Measuring the Distance to Nearby Stars Using Parallax

This video provides a very complete and detailed overview of the parallax effect and how it can be used to measure astronomical distances using the tangent function. A number of student activities are presented throughout the 26 minute video, so students can have the opportunity to engage in measuring distances to stars and other local landmarks and can try making the required calculations on their own.The relevance of this concept to other fields, such as surveying, is also noted in the video.
Resource ID#: 51124 Type: Teaching Idea
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Direct Link: https://web.mit.edu/blossoms/videos/lessons/parallax_activity_measuring_distances_nearby_stars

General Information

Subject(s): Mathematics, Science
Grade Level(s): 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Computer for Presenter, Internet Connection, LCD Projector, Adobe Flash Player
Instructional Time: 1 Hour(s) 30 Minute(s)
Keywords: Astronomy, Parallax, Stars, Planets, trigonometry, tangent, angle, distance, space
Instructional Component Type(s): Teaching Idea,  Problem-Solving Task,  Video/Audio/Animation, 
Instructional Design Framework(s): Predict-Explain-Observe-Explain, Guided Inquiry (Level 3)
Resource Collection: MIT BLOSSOMS

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