Solar System Geometry
Use geometric models to explain changing sky appearances across the Sun-Earth-Moon-planet system.
A geometry-first sequence for stations where students compare multiple observable sky changes using one shared reasoning frame.
Instructions
Work through the demos in order and complete station artifacts for each. At each stop: 1) Record the key geometry setup. 2) Note what changed in the observable. 3) Explain the observed change using that geometry.
Journey steps
-
Angular Size: The Sky’s Ruler
RequiredRelate apparent angular size to physical size and distance.
-
Moon Phases: Light, Not Shadow
RequiredMap phase appearance to Sun-Earth-Moon geometry.
-
Eclipse Geometry: Shadows in Space
RequiredExplain eclipse rarity from orbital tilt and alignment constraints.
-
Planetary Conjunctions: Alignments in the Sky
RequiredInterpret conjunction timing from relative orbital motion.
-
Seasons: Why Tilt Matters
RequiredPredict seasonal daylight/altitude trends from axial tilt geometry.
Why this sequence?
Why this sequence?
Each demo adds one geometric ingredient while keeping the same predict-play-explain workflow, so students can transfer reasoning from one sky phenomenon to the next.