The Lawrence Hall of Science
The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Animal Discovery Zone 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
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In this activity, learners make their own pinhole viewer in order to measure the size of the sun. After using the viewer to project circular image of the Sun on paper, learners use ratios and an equation to calculate the Sun’s real size. Step-by-step instructions are included with photos along with important safety guidelines. This activity needs a sunny day, however an alternative is provided using the light from a tablet in a dark room. Activity guide includes a helpful section on the required equation and variables, and a “What’s going on?” explanation on how the pinhole viewer works. Materials List:
DIY Sun Science Measure the Sun's SizePDF
DIY Sun Science Mide el tamaño del SolPDF
Topics: Earth & Space Science, Mathematics, Solar, Light & Optics
Grade Level: Grade 4 and up
Activity Type: Outdoor Activity
Language: Spanish, English
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Activity Time: 20 minutes
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