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Use this model to demonstrate the goal of NASA's Kepler Mission: to find extrasolar planets through the transit method. The model uses legos to represent the planet system, a light to represent a star, a light sensor to model the Kepler photometer, a computer interface to simulate the Deep Space Network, and computer graphic software to simulate the Kepler Science Office. This resource includes instructions for building, setting up, and conducting the demonstration.
- 1 to 2 hours
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 11 - 18
- Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Model
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- LEGO Technology Resource Set
- LEGO Technic Turntable Platform Gear
- LEGO Technic 9V electric motor (optional)
- Computer-infaced light sensor (e.g. from Vernier or Pasco)
- Metal Base (10cm x 15cm) with Rod Size (8mm dia x 46mm long) (Sciencekit #IG0026412)
- Buret Clamp (Sciencekit #IG0026324)
- Right Angle Clamp Holder (Sciencekit #150773)
- Clamp On Utility Light (Sciencekit #IG0024241)
- Light bulb (7.5W) or maglite flashlight with ping pong ball diffuser over the bulb
- A stand with horizontal support for clamp-on utility light
- 4 (or 5) beads from 3 to 20 mm in diameter for planets
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Solar System
- The Sun
- The Planets
-
Astronomy
- Physical Sciences
-
Mathematics
-
Measurement
- Size and Scale
-
Measurement
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Computing
- Information Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
-
Technology
- Information and Communication
-
Computing
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
-
The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Model Building
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
- Complete Kepler Planet Transit Demonstration with LEGO orrery
- Parts list for 2006 model orrery
- Parts list for 2009 model orrery
- LEGO Orrery building diagrams
- LightGrapher (Flash)
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Regents of The University of California, 2011