Name:
Period
Date:
3
Lesson 1: Introducing the Sun-Earth-Moon System Extension Activity
Directions: Please choose one of the following assignments to complete on a separate
sheet of paper by Tuesday 1/12.
Social Studies/Math:
o Research how Eratosthenes calculated the circumference of Earth by using the
position of the Sun in the sky at different latitudes on Earth. Write at least one
paragraph explaining his research and findings. *Please include the website(s)
that you used.
Language Arts/History:
o Write your own myth to explain how the Sun and Moon came to be in the sky.
Remember it is a myth so it does not have to be scientifically accurate! The myth
must be at least two paragraphs long. * You must include at least one illustration
that is colored.
Math:
o Calculate the diameter of the Moon by following the steps below:
1. Cut a 1cm x 1cm notch and a rectangular hole (big enough for a ruler) in
an index card. (See diagram below)
2. Slide the index card along the ruler until the Moon just fits into the notch.
3. How many centimeters away is the index card from the start of the ruler?
*Add 1 cm to that number.
4. Use the following formula below to help you calculate the diameter of the
Moon.
Diameter of the Moon
Diameter of the notch
=
Distance to the Moon
Distance to the card
5. The distance from Earth to Moon is 38, 440, 000, 000 cm.