In this activity we are going to calculate the distances between the stars in the Orion constellation. We use simple mathematics to convert real distances between the stars in space to 3-dimensional positions in a model built on a table in your classroom. Through this excercise we will experience how astronomers find distances using parallax and how much a constellation will change if we change our perspective.
Age range: 12 – 16 years
Prep. time: 30 minutes
Lesson time: 90 minutes
Cost per activity: low budget
Student guide
Download these instructions with your students/pupils.