Measuring Time Targeted Grade Level -- 6 Developed by National Science Resource Center Distributed by Carolina Biological Supply Company

Measuring Time Module Overview

Measuring Time is divided into two major sections. In the first part of the unit, "Keeping Time with the Sun and Moon," sixth-graders explore the use of natural phenomena, such as the phases of the moon, to keep time. In the second section, "Investigating Invented Clocks," the students conduct experiments using some of the instruments that have been used to keep time throughout the centuries. They build and experiment with a water clock and investigate the characteristics of the pendulum. Finally, they apply what they have learned to assemble and evaluate a clock escapement and modify the device in order to make it more accurate. The unit provides students an opportunity to learn how to measure time and to investigate machines, concepts such as energy and motion, and the science of astronomy.

Descriptions of the Science and Technology for Children ^tm (STC) units © 1997 National Academy of Sciences. Reproduced with permission from the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), Washington, DC. For more information about the STC ^tm program and other NSRC programs and activities visit the NSRC web site. For information on ordering the STC ^tm curriculum visit the Carolina Biological Supply Company web site.

Initially created by Susan Shepard, Brookhaven Middle School, Decatur City Schools and Cynthia Patridge, Lewis Wendell Page Elementary School, Scottsboro City Schools. Please address comments or questions to hasp@dcs.edu

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