Modeling the Majestic Mathematics of Manhattanhenge! (2 Half Days)

Two-part professional learning workshop.

Title: Modeling the Majestic Mathematics of Manhattanhenge

Dates: Two half days (6hrs), May 4 AND May 11, 11:00am-2:00pm ET

Workshop leaders: Elissa Levy and Lawrence Whitfield

You probably learned in school that in the winter the weather is colder and the days are shorter because of the earth's tilt. And you've probably heard of Manhattanhenge, when the sunset aligns with Manhattan's streets twice a year. But how are these phenomena connected? And how can our students model these phenomena in ways that deepen understanding and spark further questions?

In this two-session series, we'll build out a few GeoGebra simulations to model the motion of the sun-earth system, which will enable us to predict the duration of daytime at our latitude or the next occurrence of Manhattanhenge. In the first session, we'll use multiple representations to explore how sunlight hits the earth, aligning on terminology and geometric principles. In the second session, we'll construct 2-D GeoGebra models to make sense of the geometry, and extend our GeoGebra models into three dimensions - as well as discussing classroom applications. This workshop does not require any prior GeoGebra experience and is open to all teachers. We expect the content to be particularly relevant for high school math, physics, and earth science courses.

Cost: $45 (Limited # of tickets!)

STEMteachersNYC delivers professional development workshops for teachers, by teachers, about teaching, since 2011. All workshops over 2hrs offer CTLE. CUNY Pre-service teachers may attend for free. Please reach out if your school requires an invoice. We are an NYCDOE MTAC Vendor.