Because of the long periods of sky observations required to collect data and the fact that many of the observations must be made at night, most of the conventional astronomy laboratory experiments are fine for the individual student project but are less desirable for actual classroom work. Several inexpensive and easily constructed models were designed to provide worthwhile astronomy laboratory investigations for a course in earth science at Kansas State Teachers College. These models have made such concepts as the changes of seasons, the phases of the Moon, solar and lunar eclipses, the retrograde motion of Mars, and the phases of Venus easily understood by the students.
