Let's Become an Astronomer
J
J004
Résumé, summary
The students learned the movement and characteristics of stars using the simulation software called "Hyper Planet." If the students input a latitude and a longitude of a certain place, they can see the sky from the place using the software.
By inputting the latitude and the longitude of their school, they could see the sky from their place on the computer screen. Then the students placed 20 computer in the classroom in order to simulate the actual sky which was seen from their school. They practiced some skills for observing actual stars using the computer. The students actually observed some stars at home and confirmed their viewing using the simulation software.
This activity motivated the students to learn about many kinds of stars. The students researched many stars using the simulation software.
Discipline, subject :
sciences
Naturwissenschaft
sciences
scienze
Public :
primaire
Primarschule
primary school
primario
Contacts :
Chihara, Shunichi
Japan Association for Promotion
of Educational Technology, 6-35-1 Kagurazaka, Shinjyuku-ku
J-162
TOKYO(JAPAN)
Tel : 03-3269-5231
Mail :
Fax : 03-3269-5232
Pédagogie, pedagogy :
When the students learn about stars, it is important for them to observe actual stars in the sky. However, it is difficult for them to observe many stars. Using the software, the students can learn the characteristics of many stars as well as planets.
Apprentissage, learning :
The students can see a variety of stars using the simulation software. This activity motivates the students to research several stars and to observe actual stars at home. The students can learn about stars and planets easily during the activity.
Enseignement, teaching :
The simulation software is very beneficial for the teacher when he/she teaches about stars. The teacher can teach not only the characteristics of the stars, but also the techniques of observing actual stars using the simulation software in the classroom.
Technique :
We used a simulation software ,"Hyper Planet," on the FM-TOWNS computers. Although the teacher needed to teach the students some functions in advance, the students could use the software quite easily.
Société, society :
The students used 20 computers in order to simulate actual sky in the classroom. They worked cooperatively during this activity.
Culture :
Institution :
It was necessary to reserve the computer lab for this activity. The teacher needed to be available for the students' questions.
Logistique :
Remarques, remarks :
The movement of actual stars is very difficult to observe; however, the students can learn the movement more easily using the simulation software.