Sun, Moon, and Stars: Engaging Astronomy for Homeschoolers | Licensed Teacher
This interactive science class explores the Sun, Moon, and stars through hands-on activities and NGSS-aligned lessons. Designed for homeschoolers and taught by a licensed teacher, it makes space science engaging and accessible.
What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. includedAssignments
includedProjects
3-6 throughout the classAssessment
includedProgress Report
includedClass Experience
US Grade 5 - 6
Beginner - Advanced Level
What will be taught? Students will learn about the Sun, Moon, and stars, and how they interact with Earth to create patterns like day and night, moon phases, and the appearance of constellations. What topics will you cover? Topics include the Earth's rotation and orbit, why the Sun looks brighter than other stars, phases of the Moon, the role of gravity, and how the night sky changes with the seasons. How is your class structured? This course meets twice a week for 45-minute sessions over six weeks. Each class is focused on one main concept and includes a mix of direct instruction, discussion, hands-on activities, and visual learning. How will you teach? I’ll guide students using a combination of slides, real-life examples, short video clips, models, and interactive questions. Lessons are broken into short, easy-to-follow parts to keep learners engaged. What’s your teaching style? My approach is interactive and supportive. I create a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, sharing ideas, and participating at their own pace. How much will learners get to interact with you? Students will have frequent opportunities to interact with me through live discussions, games, check-ins, and group activities. Every session includes time for sharing observations, asking questions, and connecting the material to their own experiences.
Learning Goals
Understand (Comprehension):
Students will be able to explain how the Earth’s rotation causes day and night and describe the patterns of the Sun, Moon, and stars in the sky.
Apply (Application):
Students will use models and diagrams to demonstrate moon phases, the Sun’s apparent brightness, and the seasonal appearance of constellations.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)12 Lessons
over 6 WeeksLesson 1:
The Sun — Our Nearest Star
What is the Sun? Size, composition, and importance to Earth
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Sun — Our Nearest Star
How does the Sun provide energy? (Connection to plants, energy flow)
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Earth’s Rotation & Day/Night
Earth’s rotation and its connection to day/night
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Earth’s Rotation & Day/Night
Observing shadows and sunlight position throughout the day
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is thoughtfully designed to support learners with ADHD, Dyslexia, and ASD. I use structured routines, visual supports, and interactive activities to keep students engaged and comfortable. Each lesson is broken into clear, managea
Parental Guidance
None
Supply List
-Composition Book/Journal -Spiral Notebook -Color Pencils/Markers/Crayons
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
We will be applying readily available Science Content through available resources that align with Ca-NGSS
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in Science
Florida Teaching Certificate in Science
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Education from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from University of California at Davis
High School Chemistry: 1.5 years, teaching foundational and advanced concepts in chemistry.
Anatomy and Physiology (High School): 1 year, covering detailed human body systems and their functions.
Engineering with an Emphasis on Programming (Middle School): 1 year, introducing students to programming fundamentals and engineering concepts.
8th Grade Physical Science: 3 years, fostering inquiry-based learning in concepts of physics and chemistry.
High School Environmental Science: 1 year, educating students on environmental issues and sustainable practices.
Research Experience: University of California at Davis: Dept of Neurological Surgery (March 2004 - March 2006). David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles: Dept Brain Research Institute (04/2006 - 04/2007). University of California at Irvine: Dept of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (08/2007 - 06/2009). California State University at Los Angeles: Dept of Natural Science (08/2009-06/2011).
Reviews
Live Group Course
$47
weekly2x per week, 6 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-12
2-18 learners per class