Astrolabes
Astrolabe
Details: What is this thing called an astrolabe? [pdf] / Science programme leaflet [pdf]
Key Stage: 4 and 5
Length: 1-2 hours (adaptable)
Maximum number: See Planning a visit
The Museum has the World’s largest collection of astrolabes, an astonishingly ingenious type of astronomical calculating device with a history that stretches back to the ancient Greeks. This session introduces students to this very unusual instrument allowing them to make their own model of an astrolabe and find out how it was used.
Students are introduced to ancient models of the Universe through discussion and a demonstration of an armillary sphere. This leads to an explanation of how such instruments were used for modeling astronomical observations which provided a basis for the astrolabe. A brief introduction to the astrolabe gives students an insight into the ingenuity and craftsmanship that went into making these instruments.
The students then have the opportunity to make their own working model of an astrolabe based on one in the Museum’s collection, and are guided in how to use it to carry out some simple calculations.
This session is particularly suitable for challenging gifted and talented students.
This session forms part of the Museum’s Science and Islam resources for teaching and learning and may be carried out independently.
Astrolabe education event (1)
Astrolabe education event (2)
