Course title

Pre-requisite

Course description

This course provides a broad and comprehensive overview of the field of astronomy. The first part/semester examines the ancient roots of astronomy as well as the techniques and tools used by modern astronomers to observe the night sky and conduct research. Additionally, Part 1 focuses on the history of astronomy and space exploration, the solar system and orbital dynamics, and information relevant for observing the night sky including stellar magnitudes, celestial coordinate systems, and measuring distances to stars. The second part/semester of the course introduces astrobiology, exoplanets and the search for life in the solar system, while also delving deep into stars, galaxies, and exotic objects like nebulae, supernovae, and black holes. Finally, the Part 2 discusses the properties of space-time and the interstellar medium, and introduces the theories of dark matter and dark energy in the context of the evolution of the universe. The course is designed with 150 hours minimum of course content/learning. Labs make up 20% of the course content/learning activities. Units in this course include: Unit 1 The Science of Astronomy Unit 2 Tools of Astronomy Unit 3 Space Exploration Unit 4 Introduction to the Solar System Unit 5 Solar System: The Planets Unit 6 The Stars as Seen from Earth Unit 7 Stars Unit 8 Galaxy Types and Classification Unit 9 The Search for Life: Exoplanets and Astrobiology Unit 10 Space and its Properties Unit 11 Exotic Objects and Phenomena Unit 12 The Universe See attached file for description of each unit and lab/unit assignment.

School country

School state

School city

High school

School / district Address

School zip code

Requested competency code

Date submitted

Approved

Approved competency code

• LGEO
• Geology

Approved date

Expected grade level

Online / Virtual