Discusses the theory behind the changes in the times of sunrise and sunset and the sun's apparent gradual week-to-week motion. (JRH)

Describes procedures for designing your own huge scale model of the solar system. (ZWH)

Describes an apparatus that can be used to illustrate the relationships that are necessary between the earth, the moon, and the sun, and the orbital tilts of these bodies to produce eclipses. (JRH)

Describes the major components of the solar system and proposes several features that a theory about the solar system should include. Contains explanations of several theories about the origin of the solar system. (TW)

Presents two sets of astronomy activities for elementary students: (1) constructing scale models of the solar system which depict relative distances and diameters, and (2) demonstrating the effects of factors responsible for the seasons. (WB)

Describes the construction of a model to show circumpolar stars. (BR)

Describes the Colorado Scale-Model Solar System, a display illustrating the sizes and distances to the Sun and the nine planets on the campus of Colorado University. Discusses the model's educational value and uses for the classroom and the community. (MDH)

Describes a two-hour physics laboratory experiment modeling the phenomena of eclipsing binary stars developed by the Air Force Academy as part of a week-long laboratory-oriented experience for visiting high school students. (BT)

Describes the construction of models of two-dimensional surfaces with negative curvature that are used to illustrate differences in the triangle sum rule for the various Big Bang Theories of the universe. (JRH)

Describes a simple three-dimensional model of Halley's Comet orbit (which is much more informative than a two-dimensional drawing) to illustrate spatial relationships and visualize how the comet moves relative to the earth. Instructions for model assembly are given along with a template which can be photocopied and glued to cardboard. (JN)

Describes an activity that allows students to develop their own animated models that depict the orbits of the earth and the moon. (ZWH)

This booklet contains information and activities on the life cycle of stars. Materials can be adapted for grade 9 through grade 12 classrooms. Background information about star birth and life, black dwarfs, supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes, and the electromagnetic spectrum is included. The seven activities focus on star mass,…

Provides instructions for the construction of a paper mache classroom planetarium and suggests several student activities using this planetarium model. Lists reasons why students have difficulties in transferring classroom instruction in astronomy to the night sky. (DS)

Observes that a naive grasp of science makes it difficult to acquire further scientific knowledge. Argues that students must restructure intuitive knowledge to conform to contemporary scientific ideas. Explores mental models that students employ in thinking about scientific concepts. Explains how teachers should work from these models to change…

Presented is an astronomy activity in which students use an apparatus to illustrate the various positions and movements of the sun, earth, planets, stars, and constellations. A test of the heliocentric theory of the solar system is included. (CW)