TITLE: ASTRONOMY Credit Value: 1.00
Course Number: 4253 Offered: Semester Block/FCAO
Periods Per Week: 5 Open to Grades: 11 (if space is available), 12
Prerequisites: Biology I
Description: Astronomy will provide students with theory in nighttime observations of the seasonal skies. In addition to textbook
and laboratory related materials, students will work extensively with the high school planetarium. The course will cover the following: Earth motions and how those motions affect the day and night sky; constellation location in the northern and southern
skies; celestial movements of the sun and moon; planetary location, motion, and comparative planetary geology; and life cycles
of stars and galaxies.
Evaluation criteria include homework assignments, student participation in class, completion of projects and assignments,
and tests and quizzes.
Fox Chapel Area Astro 101 Labs: Hands-On Astronomy
The labs are designed to bring the universe to life through observations, simulations, and data analysis. You’ll explore constellations, planetary orbits, stellar evolution, and more using telescopes, interactive simulations, and real astronomical data. Below is the list of 12 labs we’ll complete this semester, along with what you’ll do, how long each takes, and what you’ll need. Most labs take 45–90 minutes and will be conducted in class, with some requiring brief at-home observations or data collection.
Lab Schedule and Descriptions
The Night Sky and Constellations
What You’ll Do: Learn to identify stars and constellations using star charts and software, then observe the night sky with binoculars. Sketch your observations and track seasonal changes.
Time: ~90 minutes (30 min software, 60 min observation).
Tools: Star charts, Stellarium (free software), binoculars, notebook.
Why It’s used: Connect with the stars like ancient astronomers and navigate the night sky!
Basic Coordinates and Seasons (NAAP)
What You’ll Do: Use the NAAP Basic Coordinates and Seasons simulator to explore celestial coordinates (right ascension, declination) and understand how Earth’s tilt causes seasons. Complete a guided worksheet.
Time: ~60 minutes.
Tools: NAAP simulator (online or app), student guide (provided), graph paper.
Why It’s used: See why summer and winter happen and how astronomers map the sky.
Lunar Phases (NAAP)
What You’ll Do: Study the Moon’s phases with the NAAP Lunar Phase Simulator and observe the Moon over a few weeks. Sketch phases and predict rise/set times using a worksheet.
Time: ~60 minutes (plus short at-home observations).
Tools: NAAP simulator, student guide, notebook, calendar.
Why It’s used: Unravel the mystery of the Moon’s changing appearance!
Gravity and Orbits (PhET)
What You’ll Do: Experiment with the PhET Gravity and Orbits simulation to see how gravity shapes orbits of planets and satellites. Adjust masses and velocities, then analyze orbits on a worksheet.
Time: ~60 minutes.
Tools: PhET simulation (browser-based), worksheet, graphing tools.
Why It’s used: Play with gravity to keep planets in orbit—or send them flying!
Solar System Scale Model
What You’ll Do: Build a scaled-down model of the Solar System using everyday objects to visualize planet sizes and distances. Calculate and map distances on a field or paper.
Time: ~60 minutes.
Tools: Measuring tape, objects (e.g., balls, beads), calculator.
Why It’s used: Discover just how vast our Solar System is in a fun, hands-on way.
Kepler’s Laws (PhET)
What You’ll Do: Use the PhET Kepler’s Laws simulation to explore elliptical orbits and verify Kepler’s three laws. Plot orbits and calculate periods on a worksheet.
Time: ~60 minutes.
Tools: PhET simulation, worksheet, graphing software/paper.
Why It’s used: See how planets dance around the Sun following elegant mathematical rules.
Spectroscopy and Stellar Classification
What You’ll Do: Use a spectroscope to observe light source spectra and compare them to stellar spectra. Classify stars by temperature and spectral lines, recording findings on a worksheet.
Time: ~75 minutes.
Tools: Diffraction grating/spectroscope, light sources, spectra charts, worksheet.
Why It’s used: Unlock the secrets of stars by decoding their light!
