Studying the Sun-Earth System Using Shadows

Open to: Grades 3 – 12 Teachers
Opportunity at a Glance: During this two-part session, participants will join us in doing the following: 

  • Observe shadows and plot them on paper using a shadow board, which can be constructed using household materials;
  • Learn how to make quantitative measurements of shadows and use simple geometry to determine the position of the sun relative to Earth;
    Use this data to construct understandings about Earth’s axis, Earth’s orbit around the sun, geography, and seasons;
  • Learn how shadows are used to calculate the circumference of Earth and to prove Earth is a sphere and
  • Will touch upon how insects use information about the sun’s position as a reference to navigate and orient themselves.

Key dates:  Tuesday March 28 and Friday March 31 from 4:30p.m.– 6:30p.m.
Location: American Museum of Natural History – 200 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024
Registration deadline: 03/27/2023

Take action: Apply Today
For more information: pl@amnh.org