A-155 Sky Lab

Grade LevelSystem RequirementProduct Number
Grades 7-9Apple 64KA155
Astronomy is brought down to earth in this computer program. By observing the stars, children in your class learn about the relationship between the movements of the earth, sun, stars, and planets and the amazing events that take place in the sky.

Introduction

Curriculum Area: Science
Subject: Astronomy
Grade Level: 7-9
Topic: Observation of Constellations, Planets, and Halley’s Comet

Description: Sky Lab is an astronomy teaching tool designed to help students understand events that we observe in our daytime and nighttime skies. Each program helps students conceptualize the relationship between what they see and the relative positions in space of the Earth, sun, stars, and planets. These programs will greatly enhance students’ ability to observe and understand Halley’s Comet.

Computer Rationale: This package provides a self-paced interactive demonstration and review of the basic concepts involved in observational astronomy.

Features:

  • earthbound and satellite-based views of celestial bodies
  • a teacher management system

Menu Options:

  • THE ROTATING EARTH – Observe the position of a person on Earth relative to the position of the sun at sunset, midnight, and sunrise.
  • THE REVOLVING EARTH – Study the position of the Earth in relation to the positions of the twelve zodiac constellations and observe the constellations in our nighttime sky.
  • THE REVOLVING PLANETS – Observe the position of the Earth relative to the positions of the planets Mars and Venus and locate the planets in the sky.
  • HALLEY’S COMET – Study the position of the Earth in relation to Halley’s comet and the zodiac constellations and observe the comet in the sky.

After using Sky Lab, the student should be able to:

  • understand the relationship between the rotation of the Earth and the changes that we see in our sky at sunset, midnight, sunrise, and midday;
  • understand the spacial relationship between the Earth and the zodiac constellations, as well as when and where those constellations will be visible in our nighttime sky;
  • understand the spacial relationships among the planets Earth, Venus, and Mars and the positions of those planets in our nighttime sky;
  • understand the spacial relationship between the Earth and Halley’s comet, as well as when and where the comet will be visible in our sky.

Manual

No manual currently available

Program