Contextualization

In this project, we will explore some fascinating topics in geography: the concept of space and the movements of the Earth. Both topics are closely related and are fundamental to understanding the world we live in. Therefore, we start with the question: What is space?

Within geography, space is considered not only physical or concrete but also the result of social, cultural, economic, and historical relationships. In other words, space is dynamic and constantly changing.

Regarding the movements of the Earth, these are responsible for phenomena such as day and night, the seasons, time zones, and even our concept of time. Without the rotation and orbit of the Earth (our two main movements), life on Earth would be extremely different from what we know today.

These themes are not only important for the discipline of geography but also of great relevance to our daily lives. They explain, for example, why we have the four different seasons and why the sun rises and sets at different times throughout the year. Furthermore, the concept of space allows us to better understand the cultural, social, and economic differences between various regions of the planet.

Therefore, knowledge about space and the movements of the Earth allows us to better understand the world we live in and the various relationships that exist within it. Thus, it is expected that this project will provide students with a broader view of these topics, helping them become more conscious and responsible citizens.

Atividade Prática

Activity Title: 'Space and Rotation: Building a Planisphere and Observing the Skies'

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to provide students with a practical and applied understanding of the geographical space concept and the movements of the Earth. For this, students will build a planisphere - a simple model of the sky based on the rotation and translation movements of the Earth - and make observations of the real sky to compare with the model results.

Detailed Project Description

This project is to be carried out in groups of 3 to 5 students and has an estimated duration of 5 to 10 hours. It includes both the construction of a model, which will require teamwork and manual skills, and scientific observations, which will develop students' critical and analytical thinking.

Required Materials

To execute this project, you will need:

• Cardboard sheets
• Compass or a round object to draw circles
• Pencil and pen
• Scissors
• Paper clips
• Books, web pages, videos for research (see the Resources section)

Detailed Step-by-Step

1. The first step is to research the movements of the Earth and how they influence what we see in the sky. Use the recommended resources to study these concepts.

2. After completing your research, start building the planisphere. Use the compass to draw two identical circles on the cardboard sheet.

3. On one of these circles, draw a smaller one, centered. The distance between the edges of the larger circle and the smaller one will be the latitude of the location where you live. Cut out this smaller circle.

4. On the other circle, draw the projection of the main celestial bodies and constellations that can be observed from your observation location. Use the recommended resources to help you with this task.

5. Place the circle with the hole over the circle with the celestial bodies, so that the hole reveals only a part of the celestial bodies. Attach the two circles together with the paper clip.

6. Now, with your planisphere in hand, observe the sky. Compare what you observe in the sky with what is represented in your planisphere.

Project Deliverables

Upon completing this project, students should prepare a written report, divided into four parts: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

1. Introduction: Should include the contextualization of the studied topics and the project, the project's objective, and the relevance of studying the movements of the Earth.

2. Development: Should include the explanation of the studied concepts, the detailed step-by-step of the activity, the methodology used, and a discussion of the results obtained. Students should include in this topic the observations made of the sky and the comparison between this observation and the constructed model.

3. Conclusions: Students should then explain the learnings obtained and the conclusions drawn about the project. Additionally, this section should contain a reflection on how the completion of the practical activity contributed to a better understanding of the studied concepts.

4. Bibliography: Students should indicate the sources they relied on to carry out the project and write the report.