Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon

Experimental work in the research of astronomical phenomena is often difficult or even impossible because of long-lasting processes or too distant objects and correspondingly too expensive equipment. In this paper, we present an example of observation of the Moon, which is our nearest astronomic obj...

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Main Authors: Vladimir Grubelnik, Marko Marhl, Robert Repnik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Ljubljana 2018-03-01
Series:Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ojs.cepsj.si/index.php/cepsj/article/view/322
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author Vladimir Grubelnik
Marko Marhl
Robert Repnik
author_facet Vladimir Grubelnik
Marko Marhl
Robert Repnik
author_sort Vladimir Grubelnik
collection DOAJ
description Experimental work in the research of astronomical phenomena is often difficult or even impossible because of long-lasting processes or too distant objects and correspondingly too expensive equipment. In this paper, we present an example of observation of the Moon, which is our nearest astronomic object and therefore does not require professional astronomic equipment for observation. We focus on the observation of craters on the Moon, determining their lateral size and depth on the basis of photographs and simple calculations. The fieldwork with students of junior grade school education was performed within the framework of the optional subject Astronomy. An analysis of the results of the students’ experimental work, as well as of curricula on various levels of education, led us to conclusion that this kind of experimental work is suitable for incorporation in secondary school physics education. With some mathematical simplifications, however, the treatment of the topic can also be appropriate in primary school. Such experimental work enables students to gain specific natural science and mathematical competences that are also required for the study of other natural  phenomena.
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spelling doaj-art-2dcb26e1a13a469083c5f6decf42f0db2025-08-20T03:20:26ZengUniversity of LjubljanaCenter for Educational Policy Studies Journal1855-97192232-26472018-03-018110.26529/cepsj.322Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the MoonVladimir GrubelnikMarko MarhlRobert Repnik0Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of MariborExperimental work in the research of astronomical phenomena is often difficult or even impossible because of long-lasting processes or too distant objects and correspondingly too expensive equipment. In this paper, we present an example of observation of the Moon, which is our nearest astronomic object and therefore does not require professional astronomic equipment for observation. We focus on the observation of craters on the Moon, determining their lateral size and depth on the basis of photographs and simple calculations. The fieldwork with students of junior grade school education was performed within the framework of the optional subject Astronomy. An analysis of the results of the students’ experimental work, as well as of curricula on various levels of education, led us to conclusion that this kind of experimental work is suitable for incorporation in secondary school physics education. With some mathematical simplifications, however, the treatment of the topic can also be appropriate in primary school. Such experimental work enables students to gain specific natural science and mathematical competences that are also required for the study of other natural  phenomena.https://ojs.cepsj.si/index.php/cepsj/article/view/322astronomic observationscratersthe Moonnatural science competences
spellingShingle Vladimir Grubelnik
Marko Marhl
Robert Repnik
Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal
astronomic observations
craters
the Moon
natural science competences
title Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
title_full Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
title_fullStr Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
title_full_unstemmed Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
title_short Determination of the Size and Depth of Craters on the Moon
title_sort determination of the size and depth of craters on the moon
topic astronomic observations
craters
the Moon
natural science competences
url https://ojs.cepsj.si/index.php/cepsj/article/view/322
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AT markomarhl determinationofthesizeanddepthofcratersonthemoon
AT robertrepnik determinationofthesizeanddepthofcratersonthemoon