Science Project Ideas?

Hi All!

Well, I knew it had to happen someday. My nine year old (4th grade) has been assigned her first science project. Essentially she needs to design an experiment and use the scientific method to answer a question / test a theory. Several examples are proposed by the school, but none dealing with astronomy. I "think" it would be a good idea to meld the hobby with this project. Any ideas?

So far, I thought of "asking" why the moon looks as it does in the sky, sometimes visible in the day, sometimes at night, phases, etc. This would be done with a model, and embellished with webcam shots of the moon.

Any ideas welcome.

Equipment available:

14.5 SM w/ goto & tracking
WO 80 ED II on LXD 55
PST
Toucam 840
assorted EPs, barlows, etc.

Thanks

Gregg


Post Script - Aside

She also has a microscope. Has anyone tried using a webcam to image through a microscope? Do adapters exist? Just wondering.

>>> Essentially she needs to design an experiment and use the scientific method to answer a question / test a theory. -----

What is she interested in finding out?? Is there anything about the sky that interests her that might work? Maybe wait until she asks you a question and then instead of answering it, set out to help here use the the scientific method to discover the answer...

Othewise:

"Is the size of the moon really larger when has just risen?" or more objectively: "How much does the size of the moon vary with altitude above the horizon?"

Of course Science Projects are best when done by the children themselves...

Jon

Hello:

Saturn is now visible at a reasonable hour and in a retrograde motion.

How about..
Why do planets move backwards and then forwards? Assuming there is a nearby star for reference. This touches on basic physical concepts about frames of reference, and can easily be explained by filming a slowly moving car from your own car window. Is the other car moving forwards, or are you moving backwards?

If you are really ambitious you can film Saturn thru the scope using a webcam for a few hours at high mag and be able to see the movement if the film is then speeded up. Assuming there are stars in the field for reference. There was a good reference star in the field 2 nights ago.

Keep us posted on what you decide.

Rey C

I think the Lunar phases tied to the phases of Venus would be a really good one. She would be able to explain the how and why while at the same time bringing new information that most everybody else is completely unaware of. Most people look at me like my head is on fire when I tell them that Venus and Mercury show phases as well.

Maybe ... "are craters on the moon from impacts"?

Drop some rocks into semi-soft plaster of Paris. L the results dry and take side lit photos. Showing your photos beside a few real lunar photos should at least get an " it's possible"