Exoplanets: Alien Worlds
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:(395)
Star Educator
What's included
6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentClass 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 Curriculum6 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 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.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
395reviews
Star Educator
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
Self-Paced Course
$2
weekly or $12 for all content6 pre-recorded lessons
6 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content
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Ages: 9-13
