Contextualization

The study of Earth, also known as geology, is not only an intriguing branch of science, but it is also of fundamental importance for understanding how we got to where we are and where we are heading. Earth, our planet, is a universe in itself with various fascinating natural phenomena, being the only one in the known solar system to harbor life.

Our planet is a sphere, although it may not seem like it at first glance, because its spherical appearance is subtle to perceive due to its large size in relation to us. There are several pieces of evidence that the Earth is spherical, including the observation of eclipses, the way stars and constellations change position as you move on the planet, and even more modern evidence such as photographs taken directly from space.

Earth is divided into continents and oceans, an arrangement that has a great influence on the climate, biodiversity, and human life. Studying how these pieces of land are distributed helps us better understand our world.

Introduction

Understanding our Earth is understanding our past, present, and future. From the first humans who looked at the sky with curiosity to the astronauts who looked at Earth from space, our relationship and understanding of our planet have been a significant part of our history as a species.

In this project, we will explore not only why Earth is spherical, but how we know it is. We will delve into the changes observed in the shadow of a stick (gnomon) and how this contributed to our current understanding. We will learn about how the distribution of continents and oceans on the planet impacts life as we know it.

This is not just a study about Earth, but also a study about the scientific method - how careful observations, testable hypotheses, and meticulous analysis lead us to surprising revelations about the world around us.

To start exploring, here are some useful resources:

• How Do We Know the Earth is Round? Science Todo Dia Video
• Continents in Motion - Mundo Geográfico Video
• Curiosities about the Division of Continents - BBC Article
• Why is the Earth Round? - Superinteressante Article

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Earth, Our Home: An Interactive and Collaborative Study.

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to expand students' understanding of Earth's sphericity and the distribution of continents and oceans, through research, experimentation, and reflection, strengthening their technical and socio-emotional skills.

Project Description

Students, divided into groups of 3 to 5 people, will investigate concepts related to Earth's shape and the distribution of continents and oceans. The project will involve research, practical experiments, analysis, and written reports.

Required Materials

1. A straight stick (gnomon)
2. Angle measurer
3. Graph paper
4. Computer with internet access
5. Camera (optional)
6. Research articles related to the theme
7. Physical world map
8. Pencil and paper

Activity Steps

Step 1: Research (4 hours)

Groups will conduct research based on the suggested materials, exploring the evidence of Earth's spherical shape and the distribution of continents and oceans. Notes should be taken and shared among group members.

Step 2: Gnomon Experiment (4 hours)

Using a straight stick (gnomon) and an angle measurer, students will perform the Eratosthenes experiment to measure Earth's circumference. They will need to record the time, day, latitude of their location, and the length of the shadow produced by the stick.

Step 3: Graphical Representation (3 hours)

After collecting the data from the gnomon experiment, students will need to create a graph representing the changes observed in the gnomon's shadow over time. This can be done on graph paper.

Step 4: Continental Division Analysis (2 hours)

Students will examine a physical world map and analyze the shapes and distribution of continents and oceans. They will discuss and record their observations, questions, and possible hypotheses about how these elements interact and influence climate, animal life, and human life.

Step 5: Final Document (6 hours)

Finally, based on their research and experiments, each group will prepare a detailed project report. The report should be divided into four sections: Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography.

• In the Introduction, the group will contextualize the topic, discuss its relevance in the real world, and the project's objective.
• In the Development, the group should explain the theory behind the topics studied, describe how the experiment was conducted, indicate the methodology used, and present the results and discussions obtained.
• In the Conclusions, the group should summarize the main points, explain what was learned, and draw conclusions about the project.
• The Bibliography should contain all the sources that helped in the project's elaboration.

Each group must submit the report, which will be evaluated not only for the accuracy and understanding of science and geography concepts but also for collaboration and time management. Socio-emotional skills will also be taken into account, such as communication, problem-solving, creative thinking, and proactivity. The graphical presentation of the data collected during the gnomon experiment will also be evaluated.

Throughout the project, students should be encouraged to question, investigate, collaborate, and learn in an autonomous and interactive way. They will be challenged to use a variety of skills, beyond theoretical content, involving the development of socio-emotional and technical skills.