ASTRONOMY & Space Science
Course Description
An introduction to astronomy and space science for students in grades 3 - 12. Topics include an introduction to our solar system - the planets, our Sun and Moon and the context of our solar system, and the universe. Students will learn about the history and engineering of space travel as they make simple rockets to acquire a basic understanding of Newton's 3rd Law of Motion. They explore energy transfer concepts and use renewable solar energy for cooking. The see how engineers design tools, equipment and spacecraft to to where is is too far and dangerous for humans. They explore the Earth's water cycle, oxygen cycle, and gravity as applied to orbiting bodies.
They learn the steps of the design process as they create their own models of planetary rovers and conduct experiments to examine soil for signs of life. While studying the International Space Station, they investigate the realities of living in space, including the effects of low gravity on human muscles, eating in microgravity. They learn about satellite tracking, celestial navigation and spectroscopy. There is an emphasis on the similarities and differences between the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Methodology.
High School students taking this class for credit will be asked to complete pre-class readings and/or directed research. Often, they will be asked to assemble, with supervision, the experimental equipment and additional set-ups. They have a textbook and will be expected to complete assigned readings and homework problems as well. Tests on the reading material will be graded. Successful completion of this class awards either 1 natural science credit with lab or 1 technology credit.
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They learn the steps of the design process as they create their own models of planetary rovers and conduct experiments to examine soil for signs of life. While studying the International Space Station, they investigate the realities of living in space, including the effects of low gravity on human muscles, eating in microgravity. They learn about satellite tracking, celestial navigation and spectroscopy. There is an emphasis on the similarities and differences between the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Methodology.
High School students taking this class for credit will be asked to complete pre-class readings and/or directed research. Often, they will be asked to assemble, with supervision, the experimental equipment and additional set-ups. They have a textbook and will be expected to complete assigned readings and homework problems as well. Tests on the reading material will be graded. Successful completion of this class awards either 1 natural science credit with lab or 1 technology credit.
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Textbook:
REQUIRED FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS; OPTIONAL FOR OTHERS
Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, 8th edition by Dinah L. Moche
ISBN-13: 978-1620459904 ISBN-10: 1620459906
REQUIRED FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS; OPTIONAL FOR OTHERS
Astronomy: A Self-Teaching Guide, 8th edition by Dinah L. Moche
ISBN-13: 978-1620459904 ISBN-10: 1620459906
