Outschool
Search

$2

weekly
or $12 for all content
Class

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.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(401 reviews)

6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content

Enroll Now, Start Anytime

Go at your own pace
Your learner can start learning when they want and progress at the speed that works best for them.
Not Accepting Enrollments
Start when you want.
Learn at your own pace
Access course material for a full year.
Get hands-on support from teacher.

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

4.9
401reviews
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.

Reviews

Alana May - Astronomy, M.S. suggests this class next...
Exploring Astronomy and Astrophysics With Universe Sandbox (Ages 13-18)
Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.
4.9
(401)
$13 per week
Self-Paced Class
5 weeks
13-18

Parents also liked
Squishmallows in Space (Astronomy + Planetary Science)
Shiny Happy Kids w/ Miss Alex STEM Dino Art Myths
5.0
(883)
$17 per class
Next session at 9:15 PM on Tuesday
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
4-7
Astronomy & Art History - A Seriously Stellar Time for Lovers of Space & Art 1:1
Breezy Ocaña Flaquer, PhD
5.0
(30)
$150 per session
1-on-1 Tutoring
On Demand
6-18
Astronomy 2: Astrophysics & Astronomy With Observatory Telescopes!
Quantum Physics for Kids
4.9
(1,447)
$18 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Thu 3/13
Group Class
12 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
8-13
Cosmic Journeys: A Spacetacular Exploration of Cosmology & Astronomy
Joseph Constantine
4.5
(158)
$15 per class
Next session at 2 AM tomorrow
Group Class
2/wk, 55 min
9-14
Exploring Space & Creating an Edible Solar System Model!
Stephanie Newton, BSc
4.8
(118)
$16 per class
Next session at 7 PM on Wed 3/12
Group Class
10 wks, 1/wk, 45 min
9-14
Astronomy and Outer Space Explorers
Alana May - Astronomy, M.S.
4.9
(401)
$12 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
8-12
Pre-K Learning With Ms. Liz: Blast off! Exploring Space & Our Solar System
Liz
5.0
(420)
$15 per class
Next session at 8 PM on Thursday
Group Class
1 wk, 1/wk, 35 min
4-6
Astronomy Talk Weekly Space Club
Natasha Donahue
4.9
(371)
$16 per class
Next session at 5 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
9-13
Space Adventure: Ongoing Astronomy for the Young Explorer
Arwen Hubbard
4.9
(826)
$6 per class
Next session at 4:30 PM tomorrow
Group Class
1/wk, 25 min
4-6
Latest Discoveries in Astronomy From the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)!
Mr. Ferko - B.S. Astronomy
4.8
(30)
$10 per class
Next session at 10:55 PM on Sunday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
11-16
Twisted Astronomy: Explore Distant Objects in Space
Kelly McGrath
4.9
(868)
$17 per class
Next session at 1 PM on Wed 6/4
Group Class
1/wk, 50 min
8-12
Explore NASA's Space Image of the Day! (Weekly Astronomy Class)
Lyndsay Marvin-Schneider
5.0
(54)
$12 per class
Next session at 11 PM on Wednesday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
7-10
Greatest Discoveries in Astronomy From the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)!
Mr. Ferko - B.S. Astronomy
4.8
(30)
$10 per class
Next session at 7:30 PM on Thursday
Group Class
1/wk, 30 min
11-16
Twisted Astronomy: Tour the Space in Our Solar System
Kelly McGrath
4.9
(868)
$17 per class
Next session at 6:30 PM on Tue 9/23
Group Class
19 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
7-11
Astronomy and Space :Explore the Universe Beyond Our Solar System-Ongoing
J Mehta M.S. B.Ed.- Astronomy-Sc-Human Body-Coding
4.7
(919)
$16 per class
Next session at 10 PM on Monday
Group Class
1/wk, 45 min
10-15
Astronomy for Kids Using Actual Observatory Telescopes! (STEM / STEAM / Space )
Quantum Physics for Kids
4.9
(1,447)
$18 per class
Next session at 1 AM tomorrow
Group Class
12 wks, 1/wk, 50 min
8-13
See More Classes
Home
Search
Give a Gift Card
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Language & Region
Log In