Astronomy: True Size of the Solar System
Join us for a one-time class that reveals the true scale of our solar system! Discover just how vast the distances between planets really are, and why traditional images of the solar system don’t do it justice.
John PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(258)
Popular
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
25 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
Embark on an extraordinary journey through space in this one-time class, where we'll uncover the true scale of our solar system! In this class, students will learn why the distances between planets are much larger than they appear in most images. We'll explore concepts like astronomical units, light years, and how scientists measure the vastness of space. We'll use models, visuals, and engaging thought exercises to illustrate just how far apart the planets really are, and why it's so difficult to represent these distances accurately in diagrams. Students will gain a newfound appreciation for the immense size of our solar system and the challenges of space travel. Whether you're an aspiring astronaut, a space enthusiast, or simply curious about the universe, this class will open your eyes to the wonders of our cosmic neighborhood.
Learning Goals
Young astronomers and scientists will gain a deeper understanding of the vast distances within our solar system and learn about the methods used to measure and represent these distances.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Solar System Facts. https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/facts/#h-size-and-distance
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Solar System Scale Problems. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/yoss_act1.pdf
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Science from Saint Mary's University
Hello, Outschoolers!
My name is John and I have been a scientist and educator for over 15 years. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honors in Biology), Master of Applied Sciences, and a Ph.D. in biology. Over my BSc, MSc and PhD I have designed and delivered courses for students aged 3 to 63 for class sizes ranging from one-on-one lessons to classrooms of over 300 students.
I have professionally taught subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, and Math, as well as more focused lessons such as courses in Public Speaking, Time Management, and Conversation Skills. I have worked as a scientific mentor and instructor to students in elementary school all the way to university. I hold certificates for 150-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language and 250-hour Intensive Teaching certificates, and have participated in seminars for Grading and Giving Feedback to students. I have given scientific conference presentations to audiences of more than 700 people, and have published a number of peer-reviewed scientific articles. I also have experience coaching a variety of sports including hockey, basketball, and volleyball. I have been teaching courses online for 5 years to more than 1200 students.
I am a lifelong student and love to learn new things each day. My teaching philosophy revolves around this idea, that every student has a lot of their own to offer and I always try to relate any topic to a student's interest. You may find classes of mine that take popular culture and relate these hobbies and interests with academic concepts to help students relate to the material. My classes are often heavy in discussion (though no student is forced to speak if they do not want to) and we expand on the material in each lesson based on what students are most interested in. This often results in courses that interest me in particular and that I think can offer students a lot of value and critical thinking skills. I teach high-level academic courses, as well as conversation-based community development to foster interest in sharing things students enjoy.
Private, personalized tutoring is also available. Send me a message if interested.
I hope to see you all in class soon!
JohnReviews
Live One-Time Class
$21
per classMeets once
25 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
2-10 learners per class
