Modern replication of Eratosthenes’ measurement of the circumference of Earth

Longhorn, Morgana; Hughes, Stephen

doi:10.1088/0031-9120/50/2/175

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…Some researchers (i.e. Webb andBustin 1988, Longhorn andHughes 2015) replicated the experiment in various locations along the same meridian, including the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Takemae et al (2013) conducted a laboratory activity to measure the circumference of a spherical balloon, mimicking the Eratosthenes experiment on a smaller scale.…”

Section: Research On Using Eratosthenes's Experiments In Teaching And...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A lesson plan revisiting the Eratosthenes experiment to teach the seasons inductively from a space-based perspective

Aydin,

Wiyarsi,

Fitriyana

et al. 2023

Phys. Educ.

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This paper presents a lesson plan designed to teach seventh-grade students about the seasons and reflections of the students using an inductive approach from a space-based perspective. The plan establishes students’ prior knowledge of the topic and continues with the Eratosthenes experiment as a central experience. Eratosthenes experimented in the 250s BC and calculated the Earth’s circumference during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Teachers used this experiment as a practical learning tool to teach the concept of seasons using the inductive method. Eleven seventh-grade students from Turkey, thirty middle-grade students from Indonesia, and their science teachers participated in the study. The students conducted the Eratosthenes experiment in vernal equinox in Turkey and Indonesia and calculated the circumference of the Earth. The measurements were taken in the experiment from a space-based perspective. After conducting the Eratosthenes experiment, the students reflected on their experiences. They discussed the connection of the experiment to the causes of the seasons. Afterwards, teachers conducted direct instruction and problem-solving activities related to the seasons. Reflections from student experiences and experiments were discussed. The study concluded that the lesson plan involving the Eratosthenes experiment provides an in-depth experience for students and enhances their understanding of the factors related to the space-based perspective.

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Section: Research On Using Eratosthenes's Experiments In Teaching And...mentioning

confidence: 99%

A lesson plan revisiting the Eratosthenes experiment to teach the seasons inductively from a space-based perspective

Aydin,

Wiyarsi,

Fitriyana

et al. 2023

Phys. Educ.

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show abstract

“…The analyses clearly show more accuracy in the scores as the measurement sites become more distantly located (within Greece: 17.6% error; Greece-Finland: 1.3% error). The results of Eratosthenes-like measurements with observers located in Australia and New Zealand were published by Longhorn and Hughes (2015).…”

Section: Invention Of Scaphe and The Measurement Of Earth's Sizementioning

confidence: 99%

Visualization on the Day Night Year Globe

et al. 2016

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The story about a properly oriented outdoor globe in the hands and minds of Eratosthenes, Jefferson, Milanković and science educators is presented. Having the same orientation in space as the Earth, the Day Night Year Globe (DING) shows in real time the pattern of illumination of the Earth’s surface and its diurnal and seasonal variations. It is an ideal object for the visualization of knowledge and increase in knowledge about: the form of the Earth, Earth’s rotation, Earth’s revolution around the Sun, the length of seasons, solstices, equinoxes, the longitude problem, the distribution of the Sun’s radiation over the Earth, the impact of this radiation on Earth’s climate, and how to use it efficiently. By attaching a movable vane to the poles, or adding pins around the equator to read time, DING becomes a spherical/globe-shaped sundial. So, the DING is simultaneously useful for teaching physics, geophysics, astronomy, use of solar energy and promoting an inquiry-based learning environment for students and the public.

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“…* Endereço de correspondência: natanael@if.ufrj.br Um dos experimentos históricos mais conhecidos é o da medição do raio da Terra feito por Eratóstenes [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9], por volta de 240 a.C. A partir da leitura de documentos presentes na biblioteca de Alexandria, Eratóstenes notou que, no solstício de verão, as paredes dos poços na cidade de Siena não projetavam sombra no fundo dos poços. Porém, na mesma data e horário, esse fenômeno não acontecia em Alexandria.…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Revisitando o Experimento de Eratóstenes: medida do raio de Terra

Azevedo

Costa

et al. 2022

Rev. Bras. Ensino Fís.

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Neste trabalho, medimos o raio da Terra reproduzindo o histórico experimento de Eratóstenes, realizado por volta de 240 a.C., nas antigas cidades de Siena e Alexandria. Aqui, obtemos as medidas nas cidades do Rio de Janeiro-RJ e Teresina-PI, cidades cujas coordenadas de longitude são muito próximas. Utilizando equipamentos simples, como fios de prumo e cartolinas, medimos, de forma simultânea, a inclinação dos raios solares sobre a superfície da Terra quando o Sol está no ponto mais alto do céu. Através de dados de satélites – para a determinação da distância (latitude) entre as cidades – e pelas medidas obtidas para a diferença dos ângulos em cada cidade, estimamos o raio médio volumétrico da Terra com um erro de 0 , 5% em relação aos valores da literatura. Ademais, a partir da diferença do horário em que o Sol fica no ponto mais alto do céu nos locais de medida, estimamos a velocidade angular de rotação da Terra em torno do seu próprio eixo. Com isso, apresentamos (de forma didática e simples) como obter a curvatura média do planeta, assumindo uma superfície de forma aproximadamente esférica, além da sua velocidade de rotação.

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Modern replication of Eratosthenes’ measurement of the circumference of Earth

Cited by 5 publications

References 7 publications

A lesson plan revisiting the Eratosthenes experiment to teach the seasons inductively from a space-based perspective

A lesson plan revisiting the Eratosthenes experiment to teach the seasons inductively from a space-based perspective

Visualization on the Day Night Year Globe

Revisitando o Experimento de Eratóstenes: medida do raio de Terra

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