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Astronomy

What exists beyond the stars? Are there other planets capable of sustaining life? Are there other civilizations out there in the universe? How long will it take us to get to the outer reaches of our galaxy? These, and many more, are questions we all wonder about when looking into the night sky. Exploring the answers to these questions, and many others, is one of the most thrilling pursuits of all time. This class will provide us with an opportunity to learn about our place in the universe.

This Astronomy Principles course is designed as an introduction for high school students interested in studying astronomy. Students will explore topics that include the history of astronomy, methods of astronomers, and the study of cosmology, galaxies, stars, and the solar system. This course will help students establish an understanding of our place within the Universe, and how that understanding has been transformed over the ages as new models, ideas, and instruments are introduced.

This semester-long astronomy course will provide opportunities for students to think critically about the universe and its history. Students will engage in hands-on lab work, videos, discussions, group activities, observation journals, and virtual simulations. They will utilize the night sky and Stellarium, an online planetarium program, to make weekly observations of the phase of the moon, positions of stars and planets, and content-specific objects that are based on that week's focus and then complete journal entries documenting their experience. Students will leave this course with an understanding of our place within the solar system and the universe.

Acknowledgements

  • Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2. Physics is recommended but not required.
  • This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.

Course Objectives

Course Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the relationship between the Earth, Sun & Moon and it’s impact on our daily lives.
  • Identify the major contributions of important scientists in the development of modern theories in astronomy.
  • Explain common theories about the origin of the universe and solar system, and describe the evidence that supports these theories.
  • Classify stars and planets according to their properties.
  • Compare the motion of celestial objects in space, and analyze their interactions.

Course Essential Questions:

  • How has the universe changed over time?
  • How do astronomical principles impact our lives and relative positions in the universe?
  • What is the significance of categorizing celestial objects in space?
  • How does our Sun compare to other stars?

Additional Requirements

In addition to VHS Learning system requirements:

Students will need the following materials:

  • string
  • tennis ball (or similar size ball)
  • lamp

This course requires a program called Stellarium. Students have the option to download the program onto their computers, or they can use the web-based version. The web-based version does require students to sign up for a free account with their name and email.

Accessibility Note: Although every effort has been made to make this course accessible to all students, some resources or activities in this course, such as audio files, images of visual art pieces, or hands-on activities, may present accessibility challenges.