Students use two foam balls to model Earth and the sun. How can the students use the model to show one year?
To show one year using the foam ball model of Earth and the sun, students can follow these steps:
1. Place the larger foam ball to represent the sun in the center of the room or designated area.
2. Hold the smaller foam ball, representing Earth, and position it in an orbit around the sun.
3. Move the Earth foam ball in a circular motion around the sun, making sure it completes one full rotation in a counterclockwise direction. The exact speed of rotation can be arbitrary or based on the actual Earth's orbital period.
4. Mark the starting position of the Earth foam ball on the ground or wall.
5. Repeat the circular motion until the Earth foam ball reaches its starting position, indicating it has completed one orbit around the sun.
6. The time taken to complete one full rotation of the Earth foam ball around the sun represents one year.
By repeating this motion, students can visualize the concept of a year through the model. This type of model can assist in understanding different astronomical phenomena like solstices, equinoxes, and seasonal changes as well.