Field Trip
In the past, I have arranged field trips to Griffith Observatory, California Science Center, and Mt. Wilson Observatory. Students are asked to complete a 1-2 page write-up or submit a 3-5 minute video summarizing their experience. In Winter and Spring of 2023, I took students to Griffith Observatory. In Summer 23, I organized a private tour of Mt. Wilson Observatory for my students and in Fall 23, we visited the California Science Center.
Full Text of Field Trip Assignment
A field trip is required for this class, and makes up 10% of your final grade. The field trip can be completed at any point during the semester, and the field trip assignment is due by December 17 at 11:59pm. At some point this semester, I will organize a group trip to the California Science Center. Details of this group trip will be announced on Canvas. Please note that this group trip is one of many options for fulfilling the field trip requirement. If you are unable to join the class on this trip, or prefer to visit another destination, you are welcome to complete the field trip on your own.
You may visit any of the destinations listed below, and can receive credit for the field trip by submitting a 1-2 page write-up. Your write-up should include a summary of your trip, explain any interesting facts you learned on your trip, and include at least 5 photos you took at the site. At least one photo should clearly show you, at the destination of your choosing.
Field Trip Destination Options
Visit Griffith Observatory, next to the Hollywood sign! During this trip, you can visit the planetarium, enjoy a wide variety of exhibits, and (if the timing works out) watch the Sun transit at celestial noon.
Admission is free, but planetarium show tickets are $8 for students.
This observatory is located at 5,700 feet elevation, in the mountains above Pasadena. Take a guided or self-guided tour and enjoy the peaceful scenery! To receive credit for your visit, please submit a 3-5 minute video summarizing your time there. Be sure the video includes you in at least some of the shots.
Masks are required indoors but no mention of vaccine requirements on their website.
Self-guided tours are free
Guided tours are offered on weekends, for $15/person
A U.S. Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the Observatory. A $5 day pass may be purchased at the Cosmic Cafe
Tip: Music lovers might want to check out Concerts in the Dome
See the Space Shuttle Endeavor, enjoy the IMAX, and see tons of other attractions in the heart of LA. To receive credit for your visit, please submit a 3-5 minute video summarizing your time there. Be sure the video includes you in at least some of the shots.
Masks are recommended, vaccines are optional
Entry is free and includes the space shuttle and permanent galleries
Reservations/tickets are required for IMAX and special exhibitions
Mt. Wilson, Summer 23
Science Center, Fall 23
Extra Credit
Each student gets the opportunity to submit a short research paper worth up to 5% added to their final grade. The research paper should explore a topic mentioned at some point during the semester, but should provide greater depth than what we cover in class.
This year, I included library resources with the assignment (the embedded content won't work here but it shows up for students in Canvas) and added a detailed rubric (shown below).
Full Text of Extra Credit Assignment
You may submit a research paper on an astronomy related topic of your choice for up to 5% added to your final grade. This research paper should be a deep dive into a single topic that you find interesting. It should:
Cover material not mentioned in this class (i.e. you will need to do independent research to learn more)
Reference at least 5 reputable sources
Be 2-3 pages, 12 pt. single spaced, not including figures. This is a loose requirement (it can be slightly shorter or longer, with or without figures).
Keep in mind, extra credit is extra for a reason: I have received some truly spectacular extra credit projects, so it is very difficult to get the full 5%. Or, to frame it differently, a full 5% of extra credit is a very high compliment.