Concepts

Moon phases

Overview

A moon on a stick orbits the demonstrator, who acts as Earth while aiming a head-mounted smartphone camera at the moon, observing the moon from the perspective of Earth. The moon phase changes as Earth and the moon both orbit a light bulb.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Styrofoam ball on a wooden dowel
• [1] Head-mounted smartphone holder
• [1] Instructor's smartphone
• [1] Light bulb socket
• [1] Light bulb
• [1] Lab jack
• [1] Extension cord
• [1] AV cart    

Classroom Assembly

1. Connect the instructor's smartphone to a video meeting with the instructor's computer.
2. Secure the instructor's smartphone to the smartphone holder.
3. Secure the smartphone holder on the instructor's head.
4. Screw the light bulb into the light bulb socket.
5. Place the light bulb socket on the lab jack and AV cart.
6. Adjust the light bulb socket height so that it roughly matches the instructor's height.
7. Connect the light bulb socket to the extension cord.

Script

1. Make sure the smartphone video feed is visible to the class.
2. Plug in the light bulb.
3. Walk around the light bulb while orbiting the styrofoam moon around you, keeping the camera looking at the moon.
4. Unplug the light bulb when done.

Additional Resources