Activity 1: Accurate Solar System Scale Investigation
Create scale models demonstrating the vast distances and size relationships in our solar system
Scale modeling & astronomical distances
Learning Objectives
- • Understand the scale of distances in space
- • Model planetary size and orbital relationships
- • Investigate gravitational effects on orbital motion
- • Analyze factors affecting planetary characteristics
- • Connect solar system formation to current structure
Scale Modeling Materials
- • Various sized spheres and balls
- • Measuring tapes (100+ meters)
- • Calculators for scale calculations
- • Colored markers and labels
- • Large outdoor space or gymnasium
- • Astronomical data reference sheets
Modeling Process
1
Scale Calculation Phase (25 minutes)
Calculate appropriate scales for both size and distance
2
Physical Model Construction (45 minutes)
Build and position scaled solar system model
3
Orbital Mechanics Investigation (30 minutes)
Analyze orbital periods and gravitational relationships
Scale Challenges
- • If Earth = 1cm, Sun = 1.1 meters
- • If Earth = 1cm, Moon = 30cm away
- • If Earth = 1cm, Mars = 78cm away
- • If Earth = 1cm, Neptune = 30 meters away
Advanced Investigations
Kepler's Laws Application
- • Orbital period calculations
- • Elliptical orbit modeling
- • Velocity changes in orbits
- • Gravitational force relationships
Planetary Characteristics
- • Density and composition analysis
- • Atmospheric pressure comparisons
- • Temperature gradient investigations
- • Magnetic field strength variations
Habitability Factors
- • Goldilocks zone boundaries
- • Atmospheric composition requirements
- • Water presence indicators
- • Exoplanet comparison studies
Activity 2: Stellar Life Cycle Investigation Laboratory
Model stellar evolution processes and analyze star formation in different galactic environments
Stellar evolution & nuclear processes
Learning Objectives
- • Model stellar formation and evolution processes
- • Investigate nuclear fusion in stellar cores
- • Analyze stellar classification systems
- • Explore stellar death and remnant formation
- • Connect stellar evolution to element formation
Observatory Equipment
- • Star charts and constellation maps
- • Spectroscopy simulation materials
- • Hertzsprung-Russell diagram templates
- • Nuclear fusion modeling kits
- • Digital astronomy software
- • Stellar evolution timeline materials
Investigation Sequence
1
Star Formation Modeling (30 minutes)
Model nebular collapse and protostar development
2
Stellar Classification (35 minutes)
Analyze stellar spectra and create H-R diagrams
3
Stellar Death Investigation (20 minutes)
Model supernovae, neutron stars, and black holes
Stellar Mass Categories
- • Low mass: Red dwarf → White dwarf
- • Solar mass: Main sequence → Red giant → White dwarf
- • High mass: Supergiant → Supernova → Neutron star
- • Very high mass: Supernova → Black hole
Nuclear Fusion and Element Formation
Fusion Processes
- • Hydrogen to helium fusion (main sequence)
- • Helium to carbon fusion (red giant phase)
- • Carbon to heavier elements (massive stars)
- • Silicon burning to iron (pre-supernova)
Element Distribution
- • Light elements from Big Bang nucleosynthesis
- • Medium elements from stellar cores
- • Heavy elements from supernovae
- • Cosmic abundance patterns
Caribbean Astronomy Connections
Southern Hemisphere Views
- • Southern Cross constellation
- • Magellanic Clouds visibility
- • Centaurus and Crux observations
- • Seasonal constellation changes
Navigation History
- • Indigenous astronomical knowledge
- • European navigation techniques
- • Polaris and latitude determination
- • Modern GPS satellite systems
Space Weather Effects
- • Solar flare impacts on communications
- • Aurora visibility at Caribbean latitudes
- • Satellite interference patterns
- • Hurricane season and solar activity
