$2

weekly

or $12 for all content

Exoplanets: Alien Worlds

New class

Ages 9-13

Self-Paced Course

In this astronomy class, students will learn about planets outside of our Solar System.

Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(409 reviews)

6 pre-recorded lessons

6 weeks of teacher support

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1 year of access to the content

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About Learning Overview Schedule Teacher Reviews

What's included

6 pre-recorded lessons

6 weeks

of teacher support

1 year access

to the content

Class Experience

Since the discovery of the first exoplanet PSR B1257+12, the search for planets outside of our Solar System has yielded thousands of incredible alien worlds. While it’s still unknown if any are suitable for life, detection methods and chemical analyses have allowed astronomers to better understand extrasolar systems.

In this class, students will learn about the first exoplanet discoveries, current detection methods, and different types of exoplanets. We will also talk about specific exoplanets characteristics such as what type of exoplanet it is, how it was discovered, and if it has the right conditions for humans to live on it.

Learning Goals

Students will gain familiarity with exoplanets and terms that astronomers use.

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum

6 Lessons

over 6 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Introduction

 Welcome to class!

Lesson 2:

History of Detection

 We’ll discuss how the first exoplanets were discovered and how this led to an entire branch of astronomy dedicated to searching for these objects.

Lesson 3:

Current Detection Methods: Part 1

 We’ll talk about the three of the five detection methods astronomers use in their hunt for exoplanets: radial velocity, transit, and direct imaging.

Lesson 4:

Current Detection Methods: Part 2

 We’ll talk about the remaining two detection methods astronomers use in their hunt for exoplanets: gravitational microlensing, and astrometry.

Other Details

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.

Joined June, 2020

4.9

409reviews

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Master's Degree in Science from The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

I am a 5-star ACE certified teacher and was 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 first time through a telescope. The Universe is a vast and amazing place! I am looking forward to sharing many of its curiosities and wonders with your learner! 

𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Angelo State University and a Master's of Science degree in Astrophysics from the University of Alabama where I studied extragalactic astronomy. While in graduate school, I was also a Teaching Assistant for the department's astronomy classes and labs. 

During my undergraduate years, I had the honor of working at Texas' second largest planetarium on the campus of Angelo State University. I loved coordinating public planetarium shows and star talks. During this time, I realized how much I love astronomy education.

For the past decade, I have had the opportunity to homeschool my 3 children.  I also teach astronomy classes in my community, allowing me to share these explorations with others. I enjoy catering to different learning styles and appreciate what each learner brings to the classroom.