In this activity students gather and interpret their own data about the Sun's apparent path across the sky. Since variations in this path can be observed over a 6-9 week time frame, this material is revisited throughout the Earth-Moon-Sun (EMS) unit for a total of approximately five twenty minute time periods. Students use a 3-dimensional cardboard-backed dome to record the Sun's path on multiple occasions. Taking their domes outside to a sunny location, students plot the position of a pen tip's shadow on a plastic dome at hourly intervals. This produces a series of data points that, when connected, indicate the Sun's angular height, rise and set directions, and day length for a given day. This site also includes links to instructional notes for the teacher and another resources site that links to ephemeral data for the sun.
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