WHICH IS THE SIZE OF THE UNIVERSE? A PROPOSAL OF INQUIRY TEACHING SEQUENCE ON THE METHODS OF ERATOSTHENES AND ARISTARCHUS TO MEASURE THE EARTH AND MOON SIZES

Abstract

The paper presents a proposal of inquiry teaching sequence for Basic Education on the determination of the sizes of the Earth and the Moon, following in the footsteps of Eratosthenes and Aristarchus of Samos, in an approach that seeks to explore the historical and interdisciplinary aspects involved in the development of the theme. Open questions and problems to be presented to students are indicated and suggested sequences of activities to be carried out in order to raise hypotheses and solve them, highlighting the importance of observing common natural phenomena, such as object shadows and lunar eclipses, associated to the application of simple geometric and physical principles and an investigative attitude leading to remarkable results, such as the dimensions of the Earth and the Moon. The proposal represents a first step in the development of a wider teaching project on the theme of the dimensions of the universe, which aims promote an awareness of students about the Universe and our position within it.