Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance

Premiered on February 16, 2006
Duration: 30 minutes

In NASA CONNECT™, Path of Totality: Measuring Angular Size and Distance© , students learn about the natural phenomena that create a total eclipse. Students also explore the history, mythology, science and math that relate to these amazing events. NASA scientists and engineers introduce a satellite where scientists make artificial eclipses in order to learn more about the Sun’s corona. Using hands-on lessons, web-based activities, and simple tools, students will measure the angular size and predict the angular distance of objects in the sky.

Host, Derek Wang, NASA engineers and scientists will pose inquiry-based questions throughout the program. These questions allow the students to investigate, discover, and think critically about the concepts being presented. When viewing a videotape or DVD version of NASA CONNECT™, educators should pause the program at the designated segments so students can answer and discuss the inquiry-based questions. During the program, an icon will appear on the screen to indicate the appropriate time to pause the tape or DVD.

Teacher Note: It is recommended that you preview the program before introducing it to your students so you will know where the pause points occur.

The hands-on activity is teacher-created and is aligned with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards, the National Science Education Standards (NSES), the International Technology Standards of Education (ITEA), and the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS). Students use triangles and proportions to create a shoebox eclipse simulator. They apply what they learn about angular size to predict the diameter and distance of one object that can be eclipsed by another.

Thales of Miletus (624 to 547 BC) may have been the first person to use geometry to determine the height of pyramids. In this interactive web activity using Squeak, students determine the heights of their simulated pyramids by applying the geometry of similar triangles used by Thales. Students measure three side lengths of two triangles and use ratios to calculate the height of the pyramid. The students can then directly measure the height to check their calculations and measurements.