Redo the experiment that allowed the first measurement of the size of the Earth!
By measuring the shadow cast by a sundial in two places on the Earth at the same time (solar time), if we know the distance between these two places, we can deduce the size of the Earth. The children think about solving the problem. A videoconference can allow children to build links with another school. You can use the towns with which the school is twinned.
Everyone can keep the practical sheet with their calculations.
Duration of the activity: Three sessions (definition of the approach, measurement and sharing with the other school, calculations)
Subjects: History (Library of Alexandria), Mathematics
Level: From 3rd
Key messages:
- The Earth is round, and we have known it for over 2,000 years
- Thales’ theorem
- The other school brings together children who have a lot to share with ours