VHS Course Catalog

Astronomy Principles

Syllabus 
Description
This course is an introduction to astronomy. Student will learn how to observe the sky we see and how it appears to change over time. Then they will learn more about the planets of our solar system and the structure and life of stars. Lastly students will study the Milky Way galaxy as well as those beyond and end by looking to the future.

Students will be evaluated on weekly contributions to: discussions; reading assignments; regular, outside, nighttime observation assignments in their Sky Watch journal; and other activities and assignments. Activities will involve hands-on and virtual labs, web inquiries, and using planetarium software. There will be a mid-term and final project.
Prerequisites
Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 2. Physics is recommended but not required.
Course Objectives
Students will:

  • Gain an appreciation for the astronomical principles that affect our everyday lives, such as the motion of the moon and the Earth, and our relative position in the universe.
  • Identify the major contributions of important scientists in the development in modern theories in astronomy.
  • Form a reasonable understanding of common theories about the origin of the universe and solar system, and become familiar with the evidence that supports these theories.
  • Classify stars according to physical, observable properties, understand how their distance is measured, and interpret wavelengths of emitted light to determine their composition.
  • Learn the important features of each of the planets in the solar system, and compare these features to those of Earth.
  • Study the motion of asteroids, comets, and meteorites, and recognize the effects of their collisions with other objects in the universe.
  • Develop independent study habits and metacognitive skills by successfully participating in an asynchronous, online medium.
Additional Requirements
Schools must install and allow student access to the resources listed here, in order for a student to participate in the course.
Please see the online Stellarium User Guide's
installation document for directions and resources.

In addition to VHS system requirements:
Course Materials: red filtered flashlight, string, tennis ball, lamp
Software used: "Stellarium" virtual planetarium software
Specific URLs accessed: multiple addresses at domain “stellarium.org

Please note: This course requires regular access to a computer with a Windows[/Mac] operating system in order to install the software required for the course. This part of the course cannot be completed on a Chromebook or mobile device.
Details
Discipline: Science - Earth and Space Science
Level: Honors
Grade: 11, 12, 13
Program: High School
When Offered: F17, F18, SP18, SP19
Duration: 15 weeks
OTM Course: No
Media Kit Shipped: No
Media Kit Purchased: No
Course Code:
MA NCES Code: 03004
Accredited: AdvancED, Certified by NCAA for initial-eligibility (VHS School Code: 221356), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools