As you can see, the image (taken from my document camera) was manipulated using the SMART Board markers. The ability to manipulate student images really motivated the students to improve and/or revise their work digitally.
But, at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana, we were able to witness the phases from the point of view of the Earth. I took a video of what the students saw using the styrofoam ball attached to a stick.
Untitled from Hoosier Teacher on Vimeo.
This last video is to provide additional information on the moon and displays the styrofoam ball activity in better light.
Moon Phases from Patrice Cocco on Vimeo.
There were many other "bits of information" we picked up from the Challenger Learning Center (CLC), but this was only one of the engaging hands-on activities provided by the CLC. Another activity involved using models to put the planets in order, while gaining a camparable persepective of each planet's size. Here is a picture of the 8 planets and Pluto. (The sun was too large to put in the picture.)
By the way, if you are interested in some family fun, the CLC is open to the public frequently. The facility provides families with the opportunity to watch laser-light-shows and other miscellenous activities. Overall, I think many of the students had an enjoyable time. I would like to thank Mrs. Manis, of the Challenger Center, and Astronomer Karen for providing us with such rich content. Also, thank you to the parents for supporting the trip.
Last, I just wanted to post two pictures from the CLC. The first is a murial of Jerry Ross and the second is a patch honoring NASA's fallen heros.
