinox.
The Stonehenge project will be described.
Here is the assignment:
Design a structure which can be used to observe the sun's rising and setting position on a variety of days throughout the year. In particular, its position at the summer and winter solstices, the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, your birthday and your favorite holiday.
The structure should show where the observer stands, and how the sunrise is observed (reflection, light through a window, shadow casting, etc.) Dates and events should be labeled.
Models or architectural-type floor plans (overhead view drawings) are acceptable, although elaborate models which actually project light through the structure will be given additional consideration.
The correct angles must be used in designing the Stonehenge. Casual sketches are not acceptable.
We will also discuss the signifigance of the autumnal equinox.
The Stonehenge project will be described.
Here is the assignment:
Design a structure which can be used to observe the sun's rising and setting position on a variety of days throughout the year. In particular, its position at the summer and winter solstices, the autumnal and vernal equinoxes, your birthday and your favorite holiday.
The structure should show where the observer stands, and how the sunrise is observed (reflection, light through a window, shadow casting, etc.) Dates and events should be labeled.
Models or architectural-type floor plans (overhead view drawings) are acceptable, although elaborate models which actually project light through the structure will be given additional consideration.
The correct angles must be used in designing the Stonehenge. Casual sketches are not acceptable.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
EVEN day: Horoscope lab, Moon Project due & computer simulations of sunrise.
Horoscope labs are due, results compiled.
We will get the computer lab up and running again, and then spend the day learning how to:
Log in to the computers.
Start Starry Night.
Measure altitude and azimuth of the sun.
We will begin taking measurements of the sunrise and sunset positions of the sun.
When complete, we will plot appropriate graphs to determine the day and angle of the sun at the solstices.
This information will be used to design a stonehenge.
While groups work on this activity, we will also be checking your observing notebook for the moon phase observation project.
We will note the autumnal equinox day, and the day when the sun rises directly over Lone Tree Way on your way in to Antioch.
We will get the computer lab up and running again, and then spend the day learning how to:
Log in to the computers.
Start Starry Night.
Measure altitude and azimuth of the sun.
We will begin taking measurements of the sunrise and sunset positions of the sun.
When complete, we will plot appropriate graphs to determine the day and angle of the sun at the solstices.
This information will be used to design a stonehenge.
While groups work on this activity, we will also be checking your observing notebook for the moon phase observation project.
We will note the autumnal equinox day, and the day when the sun rises directly over Lone Tree Way on your way in to Antioch.
Monday, September 19, 2005
ODD DAY: Moon project due & Computer simulation of sunrise/sunset positions
We will get the computer lab up and running again, and then spend the day learning how to:
Log in to the computers.
Start Starry Night.
Measure altitude and azimuth of the sun.
We will begin taking measurements of the sunrise and sunset positions of the sun.
When complete, we will plot appropriate graphs to determine the day and angle of the sun at the solstices.
This information will be used to design a stonehenge.
While groups work on this activity, we will also be checking your observing notebook for the moon phase observation project.
As an exercise we will predict when the sun will be right in your face as you approach lone tree way.
Log in to the computers.
Start Starry Night.
Measure altitude and azimuth of the sun.
We will begin taking measurements of the sunrise and sunset positions of the sun.
When complete, we will plot appropriate graphs to determine the day and angle of the sun at the solstices.
This information will be used to design a stonehenge.
While groups work on this activity, we will also be checking your observing notebook for the moon phase observation project.
As an exercise we will predict when the sun will be right in your face as you approach lone tree way.
Friday, September 16, 2005
EVEN DAY: Horoscope lab due
Planetarium visit. Tonight's sky and alt-az review.
Horoscope Lab results postponed due to Waterworld.
We visited the planetarium for a tutorial on "tonight's sky."
Horoscope Lab results postponed due to Waterworld.
We visited the planetarium for a tutorial on "tonight's sky."
Thursday, September 15, 2005
ODD day: in the planetarium
This is waterworld day...we will probably spend the day in the planetarium learning tonight's sky, the altitude-azimuth system, and learning more about equatorial coordinates.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Even Day: Set up and do the horoscope lab
APOD
We will begin by defining the horoscope lab more thoroughly and set up investigative teams to complete the task. Current horosocopes will be provided.
Editors will create two similar looking horoscope sheets, one from the correct day and one not. These will be labeled "A" or "B" in no particular order, and only the editor will know which one is which.
While the editor works on this task, the readers will get textbooks.
Readers will take these home and interview 10 people each to see if the horoscopes apply to them.
Next class, we will compile results for the correct and incorrect horoscope groups.
In the second half of class we will visit the planetarium, see a quick tour of tonight's sky, and look at altitude and azimuth values, plus how the sun's position changes on the horizon as a function of time in preparation for a lab to determine the exact dates the turnover occurs.
We will begin by defining the horoscope lab more thoroughly and set up investigative teams to complete the task. Current horosocopes will be provided.
Editors will create two similar looking horoscope sheets, one from the correct day and one not. These will be labeled "A" or "B" in no particular order, and only the editor will know which one is which.
While the editor works on this task, the readers will get textbooks.
Readers will take these home and interview 10 people each to see if the horoscopes apply to them.
