Welcome to Astronomy!
Astronomy is a one-year course in which students will develop an appreciation, thorough understanding, and ongoing curiosity about the mysterious, intense, and magnificent Universe and humankind’s place in it. Students will understand and utilize the scientific method to analyze observational data and various established theories about celestial objects, events, and processes, and draw informed conclusions about them. Students will learn about astronomy in a historical context, understanding its relevance in ancient and modern times alike, and hypothesize about what impact astronomy will have on the future of the human race.
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1st period
2nd period
6th period
1st period
2nd period
6th period
Year-Long Projects:
Stargazing: Direct observation of the stars is very difficult to accomplish in the classroom during school hours, but it is also at the very core of astronomy. Therefore, students are encouraged to attend teacher-led stargazing sessions and/or stargazing field trips. Stargazing session dates will be determined by teacher-student collaboration at the beginning of each semester and postedhere. Completion of a stargazing session earns each student a 5% point bonus on the end-of-semester exam for the semester in which the stargazing happened. No extra points are awarded for additional sessions in the same semester. Students MUST print, sign, & submit a Stargazing Form at least two days before the session. Sign up for Remind in order to get real-time updates on stargazing sessions and possible cancellations.
Sunset Drawings: The Sun sets in the West, right? Well, actually, it sets in a slightly different location along the Western horizon each evening. The location and time of the setting Sun is based upon the time of year, which is determined by the Earth's and Sun's relative positions in space! You'll conduct real astronomical observations and keep track of the Sun's position throughout the school year during this project. Project Details Here.
Historical Astronomers: At the beginning of the school year, students will sign up to research and give a class presentation on a particular astronomer in history. The presentations themselves are spread throughout the school year, as each astronomer is presented during the unit of instruction where their accomplishments are most relevant. Regardless of when your presentation occurs, all students will receive their grade as a "Major Project" in the final grading period of the school year. You and your partner are responsible for keeping track of when your presentation is due.Presentations are usually held during the review day for the Unit Exam. The rest of the class will be counting on you to deliver a high-quality presentation because the Unit Exams include information on these astronomers. When creating your presentation, pay attention to the grading rubric so you'll know exactly how you will be judged. Project Details Here.
Sunset Drawings: The Sun sets in the West, right? Well, actually, it sets in a slightly different location along the Western horizon each evening. The location and time of the setting Sun is based upon the time of year, which is determined by the Earth's and Sun's relative positions in space! You'll conduct real astronomical observations and keep track of the Sun's position throughout the school year during this project. Project Details Here.
Historical Astronomers: At the beginning of the school year, students will sign up to research and give a class presentation on a particular astronomer in history. The presentations themselves are spread throughout the school year, as each astronomer is presented during the unit of instruction where their accomplishments are most relevant. Regardless of when your presentation occurs, all students will receive their grade as a "Major Project" in the final grading period of the school year. You and your partner are responsible for keeping track of when your presentation is due.Presentations are usually held during the review day for the Unit Exam. The rest of the class will be counting on you to deliver a high-quality presentation because the Unit Exams include information on these astronomers. When creating your presentation, pay attention to the grading rubric so you'll know exactly how you will be judged. Project Details Here.
Course Materials by Unit |
WATCH.. |
Unit 1: History, Ancient Cultures & Tools
Unit 2: The Celestial Sphere & Constellations Unit 3: The Moon Unit 4: Light & Telescopes Unit 5: Gravity, Orbits & Relativity Unit 6: Our Solar System Unit 7: The Sun and Stars Unit 8: Star Clusters, Galaxies, & Cosmology Unit 9: Human Endeavors in Space |
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