One very common system is that of longitude and latitude. 1 Worksheets show the meaning of latitude. Students construct astrolabes and use them to measure altitude of Polaris, which is equivalent to latitude. Averaged values usually provide better results than individual measurements. Re-examination of gnomon records shows that latitude information was implicit in them.
Students predict gnomon results at various localities.
Students are encouraged to observe circumpolar constellations. Models of Tilting Activity 1 Consideration of three different explanations for observations to date. Few students will have ever questioned the standard model for the earth-sun relationship. The Strength of a Model Reading Selection 0.5 Motions of circumpolar constellations provide further evidence. Students apply their personal observations to the problem at hand.