How are scientists able to measure distances between stellar bodies? Turns out it's not very easy! Learners explore the process of trigonometric parallax as the method of determining these distances. They experience the same challenges as scientists before them as they manipulate the interactive simulation.

Concepts

stars, distance, trigonometric, parallax

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Create a specific set of instructions to guide learners through the interactive
• Team with the math department and create an interdisciplinary trigonometry/science lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Students need laptops with Internet access

• This content requires Adobe Flash to view

Pros

• Includes background information to help introduce the interactive
• Reinforces that the scale is not accurate multiple times

Cons

• None