Purpose:  To explore the concept of Frame of Reference

Materials:  12-month star chart, tracing paper

Hypothesis:  Since we are using Earth as the frame of reference (assumed not moving), I predict that the Little Dipper will

____________________________________ (include movement and direction)
 

Procedure:
    Spiral
     1.  In your spiral on the top line write the title Star Chart - Is the Sky Moving
    2.  Write out the hypothesis and complete the statement.
    Tracing paper
    3.  Place the tracing paper over the first page of the star chart.
    4.  Trace the outer circle (perimeter of the telescope lens)
    5.  Trace the Little Dipper (it has been drawn on the star chart for your convenience)
    6.  Go the the next page of the star chart
    7.  Align the perimeter of the telescope lens and the tip of the tail of the Little Dipper as best you can
    8.  Trace over the Little Dipper.
    9.  Continue in the same manner for the rest of the  charts.  Indicate which month the drawing is.
There are a total of 12 star charts.  One for each month.
            You may have a couple of month that over lap...that's ok.

Observations (what you see on your tracing paper)
In your spiral, write the questions and then answers
1.  What did you observe about the little Dipper as you drew from month to month?
 

2.  If the Little Dipper changed position, which direction were the changes (clockwise, counter clockwise)
 

3.  Read your hypothesis, were you correct in your prediction?
 

Conclusion
1.  From what frame of reference does the Little Dipper move?
 

2.  If we had another frame of reference; such as one of the stars that makes up the constellation, would the Little Dipper move the same way?
 

3.  We used Earth as the frame of reference. However, earth does move creating the illusion that the Little Dipper moves.   Describe the apparent motion of the little Dipper in terms of the knowledge that earth does move around the sun. In your answer, include a description how earth is moving.