per class
Astronomy: True Size of the Solar System
Completed by 6 learners
Ages 8-13
Live One-Time Class
Live video meetings
Meets once
2-10 learners per class
25 min
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
Meet the teacher
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!
John
Reviews
John PhD suggests this class next...
Astronomy: Venus - Ocean Mysteries
John PhD
5.0
(305)
per class
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 25 min
8-13
Other classes by John PhD
Other classes by John PhD
Related categories
Parents also liked
Squishmallows in Space (Astronomy + Planetary Science)
Shiny Happy Kids w/ Miss Alex STEM Dino Art Myths
5.0
(917)
per class
Next session at 1 PM on Tue 9/9
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
4-7
Squishmallows in Space (Astronomy + Planetary Science) *5 Day Camp*
Shiny Happy Kids w/ Miss Alex STEM Dino Art Myths
5.0
(917)
per class
Next session at 3 PM on Mon 6/23
Group Class
1 wk, 5/wk, 45 min
4-7
Cosmic Journeys: A Spacetacular Exploration of Cosmology & Astronomy
Joseph Constantine
4.5
(158)
per class
Next session at 4 PM today
Group Class
2/wk, 55 min
9-14
Exploring Space & Creating an Edible Solar System Model!
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.9
(127)
per class
Next session at 8 PM on Thu 9/4
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
9-14
Astronomy and Outer Space Explorers
Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.
4.9
(409)
per class
Next session at 9 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
8-12
Astronomy & Art History - A Seriously Stellar Time for Lovers of Space & Art 1:1
Breezy Ocaña Flaquer, PhD
5.0
(30)
per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
6-18
Pre-K Learning With Ms. Liz: Blast off! Exploring Space & Our Solar System
Liz
5.0
(440)
per class
Next session at 6 PM on Wed 6/11
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 35 min
4-6
Astronomy Talk Weekly Space Club
Natasha Donahue
4.9
(371)
per class
Next session at 4 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
9-13
Twisted Astronomy: Explore Distant Objects in Space
Kelly McGrath
4.9
(878)
per class
Next session at 1 PM on Wed 6/4
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
8-12
Greatest Discoveries in Astronomy From the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)!
Mr. Ferko - B.S. Astronomy
4.8
(31)
per class
Next session at 7 PM on Thu 5/22
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
11-16
Twisted Astronomy: Tour the Space in Our Solar System
Kelly McGrath
4.9
(878)
per class
Next session at 6:30 PM on Tue 9/23
Group Class
19 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
7-11
Space Adventure: Ongoing Astronomy for the Young Explorer
Arwen Hubbard
4.9
(834)
per class
Next session at 3:30 PM on Saturday
Group Class
1/wk, 25 min
4-6
Astronomy and Space :Explore the Universe Beyond Our Solar System-Ongoing
J Mehta M.S. B.Ed.- Astronomy-Sc-Human Body-Coding
4.7
(922)
per class
Next session at 8 PM today
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
10-15
Astronomy for Kids Using Actual Observatory Telescopes! (STEM, Physics, Space)
Quantum Physics for Kids
4.9
(1,489)
per class
Next session at 12 AM on Sun 5/25
Group Class
12 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
8-13
Explore the NASA Space Image of the Day! (Ongoing Astronomy Club)
Lyndsay Marvin-Schneider
5.0
(56)
per class
Next session at 7:30 PM today
Group Class
3/wk, 30 min
7-11
Latest Discoveries in Astronomy From the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)!
Mr. Ferko - B.S. Astronomy
4.8
(31)
per class
Next session at 9:55 PM on Sunday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
11-16
More to explore
Algebra Ii Prep
Jess Coulter Mat
Manga Fashion
Math Winter Break
Photo 101
Blending Sounds
Biology Drawing
Comic Book
Math Explorer
Multi-sensory Reading
History Of The 1960s
Democracy
Addiction Gaming
Read Read Wherever You Go
Sentences
Private Biology
Lydia Holloway
Chess 2
Introduction To Dungeons And Dragons 101 Simplified Campaign Monster Slayers
Essential for Reluctant Writer