Name ______________________________________ Class ____________________ Date ______________________
QUICK LAB
The Heliocentric Model of the Solar
System
OBJECTIVES
 Identify the
In this lab, you will identify the evidence that led some astronomers to
question the geocentric model of the universe and support the heliocentric
model.
PROCEDURE
Study the drawings below. They are based on sketches of Jupiter
and its moons drawn by Italian scientist Galileo Galilei in 1610.
evidence that
supports the
heliocentric
model of the solar
system.
 Compare and
contrast the
geocentric and
heliocentric
models.
MATERIALS
For each pair
 drawing materials
 paper
 poster board
 research materials
Galileo observed four moons on Jan. 13 and 15, but only three on
Jan. 7 and 8. Explain how this is possible.
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SC.8.E.5.8
Compare various historical
models of the Solar System,
including geocentric and
heliocentric.
SC.8.N.2.2
Discuss what characterizes
science and its methods.
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ScienceFusion
Grade 8 Lab Manual
1
Original content Copyright © by Holt McDougal. Alterations to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor .
Unit 3, Lesson 1
Historical Models of the Solar System
Name ______________________________________ Class ____________________ Date ______________________
Quick Lab continued
What conclusion can you reach about the motions of Jupiter’s moons from your
answer to question 2?
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How did Galileo’s observations cast doubt on the geocentric model?
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Astronomers who favored the geocentric model suggested that Galileo’s
observations did not refute their model. What argument might they have used?
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Do research to discover how the geocentric and heliocentric models were shown
in drawings. Prepare a poster that compares and contrasts these images.
ScienceFusion
Grade 8 Lab Manual
2
Original content Copyright © by Holt McDougal. Alterations to the original content are the responsibility of the instructor .
Unit 3, Lesson 1
Historical Models of the Solar System