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Norbert has lost his watch and he needs to be able to tell the time of day so he doesn't miss any important appointments. The ancients could tell time by looking at the direction of the shadow of an object called a gnomon. A gnomen could be just a straight stick or part of a more ornate sundial. The direction of the shadow varies with the time of day so it can be used to tell time. The direction of the gnomon's shadow is simulated in the activity and a protractor is provided so your children can measure angles. There are several challenges in the activity: Angle Challenges, Symmetry Challenge, Measurement Challenge 1, Measurement Challenge 2, Plotting Challenge, Analysis Challenge 1 and Analysis Challenge 2. In this activity, your children will see how scientists study nature's secrets as they learn about angles, symmetry, measurement, plotting and data analysis.
This activity employs many research-based strategies. Check them out for valuable tips and downloads. You may want to try the activity yourself first so you will be better prepared to help your children. Involve other children and have them work cooperatively (follow the link for advice).
Be sure Squeak is installed successfully on your computer. It will take about 10 seconds for the project to load for a fast connection (up to 3 minutes for a slow modem connection). Wait until you see an orange flap at the lower left labeled Navigation. Click the flap to open and close it and access some neat tools. If you click Escape Browser, you will have more space. Click Browser Reentry to get back your Browser controls.
Sundial: Norbert and the ancients await you and your children to study sundials. If your children want to play first, they can try experimenting without reading the directions. However, your children will probably need more direction and background and they should go through the book. You may wish to review angles, symmetry, measurement, plotting and data analysis. However you start, try to have your children complete some of the challenges above. Click the SUNDIAL button at the left to start.
Plotting Tool: After your children plot their data they will be able to see how the direction of the shadow of the gnomon varies with the time of day. Scientists often plot data to help them study and understand nature. If your children are already in the sundial activity, they should click Browser Reentry and then click the browser back button to return to this page to review plotting data. They should click the PLOTTING button at the left to access the review.
Challenge: The Squeak challenge requires a knowledge of how Squeak works. Before trying it, your children should first watch the recording of how to use Squeak to make the objects on the page perform for them. Playing is a great way to learn. They must click Escape Browser and their resolution must be set at 1024x768 to view the recording properly. They should click the PLAYING button at the left to start the recording. Then they should return to SUNDIAL. It would also be very helpful to download and print the Etoy Quick Start Guide to hand out to your children. For a super challenge, if your children know trigonometry and how to program, have them create a sundial with corrections for longitude and the Equation of Time (see link below). Go to the NASA CONNECT web site and have your children submit their Squeak projects or challenges.
After your children are familiar with the Squeak Sundial project, have them try these additional challenges as extensions. They should explore, create, and have fun learning.
Activity Objectives:
- Students will study sundials with an engaging and fun Squeak activity.
- Students will apply the definitions of right, acute, obtuse and straight angles.
- Students will explore symmetry by comparing sundial shadows.
- Students will measure directions of shadows for different times of day and latitudes.
- Students will plot their data using a scatterplot and use the data to explain and predict.
- Students will work together cooperatively and analyze and present their results.
Teacher Information
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