Next class, we will compile results for the correct and incorrect horoscope groups.
In the second half of class we will visit the planetarium, see a quick tour of tonight's sky, and look at altitude and azimuth values, plus how the sun's position changes on the horizon as a function of time in preparation for a lab to determine the exact dates the turnover occurs.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
ODD Day: Set up and do the horoscope lab
APOD
We will begin by defining the horoscope lab more thoroughly and set up investigative teams to complete the task. Current horosocopes will be provided.
Editors will create two similar looking horoscope sheets, one from the correct day and one not. These will be labeled "A" or "B" in no particular order, and only the editor will know which one is which.
While the editor works on this task, the readers will work on a worksheet of questions.
Readers will take these home and interview 10 people each to see if the horoscopes apply to them.
Next class, we will compile results for the correct and incorrect horoscope groups.
In the second half of class, time permitting, we will visit the planetarium, see a quick tour of tonight's sky, and look at altitude and azimuth values, plus how the sun's position changes on the horizon as a function of time in preparation for a lab to determine the exact dates the turnover occurs.
We will begin by defining the horoscope lab more thoroughly and set up investigative teams to complete the task. Current horosocopes will be provided.
Editors will create two similar looking horoscope sheets, one from the correct day and one not. These will be labeled "A" or "B" in no particular order, and only the editor will know which one is which.
While the editor works on this task, the readers will work on a worksheet of questions.
Readers will take these home and interview 10 people each to see if the horoscopes apply to them.
Next class, we will compile results for the correct and incorrect horoscope groups.
In the second half of class, time permitting, we will visit the planetarium, see a quick tour of tonight's sky, and look at altitude and azimuth values, plus how the sun's position changes on the horizon as a function of time in preparation for a lab to determine the exact dates the turnover occurs.
Monday, September 12, 2005
EVEN Day: Celestial Sphere and the stick shadow lab
APOD
Parts of the celestial sphere defined, including zenith, meridian, celestial pole and equator.
Definition of A.M. and P.M.
Definition of local solar noon.
Experimental Design applied to the motion of the sun.
Design an experiment which will determine the time of local solar noon. Identify variables, plan procedure, make a prediction in the hypothesis.
Carry out the experiment for your observing notebook. Due in about 2 weeks.
Textbooks will be distributed. First reading assignment will be made and posted here later.
Introduction to Horoscope Lab.
Parts of the celestial sphere defined, including zenith, meridian, celestial pole and equator.
Definition of A.M. and P.M.
Definition of local solar noon.
Experimental Design applied to the motion of the sun.
Design an experiment which will determine the time of local solar noon. Identify variables, plan procedure, make a prediction in the hypothesis.
Carry out the experiment for your observing notebook. Due in about 2 weeks.
Textbooks will be distributed. First reading assignment will be made and posted here later.
Introduction to Horoscope Lab.
Friday, September 09, 2005
ODD DAY: Motions of the sun: Daily motion
APOD
Parts of the celestial sphere defined, including zenith, meridian, celestial pole and equator.
Definition of A.M. and P.M.
Definition of local solar noon.
Experimental Design applied to the motion of the sun.
Design an experiment which will determine the time of local solar noon. Identify variables, plan procedure, make a prediction in the hypothesis.
Carry out the experiment for your observing notebook. Due in two weeks.
Textbooks will be distributed. First reading assignment will be made and posted here later.
Parts of the celestial sphere defined, including zenith, meridian, celestial pole and equator.
Definition of A.M. and P.M.
Definition of local solar noon.
Experimental Design applied to the motion of the sun.
Design an experiment which will determine the time of local solar noon. Identify variables, plan procedure, make a prediction in the hypothesis.
Carry out the experiment for your observing notebook. Due in two weeks.
Textbooks will be distributed. First reading assignment will be made and posted here later.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Lab quiz and experimental design lecture
Lab safety quiz (take and grade in class)
APOD
Observing Notebook Requirements
(How to locate on web)
Initial observations
Moon, Venus, Jupiter (simulated)
The Moon Observing Project
Experimental Design concepts and terms:
independent variable
dependent variable
interfering variable
double-blind experiment
cause/effect
The Nature of Scientific Knowledge, including the definitions of
fact
theory
law
hypothesis
pseudoscience
Experimental Design Puzzle
APOD
Observing Notebook Requirements
(How to locate on web)
Initial observations
Moon, Venus, Jupiter (simulated)
The Moon Observing Project
Experimental Design concepts and terms:
independent variable
dependent variable
interfering variable
double-blind experiment
cause/effect
The Nature of Scientific Knowledge, including the definitions of
fact
theory
law
hypothesis
pseudoscience
Experimental Design Puzzle
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
First day lesson plans:
Attendance
Class rules
Contact information
Textbook and suggested supply list
Scientific calculator
Observing notebook (composition notebook please)
3-ring binder for notes and handouts
colored pencils
Your first homework assignment:
Our first lesson has to do with the sun's daily motion through the sky.
Attendance
Class rules
Contact information
Textbook and suggested supply list
Scientific calculator
Observing notebook (composition notebook please)
3-ring binder for notes and handouts
colored pencils
Your first homework assignment:
Our first lesson has to do with the sun's daily motion through the sky.
