Astrophysics and the Cosmos: An Introduction to the Universe
In this 8-week course learners will meet weekly to talk about our universe, how it works, and the objects found within it. We will cover the formation of our solar system, galaxies, and stars while using physics and chemistry concepts.
Natasha Donahue
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(371)
What's included
16 live meetings
12 in-class hoursClass Experience
Do you want to know all there is to know about the universe? If you are interested in astronomy and want to understand the cosmos, then this 8-week class can help you with a basic foundation of knowledge. We will cover a range of topics related to our universe, the forces of the universe, and how those forces work with matter to create the galaxies, stars, and solar systems within it. We will touch on the fabric of spacetime, how space and time changes, and what we think it might do in the future. We will also learn about what we still don't know (which is a lot!). Students will have the chance to engage throughout each class with any questions and contributions they may have. We may go overtime if the discussion warrants it! I try to make all classes as engaging as possible and utilize visual elements to help learners understand complex concepts. Throughout our meetings, we will discuss each topic: Week 1: - Our Universe: an Introduction - Atoms and the Periodic Table of Elements Week 2: - Our Solar System: an Introduction - Gravity and the Fabric of Space Week 3: - The Formation of our Solar System - The Strong and Weak Nuclear Force Week 4: - The Lifecycles of Stars - Black holes Week 5: - The Formation and Evolution of Galaxies - Electricity and How Light Works Week 6: - Earth Science and the Dynamo - Magnetism, Forcefields, and The Northern/Southern Lights (Aurora Borealis/Auroras Australis) Week 7: - The Light Spectrum and Star Distances - The Expanding Universe Through Time Week 8: - Quantum Mechanics: an Introduction - Are We the Only Intelligent Life Out There? These classes will be conceptual, and will not include any mathematics. Anyone is welcome to join so that they may gain a foundational understanding of the cosmos! Before each class I will post an optional worksheet for learners to complete, which I can assess. No prior knowledge about any of the concepts is required!
Learning Goals
Students will have a basic foundational understanding of the universe, the objects within it, the forces of our universe, how the forces in the universe work with matter to make everything we know, and we will also touch on what we don't yet know.
Other Details
Supply List
Optional printable worksheets will be posted twice each week.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
371reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Athabasca University
Hey there! I'm Natasha and I love supporting youth in their love of science. I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in general science, and I have 10 years of experience in education with youth from 3-18 years old, and beyond. I am a science educator/communicator and researcher, and I am currently a part of the research team for the Galileo Project with Harvard University as well as Indigenous Scientist in Residence with the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab with Dr. Melanie Goodchild at Algoma University. Within education, I am currently the Manager of Indigenous Initiatives at TELUS World of Science - Edmonton.
I believe we owe our children the future, and I think deeply about intergenerational learning and health. In terms of learning, young people are capable of incredible things and can understand deeply if given the opportunity to do so on their terms. Each person is different, and as such, each person learns differently. I aim to create conversational-style experiences where I can share my knowledge and insight in a reciprocal way. I encourage youth to join the discussion, use creativity, teach others, and create collective models of understanding. This style of facilitation has in part helps me achieve success with distilling and communicating complex ideas, and to show them how much potential they have to seek out answers and think critically on their own. As a Métis person, I also utilize Indigenous pedagogy, based in story-telling and holistic learning. I approach ideas as a web, where we can connect across a multitude of other ideas and elements. In this way, we can explore connecting knowledge that serves to deepen understanding while ensuring the group maintains collective interest in the discussion.
My greatest passion lies with Astronomy and Physics, and I absolutely love to teach any concept in these fields. I'm a lifelong learner, and I plan to head back to university for graduate studies as I continue my journey through life. I'm currently 2 classes away from a Certificate in Museum Studies from the Alberta Museums Association, and I aim to engage in graduate studies when the time is right. I aspire to study and consider quantum mechanics through Indigenous philosophies, methodologies, and world views.Reviews
Live Group Class
$200
for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Completed by 57 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
3-8 learners per class
