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Norbert and Zot need help designing a model of their Norbanian system. Challenge your students to create an extrasolar Norbania by placing exotic worlds around the Norbanian Sun and observing how the worlds orbit the Sun. The Squeak project allows them to measure the distance of the worlds from the Sun and the period of revolution (the time it takes for the world to orbit the Sun). They should create a scale for their system using a Norbanian Astronomical Unit (NAU). Your students should plot their data and take ratios to show that their system obeys Kepler's laws. To summarize their work, they should make presentations where they discuss the advantages of their choice of arrangement of the worlds in Norbania. To extend the activity, they could take the Squeak project apart, learn how it works, and figure out how to add more worlds to their Norbania.
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 students. Involve other students and have them work cooperatively (follow the link for advice).
Be sure Squeak is installed successfully on your computer. It will take about 45 seconds for the project to load for a fast connection (up to 15 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.
Extrasolar: Norbania awaits your students. If they want to play first, they can try to create a model of Norbania without reading the directions. If your students need more direction and background, then they should go through the book. You may wish to review the definitions with your students. However you start, try to have your students complete the first two challenges and encourage them to try the others. Click the NORBANIA button at the left to start.
Plotting Tool: They will need to plot data in challenge 2. Scientists often plot data to help them understand. If your students are already in the extrasolar launch 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. Download an MSWord version of a data table for this activity.
Challenges: Challenges 3, 4 and 5 require a knowledge of how Squeak works. Before trying them, your students 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 800x600 to view the recording properly. They should click the PLAYING button at the left to start the recording. Then they should return to NORBANIA and challenge themselves to draw new planets, find Norbert and make him perform, and add a new planet to the Norbanian system. Have your students submit their Squeak projects to the NASA CONNECT web site. Learn how to save Squeak projects in the tips below. We will post all the good entries that we receive to acknowledge your student's good work and let others learn from their solutions.
After your students are familiar with the Squeak Extrasolar project, have them try these additional challenges as extensions. They should explore, create, and have fun learning.
Activity Objectives:
- Students will learn the meaning of scaling with an engaging and fun Squeak activity.
- Students will plot data and take ratios to check their results.
- Students will work together cooperatively and analyze and present their results.
Teacher Information
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