Applied Astronomy
Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.
Star Educator
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(384)
In this science class, students will apply math skills to various astronomical questions
Class experience
Math is the language of science, and with it, astronomers can describe many aspects of how the Universe functions. In this ongoing class, students will get to apply math skills to various astronomical questions such as how distances are calculated, how to use ratios to find sizes of geographical features of other planets and moons, and how we can calculate travel times and communication times to the planets in the Solar System. PREREQUISITES: This is an intermediate to advanced class....
For the past 20 years, Alana has taught astronomy to children. She obtained her graduate degree in astrophysics from the University of Alabama. She also worked at the Angelo State University Planetarium, is part of NASA's Nightsky Network, and regularly provides astronomy outreach opportunities to her community.
Homework Offered
Each week, I will provide a workbook for the topic we will be discussing. The workbook will be a place for students to take notes and write down equations. It will also include application questions for us to work on together. I provide extra questions for students to do on their own after class, and the answers will be posted each Friday.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
Each week, students should bring the weekly file (this will be sent before class), a calculator, straight edge, pencil, extra scratch paper. See a detailed weekly list below: Topic 1: Distances -calculator -pencil -Topic 1 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 2: Angles -calculator -pencil -protractor -Topic 2 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 3: Scales and Ratios -ruler (for measuring) -calculator -pencil -Topic 3 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 4: Mass and Weight -calculator -pencil -Topic 4 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 5: Time and Stellar Location -calculator -pencil -Topic 5 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 6: Apparent Magnitude -calculator -pencil -Stellarium (not required but recommended): https://stellarium-web.org/ -Google sheets (not required but recommended. A specific link will be sent with instructions) -Topic 6 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 7: Absolute Magnitude -calculator -pencil -Google sheets (not required but recommended. A specific link will be sent with instructions) -Topic 7 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 7: Geometry in the Solar System: Inferior Planets -calculator -pencil -straight edge (ruler) -Topic 7 worksheet (will be sent before class) -Optional items: colored pencils for diagramming and a compass (the kind to draw circles, not to tell directions) Topic 8: Geometry in the Solar System: Superior Planets -calculator -pencil -straight edge (ruler) -Topic 8 worksheet (will be sent before class) -Optional items: colored pencils for diagramming Topic 9: Kepler’s 1st Law -extra paper for drawing -two thumb tacks -cardboard (Thick enough to insert thumb tacks without them coming through the bottom side. It can be doubled over to prevent this.) -string (8-10 inches in length) -calculator -pencil -ruler -Topic 9 worksheet (will be sent before class) -Optional items: colored pencils for diagramming Topic 10: Kepler’s 2nd and 3rd Laws -calculator -pencil -straight edge (ruler) -Topic 10 worksheet (will be sent before class) -Optional items: colored pencils for graphing Topic 11: Newton Extends on Kepler's 3rd Law of Motion -calculator -pencil -straight edge (ruler) -Topic 11 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 12: Orbital Velocities -calculator -pencil -Topic 12 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 13: Escape Velocities -calculator -pencil -Topic 13 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 14: Travel Times in the Solar System -ruler or straight edge for diagramming -calculator -pencil -Topic 14 worksheet (will be sent before class) Topic 15: Black Holes: Schwarzchild Radius and Tidal Forces -calculator -pencil -Topic 15 worksheet (will be sent before class)
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Star Educator
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(384)
I am a 5-star ACE certified teacher and was recently recognized as an Outschool "Outstanding Educator." My passion is teaching astronomy. There is nothing like hearing the "Ooos" and "Awws" from families who have seen the rings of Saturn for the...
Group Class
$18
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 73 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-8 learners per class
