- #1
ks_physicist
- 189
- 1
Hello,
I am planning to offer a one-semester elective course in astronomy at my school, and I am looking for suggestions and ideas about what to include in the curriculum. I do not have many examples to pull from around here--the rural schools don't often teach it.
We're going to have to make do with a minimum of equipment for a while. I will be trying to acquire some decent large binoculars, but for at least the first year I wouldn't count on having much more than that. Star charts, Stellarium, and the local amateur astronomy club (which has a nice facility--computer controlled observatory with some very good imaging devices).
I will incorporate some of the state Earth/Space science standards into the course (e.g., understand stellar evolution and the fundamentals of the H-R diagram). I do want the course to be enjoyable to the average high school student. I think it is unlikely that the lower level high school students will self-select to take this course (it should be seen as somewhat more difficult than the biology electives).
I took a course like this in high school, and I took an astrophysics course in grad school. I have ideas of my own, but I want to hear yours!
Target grade level: 11-12 (US)
Target academic level: Average to above-average
Interest level: Elective, self-selected
Ability level: Total beginner to average high school amateur.
Duration: One semester, block periods (84 minute) every other day for 18 weeks.
Labs: Expect that nighttime meetings could be every other week. Not sure if I can require them or if they will have to be 'optional'.
I am planning to offer a one-semester elective course in astronomy at my school, and I am looking for suggestions and ideas about what to include in the curriculum. I do not have many examples to pull from around here--the rural schools don't often teach it.
We're going to have to make do with a minimum of equipment for a while. I will be trying to acquire some decent large binoculars, but for at least the first year I wouldn't count on having much more than that. Star charts, Stellarium, and the local amateur astronomy club (which has a nice facility--computer controlled observatory with some very good imaging devices).
I will incorporate some of the state Earth/Space science standards into the course (e.g., understand stellar evolution and the fundamentals of the H-R diagram). I do want the course to be enjoyable to the average high school student. I think it is unlikely that the lower level high school students will self-select to take this course (it should be seen as somewhat more difficult than the biology electives).
I took a course like this in high school, and I took an astrophysics course in grad school. I have ideas of my own, but I want to hear yours!
Target grade level: 11-12 (US)
Target academic level: Average to above-average
Interest level: Elective, self-selected
Ability level: Total beginner to average high school amateur.
Duration: One semester, block periods (84 minute) every other day for 18 weeks.
Labs: Expect that nighttime meetings could be every other week. Not sure if I can require them or if they will have to be 'optional'.