Astronomy

Open to juniors and seniors.

This intensive introduction to astronomy uses a wide variety of learning tools to guide students towards a comprehensive understanding of our Universe and our place in space and time. Topics include traditional sky and constellation work, the solar system, stars and stellar evolution, black holes, galaxies, quasars, and cosmology, as time and interest permit. We will pay attention to current space news and missions.  When the space shuttle launches we will follow the mission closely.  We periodically participate in near Earth asteroid and supernova searches with other schools and students around the globe.  Class activities will include discussions, videos, slides, and Starry Night software for astronomy explorations and sky simulation work.  Hands-On Universe curriculum materials will allow students to gain a better understanding of what and how we know what we think we know about the Universe by guiding them in the analysis of real astronomical images from telescopes around the globe.  Students will be expected to attend periodic required "homework" observing sessions throughout the semester as weather permits.  Hands-on binocular and telescope use will be part of these observing sessions as the course progresses.