Light on Other Planets

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In this math-based activity, learners model the intensity of light at various distances from a light source, and understand how astronomers measure the amount of sunlight that hits our planet and others. Learners solve an equation for light intensity, and come to grasp how the amount of light reaching a planet strongly determines its habitability. This activity can be found on pages 31-32 of the activity guide. [Activity is publicly available through a web crawler capture on Archive.org.]

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 11 - adult
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Worksheet - Our Solar System to Scale
  • Overhead projector or flashlight
  • Blackboard, eraser board or chart paper
  • Colored marker or chalk
  • Worksheet – Light on Other Planets
  • Ruler (centimeters)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
      • The Planets
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Units of Measurement
      • Circles

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, TERC, 2007

Funding Sources:

  • NASA, NAS5-26555
  • National Science Foundation, NSF 9730728