Hypatia
Age group
- Junior/Intermediate (Age 9 to 12)
Curriculum Goal
Junior: Geometry and Spatial Sense
Explain how protractors work, use them to measure and construct angles up to 180°, and use benchmark angles to estimate the size of other angles.
Related Links
Context
Whole-class introduction followed by pair-based exploratory activity.
Materials
- History of Hypatia (Appendix A)
- Astrolabe drawing (Appendix B, to print on card stock)
- Astronomical object cut-outs (Appendix C)
- Recording sheet (Appendix D)
- Hole punch
- String (30cm)
- Weight
- Tape
- Scissors
- Straw
Lesson
- Provide a brief history of Hypatia.
- Invite students to construct their own astrolabes (detailed instructions).
- Cut out the astrolabe drawing and punch a hole as indicated.
- Cut a piece of string (~ 30cm long). Knot one end to the hole on the astrolabe and attach a weight to the other end.
- Tape a straw on the edge indicated.
- Instruct students on its use:
- Hold the astrolabe so the curved part is downwards, and the 0° mark is closest to you.
- Look along the flat edge of the astrolabe with your eye looking through the straw.
- Point the straw at the object that you want to measure. As you tilt the astrolabe up, the weight will move to measure the degree of your angle of observation.
- Place astronomic object cut-outs on the classroom walls and have students measure the angles of observation with a partner. Invite them to find different objects and record their angles of observation.
- Gather for a group discussion.
Example prompts:- What happens when you hold your astrolabe and look straight up?
- What happens when you look straight ahead?
- Does it make a difference if you measure the angle while lying down compared to if you were sitting or standing?
Look Fors
- Can students accurately measure angels up to 180° using the astrolabe?
- Do students see the similarities and differences between using an astrolabe and a protractor?