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Friday 8/23 - PES 1.4

Last updated 14 days ago
11 questions

PES 1.4: Distance to the Stars

KWBAT investigate models to visualize and explain where stars are and how far stars are from Earth.
1

In our investigation, we’ll be measuring distance in light-years. From our last lesson, what is a light year?

INVESTIGATION: an attempt to find out about something

DATA: observations or measurements recorded in an investigation


In today’s investigation you will collect data about the distance from Earth to different stars, like the sun and also the stars in the constellation Pegasus!

Constellations

In today’s investigation you will collect data about the distance from Earth to different stars, like the sun and also the stars in the constellation Pegasus!

Pegasus

When people look at Pegasus (PEG-uh-sus), they usually notice four stars that make a large square shape. This is called the Great Square of Pegasus. Pegasus is named after a famous animal from Greek mythology, a magical flying horse. In North America, we see Pegasus in the fall, in September it is high in the sky.

Names of the four stars in the great square of Pegasus:
  • Alpheratz (AL-fer-rats)
  • Beta Pegasi (BAY-tuh PEG-a-see)
  • Algenib (al-JEN-nib)
  • Markab (MAR-kab)

PES Simulation

Directions: Finding Distances of Stars from Earth:
  • Login to the Sim, Patterns of Earth and Sky by clicking on the website https://apps.learning.amplify.com/patternsofearthandsky/
  • Login to your Amplify account.
Once in the Sim…
  • Turn constellations ON at the top of the Sim.
  • In System View - click and drag your Earth so it is between Pegasus and the Sun.
  • In System View - Click on the word “Pegasus.” This will highlight it in yellow.
  • Click on NOON for your time. In Sky View - click on the Sun and record the distance to the sun.
  • Click on MIDNIGHT.
  • Click the stars in the four corners of Pegasus and record their distance in the table.
  • Answer the discussion question below.
1

How many light years is BETA PEGASI from Earth?

1

How many light years is ALGENIB from Earth?

1

How many light years is MARKAB from Earth?

1

Are the four stars in Pegasus different distances away from Earth or the same distance away from Earth?

1

Which answer is evidence that best supports (shows or proves) your answer.

Reflecting on Where Stars Are

Directions: Below is a section of “How Big is Big? How Far is Far?” Read it to answer the next two questions.

1

According to the text, where are the stars in space?

1

According to this diagram, are the stars the same distance or different distance from Earth.

1

The image shows our solar system. Which star or stars are inside the solar system?

Use the data table below to answer this question.

Criteria For Success (CFS)
  • Read the labels for each column
  • Read the numbers
  • What do the numbers (data) show?
1

What can you say about the distance from the earth to the sun compared to the distance of other stars?

Sentence starter: The distance of the earth to the sun is _________________ compared to the other stars.

1

Explain your answer for Question 10 with evidence from the data table about the stars and distances.

Write how the data table supports your answer for Question 10.

Sentence Starter: On the data table, it shows _____________