Objective: KWBAT create a systematic investigation to gather data and explain when we see different constellations in the sky.
Preparing to Investigate
In order to understand why the people who made the artifact chose to put the different star patterns in each section, we’ll work to investigate this question using our Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation.
INVESTIGATION QUESTION:
"Do we see different stars at different times of year?
We’ll investigate in the Sim by observing at different times of the year, but picking specific dates to investigate and collect data.
QUESTION: Do we see different stars at different times of year?
Change the month and year to the starting date (March 15, 2019) and set time to MIDNIGHT.
Click LOOK SOUTH.
Is one of our first three constellations visible? Write it down if it is.
Change the date to your next date. Click LOOK SOUTH.
Look for one of our previously listed constellations. Write down which ones you see.
Continue collecting data for each date, then answer the questions.
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to MARCH 15th 2019
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to SEPTEMBER 15th 2019
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to MARCH 15th 2020
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to SEPTEMBER 15th 2020
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to MARCH 15th 2021
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
On the Patterns of Earth and Sky Simulation:
- Set the date to SEPTEMBER 15th 2021
- Set the time to Midnight
Choose three constellations you see
Do you see the same constellations in March and September?
Do you see the same constellations on March 15th in the year 2019, 2020, and 2021?
Do you see the same constellations on September 15th in the year 2019, 2020, and 2021?
What patterns do you notice? When could we see the same constellations?
Sentence starter:
We see the same constellations __________________
When could we see the different constellations?
Sentence starters:
We see different constellations __________________
A student sees the constellation Orion in the night sky on January 20th, 2020. What will she see in the night sky a year later on January 20th, 2021?