Eratosthenes Project 2001
Ron Baalke
Big Sky Astronomical Society
Box 510
Vulcan, Alberta T0L 2B0
Canada
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Eratosthenes Project 2001 (June 21, 2001)
Dear Sir / Madam:
On behalf of the Big Sky Astronomical Society, I would like to invite you
and your students to participate in an exciting science experiment to be
conducted on June 21, 2001.
"ERATOSTHENES 2001" is the name of our first collaborative science
experiment to be conducted via the Internet. It is a modern day re-creation
of an experiment first done more than 2,200 years ago by Eratosthenes, the
ancient Greek astronomer who was the first to accurately determine the
circumference of the Earth.
The experiment will involve students from around the world, each of whom
will measure the length of a midday shadow from their location. These
measurements will be submitted to our interactive web site so that other
students may use the results to calculate the size of the Earth.
Just imagine, in one day your students will be able to accurately measure
the size of the Earth without ever leaving school property! When was the
last time your students participated in a really big science experiment like
this?
This experiment blends science, math, and geography all together and is
recommended for students in grades 4-12. The experiment will help improve
the teamwork skills, communication skills, observational skills, and
computer skills of your students. Best of all, it does not cost anything to
participate - it is absolutely FREE.
The Big Sky Astronomical Society is an organization that is working towards
the establishment of a permanent astronomical observatory dedicated
exclusively to science education. Known as the "Big Sky Project", this
observatory will be located in Southern Alberta, out on the wide-open
prairie and underneath the big blue sky!
For more information about the collaborative "ERATOSTHENES 2001" science
experiment, the Big Sky Astronomical Society, or the Big Sky Project, please
contact me or explore this web site further. Thank-you!
Yours truly,
James Durbano B.Sc., B.Ed.
james....@bigsky.ab.ca