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Precession
http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Lprecess.htm
From DLESE Community Collection (DCC)
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This lesson provides a brief study of the precession of the equinoxes and of its possible link to the occurrence of ice ages. The objectives are for the student to understand how Hipparchus, around 130 BC, used a shift in the predicted location of a lunar eclipse to detect a slight shift in the path of the Sun around the sky and to also understand the reason for that shift. The student will also learn about ice ages and the evidence for them.
Intended for grade levels:
  • High (9-12)
Type of resource:
  • For the classroom:
    • Lesson plan
Subject:
  • Climatology
  • Geological Sciences:
    • Geologic time
  • Mathematics
  • Space science
Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
May be used non-commercially as long as credit is given to the author.
DLESE Catalog ID: DLESE-000-000-005-156
Educational standards:
  • National Science Education Standards (NSES):
    • 9-12:
      • Unifying concepts and processes:
        • Change, constancy, and measurement
        • Evidence, models, and explanation
      • A - Science as inquiry:
        • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
      • D - Earth and space science:
        • Energy in the earth system
      • G - History and nature of science:
        • Historical perspectives
        • Science as a human endeavor
Related resources:
This resource is referenced by 'From Stargazers to Starships'
http://www.phy6.org/stargaze/Sintro.htm
Resource contact / Creator / Publisher:
Author: Dr David P. Stern
Goddard Space Flight Center