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Ancient Astronomy — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS1-1

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This engaging passage for grades 6-8 explores the history of astronomy through the lens of ancient observations. Students will learn how diverse cultures, including the builders of Stonehenge, the Egyptians, the Maya, and Greek scholars, watched the sky, recorded celestial patterns, and developed sophisticated models of the universe. The text highlights how these early astronomers used their observations to create calendars, aid navigation, and advance mathematics. Key figures such as Aristotle, Ptolemy, Aristarchus, Eratosthenes, and Hipparchus are discussed, with emphasis on their contributions to scientific understanding. Connections to the NGSS MS-ESS1-1 standard ensure students gain insight into evidence-based scientific thinking and cultural diversity in science. Audio integration and a variety of activities—including quizzes, writing prompts, and graphic organizers—support comprehension and critical analysis. Perfect for middle school science classrooms.

CONTENT PREVIEW

TJDW Stonehenge 20111107 — tonehenge, in England, was constructed over 5,000 years ago and is aligned with the solstice. Image by Tristan J. Wilson / Wikimedia Commons (CC0).

Across thousands of years, humans have studied the sky to understand their place in the universe. Ancient observers from many cultures noticed repeating patterns in the movement of the Sun, Moon, and stars. These careful observations helped early societies predict seasons, develop calendars, and navigate vast distances. The study of astronomy became a foundation for scientific progress and shaped the development of mathematics and technology.

Observing the Sky: Early Structures and Cultural Achievements
Ancient people built impressive structures to track the motion of celestial bodies. Stonehenge, in England, was constructed over 5,000 years ago and is aligned with the solstices, marking the longest and shortest days of the year. The Egyptian pyramids were aligned with the cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west—showing knowledge of the sky’s orientation. In Central America, Mayan astronomers built observatories that allowed them to predict eclipses and create detailed calendar systems. These achievements required precise observations and the ability to recognize regular cycles in the heavens.

Greek Contributions: Developing Models of the Universe
Greek scholars advanced astronomical thinking by creating models to explain what they saw. Aristotle proposed that Earth was at the center of the universe, a view called the geocentric model. Ptolemy improved this model by adding complex features called epicycles to explain the movement of planets. Although these models were not entirely correct, they were based on the best observations available at the time. Aristarchus, around 250 BCE, was the first to suggest a heliocentric system, with the Sun at the center, but his idea was largely ignored for centuries. Eratosthenes, another Greek scientist, used shadows and geometry to calculate Earth’s circumference with surprising accuracy, demonstrating the power of combining observation with mathematics. Hipparchus created a catalog of over 800 stars and discovered the phenomenon of precession, the slow wobble in Earth’s axis.

Global Impact and Cultural Diversity in Astronomy
Astronomy developed independently in many cultures around the world. Early astronomers in China, India, the Middle East, and Africa also made important discoveries by studying the sky. The need to track time, plan agriculture, and navigate oceans led to the invention of calendars and improvements in navigation. These advances allowed civilizations to flourish and spread knowledge across continents. As astronomy evolved, it encouraged the exchange of ideas, proving that scientific progress benefits from cultural diversity and collaboration.

Today, the legacy of ancient astronomers continues to shape our understanding of the universe. Their observations and mathematical methods laid the groundwork for modern science, showing that curiosity, careful observation, and creative thinking lead to new discoveries.

Interesting Fact:
More than 2,000 years ago, Eratosthenes estimated Earth’s circumference to be just 1% off the true value—using only sticks, shadows, and geometry!

What did ancient cultures use careful observations of the sky for?

To predict seasons, develop calendars, and navigateTo build housesTo make tools for farmingTo draw pictures of animals

Which ancient structure is aligned with the solstices?

StonehengeGreat Wall of ChinaMayan templesRoman Colosseum

What is the geocentric model?

A model with Earth at the center of the universeA model with the Sun at the centerA way to measure the Earth's circumferenceA method for predicting eclipses

What did Eratosthenes use to calculate Earth's circumference?

Shadows and geometryA telescopeSand and waterThe phases of the Moon

What does the word 'precession' mean in the passage?

The slow wobble in Earth's axisA type of eclipseThe movement of planets in epicyclesA calendar system

What is an 'epicycle' as used in the passage?

A small circular orbit used to explain planetary motionA type of starA tool for navigationA way of measuring time

Why was Aristarchus's heliocentric idea ignored for centuries?

Most people believed in the Earth-centered model at the timeHe never shared his ideaHe lacked mathematical skillsHe was not interested in astronomy

How did ancient astronomy contribute to navigation and calendars?

By providing patterns and cycles to track time and directionBy teaching people to build boatsBy inventing the compassBy drawing maps of the Earth

True or False: The Egyptian pyramids were aligned with the cardinal directions.

TrueFalse