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Planetary Science With Star Wars Planets

Explore the planets in the Star Wars universe and how real-life planetary science applies (or doesn't apply) to these worlds. Includes astronomy, atmospheric science, geology, oceanography, and astrobiology. No Star Wars knowledge required!
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(3,161)
Class
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What's included

7 pre-recorded lessons
7 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Mastery Evaluation
1-2 hours per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 12
This seven lesson self-paced course covers over 100 planets in the Star Wars Universe and their relationship to real-life science. While Star Wars has a lot of fantasy elements, much of that galaxy far, far away was inspired by what scientists here on Earth have discovered about planets in our own galaxy! In this course, we'll examine each Star Wars planet and explore the science (or lack of science) behind the planet.

Having extensive knowledge of the Star Wars Universe is not required for this class! Students will probably be familiar with some of the planets, and some will be new to them. Even students with NO knowledge of Star Wars will find this to be an enjoyable and informative course; we cover a ton of topics in planetary science, astronomy, geology, and even oceanography! 

Prior to class, I recommend that students have some general knowledge about the following basic science topics (watching a few YouTube videos about each topic should be enough):
⬥ The names and characteristics of the planets in our own solar system
⬥ Mass and density
⬥ The states of matter (solid, liquid, gas) and how matter changes states - such as going from a gas to a liquid. (Bonus points if you include the fourth state of matter - plasma - but we will also be covering this in class!)
⬥ What an atom is, and that it's made of protons and electrons

This is a self-paced course, which means there is no live component. Instead, for each lesson, students will watch some recorded lectures (totaling 50-70 minutes long per week)  and have access to extension activities that will deepen their understanding of the topic. 

Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.

Syllabus

7 Lessons
over 7 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Planetary Astronomy, Part 1
 ⬥ Introduction to the course
⬥ What is Planetary Astronomy?
⬥ Is that galaxy far, far away a realistic galaxy?
⬥ Solar system formation (Lira San, Starkiller Base, Exegol)
⬥ Stars in solar systems (Ahch-To, Tatooine, Dathomir)
⬥ Earth-like planets and the Habitable Zone (Takodana, Tython, Zygerria, Alderaan, Kashyyyk, Lotho Minor) 
Lesson 2:
Planetary Astronomy, Part 2
 ⬥ Planetary rings (D'Qar, Lah'Mu)
⬥ Moons in a solar system (Iego, Ajan Kloss, Yavin Prime)
⬥ Damaged planets (Anaxes, Hosnian Prime, Lola Sayu)
⬥ Asteroids (Polis Massa, Mining Guild Planetoid) 
⬥ Gravitational forces (Nixus, Montross, Forest Moon of Endor) 
Lesson 3:
Atmospheric Science, Part 1
 ⬥ What is atmospheric science?
⬥ What affects a planet's atmosphere? (Agamar, Forest Moon of Endor, Mining Guild Planetoid)
⬥ Moon atmospheres (Bahryn, Concordia, Rishi Moon)
⬥ Human manipulation of atmospheres (Coruscant, Nal Hutta, Lothal)
⬥ Oxygen formation (Mandalore, Dagobah, Bespin, Sorgan, Orto Plutonia) 
Lesson 4:
Atmospheric Science, Part 2
 ⬥ Weather on planets (Jedha, Scipio, Cato Neimoidia)
⬥ How mountains affect an atmosphere (Kijimi and Krownest)
⬥ Are these atmospheres realistic? (Shantipole, Sorgan, Tatooine)
⬥ Miscellaneous atmosphere topics (Aleen, Vanqor, Florrum, Eadu, Umbara) 

Other Details

External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
    Joined September, 2017
    4.9
    3161reviews
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    Teacher expertise and credentials
    Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
    I have been an Outschool teacher since 2018. I am a certified science teacher in the state of Arizona, with more than a decade of experience teaching children. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Space Science. My classes are offered in a lecture format, so your child can participate to his or her comfort level.

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    Self-Paced Course
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    $14

    weekly or $98 for all content
    7 pre-recorded lessons
    7 weeks of teacher support
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    1 year of access to the content

    Completed by 170 learners
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    Ages: 9-18

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