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published by
the Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska
written by Kevin M. Lee
This simulation-based module illustrates the universe as envisioned by early thinkers, culminating in a detailed look at the geocentric and heliocentric models. It features a detailed student manual, assessment materials, and background information. The models depict the paths of the planets and the sun during their orbits, as theorized by early Greek astronomer Ptolemy (geocentric view) and Italian Renaissance astronomer Copernicus (heliocentric view). Prior knowledge of astronomy or astrophysics is not needed, but students will need some understanding of the historical basis for the Ptolemaic system and the Copernican system. By comparing the two models, students will explore the meaning of elongation and be able to demonstrate roughly how to calculate an elongation from observation.
Editor's Note: This module meets specific national Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Click "Standards" to see them displayed. This resource is part of a larger collection of packaged curriculum materials by the Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project.
AAAS Benchmark Alignments (2008 Version)4. The Physical Setting
4A. The Universe
4F. Motion
10. Historical Perspectives
10A. Displacing the Earth from the Center of the Universe
11. Common Themes
11B. Models
This resource is part of 2 Physics Front Topical Units.
Topic: Astronomy
Unit Title: Astronomy Resources For the High School Classroom Explore both the Ptolemaic (geocentric) and Copernican (heliocentric) models of the solar system in this module that features two simulations, comprehensive student guide, pre-test, post-test, and content support for teachers. Link to Unit:
Topic: Astronomy
Unit Title: Astronomy: An Historical Perspective These simulations explore the universe as envisioned by early thinkers. Explore the Ptolemy's Model (geocentric) and Copernicus' Model (heliocentric). Contains student guide, pretest, post-test, and background info. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
![]() <a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=7851">Lee, Kevin. Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab. Lincoln: Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska, June 30, 2008.</a>
![]() K. Lee, (Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2007), WWW Document, (http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html).
![]() K. Lee, Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab (Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 2007), <http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html>.
![]() Lee, K. (2008, June 30). Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab. Retrieved April 21, 2025, from Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska: http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html
![]() Lee, Kevin. Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab. Lincoln: Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska, June 30, 2008. http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html (accessed 21 April 2025).
![]() Lee, Kevin. Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab. Lincoln: Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska, 2007. 30 June 2008. 21 Apr. 2025 <http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html>.
![]() @misc{
Author = "Kevin Lee",
Title = {Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab},
Publisher = {Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {21 April 2025},
Month = {June 30, 2008},
Year = {2007}
}
![]() %A Kevin Lee %T Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab %D June 30, 2008 %I Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska %C Lincoln %U http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html %O application/flash ![]() %0 Electronic Source %A Lee, Kevin %D June 30, 2008 %T Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Solar System Models Lab %I Astronomy Education at the University of Nebraska %V 2025 %N 21 April 2025 %8 June 30, 2008 %9 application/flash %U http://astro.unl.edu/naap/ssm/ssm.html Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 5 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. |
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