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Journal Article | May 2022
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Book Chapter | March 2011
Sizes and distances in the solar system are difficult to visualize. In this activity, students calculate scaled distances and planetary diameters to planets in our solar system. They then make a model in a large open…
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The Formation of the Solar System
Book Chapter | March 2011
Over the last four centuries, people have developed many theories to explain the origin and evolution of the solar system. Today, the theory most commonly held by scientists is known as the solar nebula theory. In this…
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What’s Inside Our Solar System?
Book Chapter | March 2012
The purpose of this assessment probe is to elicit students’ ideas about the solar system. The probe is designed to find out if students can distinguish between objects in the solar system and objects outside of the…
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Using Reflective Thinking to Learn About Relative Distances of Solar System Objects
Journal Article | September 2022
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Journal Article | August 2022
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The Dimensions of the Solar System
Journal Article | July 2007
A few new wrinkles have been added to the popular activity of building a scale model of the solar system. Students can learn about maps and scaling using easily accessible online resources that include satellite images…
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Journal Article | September 2011
Students learn about the importance of scale in scientific models. This article describes one approach teachers can use to elicit students' misconceptions about the distance between planets in our solar system.
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The Virtual Solar System Project
Journal Article | February 2001
In the course, Virtual Solar System, students construct models of the solar system in an inquiry framework to learn fundamental astronomical concepts. This paper describes the course, the underlying principles for its…
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Embodying Earth's Place in the Solar System
Journal Article | December 2015
Upper elementary students investigate seasonal constellations using software and model them with their bodies.
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Scope on the Skies: A Model Solar System
Journal Article | January 2016
This column focuses on astronomy throughout the year. This month’s issue discusses planets and their orbital positions.
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Tried and True: Solar System in the Hallway
Journal Article | April 2009
After studying phenomena related to the positions and motions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon, many students are familiar with the positional ordering of the planets, but their knowledge of the distances involved is vague.…
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Scope on the Skies: Solar system update
Journal Article | April 2006
Our knowledge of the solar system and of orbital dynamics has undergone some changes as telescope technology improved. This month's Scope on the skies discusses the newest developments within the solar system and…
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Seeing the Solar System Through Two Perspectives
Journal Article | December 2015
Primary students explore Earth and space science by modeling and observing patterns.
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Seeing the Solar System Through Two Perspectives
Journal Article | January 2016
Upper elementary students explore Earth and space science by modeling and observing patterns.
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