Introduction to Observational Astronomy: Stargazing
In this 4-week course, students will learn about observational astronomy by studying a constellation of their choosing.
What's included
4 live meetings
4 in-class hoursAssignments
1 hour per week. Students will create an observation journal. One journal entry will be assigned at the end of each class (weeks 1-3). Each entry should take approximately one hour to complete over the course of the week. Assignments will be discussed in the next class.Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
In this course we will introduce observational astronomy through stargazing. Students will develop situational awareness of the night sky, increase cultural associations with astronomy, and learn fundamental astronomy concepts such as coordinate systems, stellar classification, and telescopes. We will follow a mini-course class structure. Each class with consist of a lecture, student discussions, and an assignment. Lectures will introduce astronomy concepts that will be practiced in the following weekly assignments. Students will engage with the night sky by creating a detailed journal of observations. My teaching style is active and inquisitive. I believe that success in STEM fields is aided by developing a disciplined problem-solving mindset. Classes will be centered on discussion, with emphasis placed on learning through doing. This course presents astronomy as a lens through which a student can approach future science, math, and arts courses.
Learning Goals
Develop situational awareness of the night sky.Increase cultural associations with astronomy.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Choose your constellation
Introduce alt/az coordinate system. Introduce ‘tips and tricks’ for measuring arc on the sky.
Discussion: Students choose one constellation that is observable in their location.
Assignment: Brief writeup about your constellation (name, alt/az coordinates for your location, illustration). Observe your constellation at least one time before next class. Provide an illustration including constellation, direction, and relevant surroundings (house, trees, other stars, etc).
Introduce alt/az coordinate 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Meet the stars
Introduce star classification categories. Introduce star naming conventions. Introduce absolute vs observed magnitude.
Discussion: Share illustrations from assignment. Share challenges with finding the constellation. Celebrate successes!
Assignment: Create an illustration of your constellation with all stars labeled (name, type, magnitude). Observe the constellation at least one time before next class, and record the brightest/dimmest stars to your eyes. Compare observations with magnitudes. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
History and mythology
Introduce history of constellation naming. Provide one example from ancient astronomers and one from modern astronomers. Introduce constellations as regions in the sky.
Discussion: Share observations of different stars in constellations. Who has the brightest star? Who has the hottest star?
Assignment: Look up the history of your constellation. Observe your constellation on at least three nights before next class, at the same time each night. Create a contextual diagram of your constellation. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Telescopes and more
Introduce other observational techniques: telescopes, binoculars, spectra.
Discussion: Share constellation histories and mythologies. Share observations of constellation movement. Did everyone’s constellation move the same amount, or different amounts? 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Pre-Requisites
At least one science or math class at the 9th grade level or above. This mini-course should be treated as a science elective.
Supply List
Students will need a way to record observations of the night sky. Sufficient materials include a notebook or a tablet. Access to an internet search engine is required. No textbooks are required for this course. No observing aids (telescope, binoculars, etc) are required for this course.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Lectures drawn primarily from:
An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics. Carroll and Ostlie. https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Modern-Astrophysics-2nd/dp/0805304029
HyperPhysics website http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Astro/astcon.html
Joined December, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a research scientist specializing in astrophysics. I have been recognized nationally for my work on black holes (Astronaut Scholarship Foundation) and stellar navigation (National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship). I have 5+ years of tutoring experience, primarily with undergraduate STEM students.Reviews
Live Group Course
$38
weekly or $150 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
1-12 learners per class
