Preparation of Teaching Materials by Computer Simulation―The Sun's Shadow Curve and the Motion of the Moon―

Abstract

Motions of astronomical objects are varied according to when and where we observe it. This makes it difficult for teachers to obtain the necessary data in print, when they are preparing their teaching materials for their classes. A microcomputer can simulate these motions, immediately giving the data to the teachers. The children will also derive benefit from it. The present paper is an attempt to provide with the materials about the sun's shadow curve and the motion of the moon by the microcomputer. The following materials are given in this paper. 1. The change of the sun's shadow in a day and the position of the sun's shadow at a particular time. 2. The difference of the sun's shadow curve according to the season and the location. 3. The transition of the moon with time and its position at a particular. time. 4. The difference of the moon's motion by day and location. The usefulness of the data derived from computer simulation was ascertained in actual practice by the elementary school teachers.