Observing the Sun’s Position and Motion

Used with permission from “Engaging in Astronomical Inquiry”, by Stephanie Slater, Timothy Slater, and Daniel Lyons. Copyright W.H. Freeman and Company, New York, 2010

Big Idea: Sky objects have properties, locations, and predictable patterns of movements that can be observed and described. Those motions explain such phenomena as the day, the year, the seasons, phases of the moon, and eclipses.

Goal: Students will conduct a series of inquiries about the motion of the Sun in the sky using prescribed internet simulations and learn how the Sun follows different pathways at different times of the year.

Computer Setup and/or Materials Needed:

Access