GeoGebra and Planetary Motion: Modelling the Duration of Our Days

As a complement to the Sunrise, Sunset: Deriving the Duration of Our Days talk, I will present a series of GeoGebra simulations that teachers can readily use in the physics classroom to illustrate fundamental concepts in planetary motion. Guidance will be provided to enable both teachers and students to begin constructing their own GeoGebra models. This will be used to enhance students' mathematical understanding of the earth-sun system through multiple representations. This could ultimately lead students to combine computer modeling, high school math, principles of physics and basic astronomy to make their own models for uses up to and including science fair submissions.