Material:
Solar System Scope (Web and Mobile Application)
Grade Level:
Suitable for Elementary (Grades 3-5), Middle, and High School
STEAM Areas:
- Science (Astronomy and Space Science)
- Technology
- Mathematics (Astronomical Calculations and Measurements)
EASE of Use:
Beginner to Intermediate STEAM Competencies
Material Description:
Solar System Scope is a highly interactive and visually immersive tool designed to teach astronomy and space sciences. Available both as a free web-based application and a downloadable mobile app, it offers a rich learning experience through engaging visualizations and a suite of educational features. Upon launching Solar System Scope, users are presented with two primary views: the Solar System View and the Planetarium Sky View. These views enable users to explore the solar system and constellations from different perspectives.
- Solar System View: In the Solar System View, you can switch between a realistic model and an orrery model. The realistic model provides a more accurate representation of the celestial bodies’ relative sizes, though it is noted that due to scaling constraints, it’s not perfect. For example, if the Sun were depicted accurately, Earth would be too small to be visible. This view helps students grasp the vast scales and distances in our solar system. Users can click on any celestial object to bring up detailed information including its distance from the Sun, orbital period, and comparison to Earth. Additionally, students can zoom in or out to explore various objects like Makemake, Pluto, and explore other dwarf planets in detail. Double-clicking on any planet will further provide views of the planet’s surface, structure, and other salient details.
- Planetarium View: The Planetarium View offers an immersive star-gazing experience, similar to advanced programs like Starry Night but uniquely integrated with Solar System Scope’s features. You can view the sky as it appears from any location on Earth, and see what is above and below the horizon based on date and time settings. This view is particularly useful for exploring constellations, major stars, and celestial events. Users can also track the movement of the sky across different times and dates, offering a dynamic perspective on how the night sky changes over time.
Additional Features:
- Users can search for specific celestial bodies and select from various categories, including planets, dwarf planets, and comets;
- The app provides educational materials including details on planetary orbits, compositions, and physical characteristics;
- Adjustable settings allow users to visualize constellations, major stars, and customize the realism of the solar system representation;
- The geolocation feature lets users simulate the night sky from any point on Earth, enhancing geographic and astronomical learning.
Utility for Educators:
Solar System Scope is an excellent tool for educators aiming to introduce students to the intricacies of our solar system and constellations. The free version, despite having some graphical limitations compared to the paid version, is sufficient for educational purposes. The ease of use makes it accessible for both students and teachers, with intuitive controls and a straightforward interface. The educational potential of Solar System Scope extends to interdisciplinary learning, combining technology and mathematics with core science. The ability to track celestial movements, understand planetary rotations, and explore the structural composition of planets can enrich any STEAM curriculum.
Supplier References:
- Official Website: https://www.solarsystemscope.com/
- Download Links: Available on iOS App Store and Google Play Store for mobile devices
- Premium Desktop Version: Priced at 9€ with enhanced graphical settings available through the official website Overall, Solar System Scope offers a highly engaging way to explore space, tailored for various educational levels. It serves as an indispensable teaching aid in STEAM education, bringing the mysteries of the cosmos directly into the classroom.