Astronomy

Syllabus and Class Objectives:

Class Objectives:

To analyze the contributions of early astronomers to our understanding of the universe.
To calculate how distance and time can be derived using the speed of light and calculate with planetary laws of Kepler and Newton.
To examine the contents of our solar system and categorize them by similarities and differences to help us understand the origin of our solar system.
To define Earth's position in the universe and how each of these structures is organized and defined.
To look at the origin of the universe and the possible outcomes of the universe.

Student Work:

Sun mythology Assignment

Students created a mythology to explain the origin of heavenly bodies in the solar system. Students could write a paper, create a slideshow or video to detail their story.

Sun_Myth_project.mp4

Sun Myth Student Video

Click to the left to watch a student created myth video.

Creation of Moon pt 1

Creation of Moon pt 2

Creation of Moon pt 3

Paper Airplane Challenge

Students designed paper airplanes with different types of material of their choosing. Each plane had to carry five washers and was attempting to fly as long a distance as possible.

Click to the left to watch a student video of their paper airplane trials.

Check out another student trial to the left from the paper airplane challenge.

Test trials

Final Trials

Final Analysis

UV Beads Protection

Students were given ultraviolet light sensitive beads to test both solid and liquid materials and see how each material protects the beads from ultraviolet light. The purpose is to examine how we can best protect astronauts in space.

Click on the video on the left to see the UV beads in action.

Solid Material Trials

Liquid Material Trials

Final Conclusions

Orion Constellation OBservations

Students went outside for several nights to observe the Orion constellation and its stars. Students made sketches of the constellations and researched the stars within the constellation.

Distance from Earth

Absolute Magnitude

Simulations and Breakout Rooms:

Helios Game

Make energy in the Sun by colliding hydrogen atoms and creating nuclear fusion.

Helios Game

StAR IN A BOX

Explore stars life cycle via the H-R diagram which shows the brightness, temperature and color of stars.

Star in a Box

Gizmos

Diagram stars on to the H-R diagram based on the temperature and brightness. Then explore how we can determine a star's composition by using spectroscopy.

Gizmos-Star Spectra

Gizmos-HR Diagram

Breakout.edu

Explore the remarkable career of Katherine Johnson, the subject of the movie Hidden Figures. Solve all the puzzles to finish the breakout room.

Katherine Johnson

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