Ellipses and Eccentricity Lab

Take your students on an interactive journey through ellipses and eccentricity with this hands-on lab! By constructing and analyzing ellipses, students will grasp key astronomical concepts related to planetary orbits and Kepler’s Laws.

Why This Lab is a Must-Have for Your Classroom:

✅ Engaging & Interactive – Brings abstract astronomical concepts to life.
✅ Hands-On Learning – Students construct, measure, and analyze ellipses to explore eccentricity.
✅ Supports Critical Thinking – Encourages data collection, mathematical calculations, and analysis.
✅ Flexible Implementation – Designed for individual or group work in a 45-60 minute session.

What’s Included?

? Student Lab – Step-by-step instructions for creating and measuring ellipses.
? Instructor Answer Key – Provides accurate answers for assessment and guidance.

? Required Materials:

• A piece of cardboard
• 2 push pins
• A string loop
• Ruler
• ESRT (Earth Science Reference Tables)
• A sharp pencil

Transform your classroom into a space for astronomical discovery! ? Students will develop a deeper understanding of planetary motion, eccentricity, and the geometry of space in a fun and interactive way!

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Thanks for visiting!
Jessica