Astronomy: Beginning Night Sky--Level 1 (Middle School and High School version)
Constellations, Asterisms, and the North Star: Join me for a virtual planetarium show to learn constellations
Dr. Melissa Hamilton
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(10)
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will leave this class knowing more about the night sky than many adults. We will learn the five main circumpolar constellations (Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Cepheus, Cassiopeia, and Draco the Dragon. We will also discuss the importance of the North Star, and have an introduction to Orion, Taurus, and the Pleiades. This course is fast paced! I've presented this show (in person and virtually) to hundreds of students and they have been extremely successful. Students often want to stay longer to ask questions or learn more constellations. As a result, there should be at least 15 minutes for questions after we complete the constellations. Although the format will allow students to ask questions, practice the use of hand measurement of the sky, and respond to prompts, the format will be more in line with a virtual planetarium show than a typical lab or class. In other words, it is primarily lecture-based.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the names, locations, and information about the circumpolar constellations plus a few others. They will also learn ways to find them in the sky.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will be using Stellarium as our virtual planetarium. It is a free program that parents can use online or download.
The students will not need access to it for the show but many students might want their parents to get it after the show.
Joined February, 2021
4.8
10reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Hi, I'm Dr. Hamilton and I love science, writing, and traveling. Science-related courses are my main focus but I will also offer courses in my other areas of specialty - writing and travel. Perhaps even courses that overlap those areas.
I have a BS in Biology, MA in Curriculum Development, MS in Administration, MFA in Creative Writing, and my doctorate is in Educational Leadership and policy I've have taught science to almost every grade level, K-12, over the past 28 years and have held various leadership roles in the field. I currently coordinate and teach in the planetarium for my school district. All ages of students come to visit me for field trips because astronomy is out of this world! In addition to my regular position, I also enjoy teaching English to students in China.
For fun, I've been working on a young adult science fiction series and am in the process of finding an agent. In addition, I love to travel and have visited 5 continents, 21 countries, and 48 states.
I look forward to seeing you in class!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$20
per classMeets once
75 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-15 learners per class
