Lesson Two: How do I measure the distance between objects in the sky?

Description

In this lesson, students learn to measure the distance between objects in the sky using their fists. They also use this method for estimating the position of the Moon in the sky. Students also use ratios and proportional relationships to understand why the fist method works regardless of the person's size. The students also measure angles, collect data, graph data, investigate patterns in data, and draw appropriate conclusions from data.

Standards Addressed

  • NGSS Crosscutting Concepts
    • Patterns
    • Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
  • NGSS Science and Engineering Practices
    • Analyzing and Interpreting Data
    • Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
    • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
  • Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
    • 6.RP.A.1: Understand the concept of a ratio and use ratio language to describe a ratio relationship between two quantities.
    • 7.RP.A.2: Recognize and represent proportional relationships between quantities.