Out of This World! A Course in Astronomy and Space Exploration
In this 10-week course, students will learn about the solar system, the universe, and the ways that man has learned, and explored the heavens.
Christopher Hoppner MAT
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(93)
What's included
20 live meetings
18 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. A mix of homework, projects and video assigmentsCertificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Beginner Level
This class will be taught via PowerPoint Lessons, video clips, and physical demonstrations using models. I will cover all topics of Astronomy and Space Exploration listed in the syllabus. My classes are lecture format however they are extremely open to class participation. Questions and discussions that move off topic but stay within the realm of the class may take place, and I highly encourage questions.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to state the difference between Astrology and Astronomy, and use scientific explanations to differentiate between the two.Students will be able to explain the historical discoveries and observations which moved thinking from a Geocentric Model of the Universe to a Heliocentric Model of the Solar System.
Syllabus
20 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
Unit 1 – Introduction to Astronomy and Space Exploration.
Review of upcoming classes, definitions of basic terms such as Rotation, Revolution, Albedo, Gravity, Apparent Motion. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Unit 2 – The Largest “Bang” Never Heard
A look at The Big Bang Theory (no…not the really cool T.V. Series, but we may play the theme). The formation of the universe, cosmic radiation, the Doppler Effect, Red vs Blue Shift, and Electromagnetic Radiation will be a few of the focus points of this lesson. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Structure of the Universe – “Strings to Seas”
A look at the largest structures such a Galaxy Super Clusters to the smallest, such as meteorites. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Unit 4 – Lesson 1 – Historical Astronomy – How Ancients Perceived the Heavens
A look at mythologies of the Asians, Europeans, and Americans. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
1) NASA Website - https://www.nasa.gov/
2) A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes - Stephen Hawking.
3) StarTalk - American television talk show hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson that aired weekly on National Geographic.
4) Foundations of Astronomy - Textbook - Michael A. Seeds (Author), Dana Backman (Author)
5) American Museum of Natural History Website - https://www.amnh.org/
6) Time Travel in Einstein's Universe: The Physical Possibilities of Travel Through Time - astrophysicist J. Richard Gott
7) The Right Stuff - Book by Tom Wolfe
Joined April, 2020
4.9
93reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from Stony Brook University
Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science from Dowling College
Associate's Degree in Marine Biology from Suffolk County Community College
I created taught a version of this class at the high school level for 10 years in a New York High School.Reviews
Live Group Course
$40
weekly or $400 for 20 classes2x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
1-8 learners per class