H-R Diagram (NAAP)
What You’ll Do: Plot stars on an H-R diagram using the NAAP Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram Explorer. Identify main sequence, giants, and white dwarfs, and explore stellar evolution via a student guide.
Time: ~75 minutes.
Tools: NAAP simulator, student guide, stellar data.
Why It’s used: Map the lives of stars and predict their fates.
Blackbody Spectrum (PhET)
What You’ll Do: Adjust stellar temperatures in the PhET Blackbody Spectrum simulation to study radiation curves and Wien’s Law. Analyze colors and temperatures on a worksheet.
Time: ~60 minutes.
Tools: PhET simulation, worksheet, calculator.
Why It’s used: Learn how star colors reveal their temperatures, from red dwarfs to blue giants.
Variable Star Photometry (NAAP)
What You’ll Do: Measure brightness changes in variable stars using the NAAP Variable Star Photometry simulator. Plot light curves and calculate distances with a student guide.
Time: ~75 minutes.
Tools: NAAP simulator, student guide, graphing software.
Why It’s used: Use pulsating stars to measure distances across the galaxy!
Exoplanet Detection
What You’ll Do: Analyze simulated transit or Doppler data to detect exoplanets and calculate their size, mass, or orbit. Discuss habitable zones using a worksheet.
Time: ~75 minutes.
Tools: Exoplanet data, graphing software, worksheet.
Why It’s used: Hunt for alien worlds like a real exoplanet researcher!
Galaxies and Hubble’s Law
What You’ll Do: Classify galaxy types from images and plot velocity vs. distance using redshift data to estimate the Hubble constant. Complete a worksheet with calculations.
Time: ~75 minutes.
Tools: Galaxy images, redshift data, graphing software, worksheet.
Why It’s used: Explore the expanding universe and measure its growth!
Important Notes
Lab Format: Most labs are completed in class during our 90-minute sessions, with worksheets to guide you. Some (e.g., Lunar Phases) include short at-home observations.
Preparation: Review pre-lab materials (provided) to understand key concepts. Bring a notebook, pen, and calculator to each session.
Tools:
Simulations: PhET labs run on any browser (laptops/tablets). NAAP labs use native apps (Windows/macOS) or an emulator online—check setup instructions on the course website.
Equipment: Telescopes, spectroscopes, and other tools are provided in class. Stellarium is free to download for sky observations.
Assessment: Labs are graded based on completed worksheets, data analysis, and short reflection questions. Pre/post-tests may be used for some labs to track your progress.
Flexibility: If weather prevents outdoor observations (e.g., Night Sky), we’ll use simulations as backups. Virtual options are available for remote learners.
Support: Lab instructions, student guides, and troubleshooting tips are on the course website. Ask for help with simulations or equipment!
Why These Labs?
These labs blend real observations, interactive simulations, and data analysis to make astronomy exciting and accessible. You’ll develop skills in scientific thinking, graphing, and interpreting data while exploring the wonders of the universe. Whether you’re stargazing, modeling orbits, or hunting exoplanets, each lab connects to lecture topics and builds your understanding of the cosmos.
Check the course calendar for lab dates and come prepared. If you have questions about labs or need help with tools, contact me in class or QRT
Notes
Selection Rationale: The 12 labs were chosen to cover core Astro 101 topics (sky navigation, orbits, stellar properties, cosmology) while balancing observation (3 general labs), simulation (5 NAAP, 3 PhET), and analysis. They fit a 12-week semester with 90-minute sessions.
Customization: Adjust lab order to align with lectures (e.g., H-R Diagram with stellar evolution). Editable NAAP student guides and PhET worksheets are available for tailoring.
Time Management: Most labs fit within 60–75 minutes, leaving time for introductions or discussions. The Night Sky lab may require an evening session, star party at Deer Lakes or at-home work.
Resources: NAAP materials are at astro.unl.edu; PhET simulations and worksheets are at phet.colorado.edu. General lab data (e.g., galaxy images, exoplanet datasets) can be sourced from NASA/ESA or created for the course.
Backup Plans: For cloudy nights, replace observation labs with NAAP’s Rotating Sky or Stellarium-based activities.