The Sun: Introduction to Heliology (Flex)

In this four-week flex course learners will explore the amazing star at the center of our solar system. We will learn about how stars work, what our own sun has in common with other stars, how we study it, and how the Sun influences the biosphere and our modern technology. 

We will investigate questions such as:
What is a star?
What is a solar storm?
How does the Sun influence Earth?
What is magnetism?
How do we study the Sun?
How does learning about the Sun help us understand other stars?

This is an asynchronous flex course. There are no live meetings. Students will learn by watching lectures, interacting in with others students and instructor in the classroom, answering homework questions, and reading or watching additional weekly videos and articles. There will also be a weekly check in between the instructor and each student through Outschool’s messaging system.
Students will interact with each other through weekly projects structured discussion in the classroom. They are also expected to post questions and responses to the weekly lecture videos and additional materials. 

Weekly Schedule:
SUNDAY- 
The week’s lesson will be posted on Sunday. It will include: 
Weekly checklist
Recorded video lectures by the instructor
Individual feedback and followup for the previous week’s assignments
Additional watching and/or reading material 
Homework assignment
Discussion topics and project assignment

WEDNESDAY-
Learners post their projects in the classroom by no later than Wednesday in order to give other students time to respond to them.

FRIDAY-
Weekly assignment
Weekly student/instructor check-in
Learners post their responses to classmates’ projects in the classroom by no later than Friday.

Peer Interaction Through Weekly Project and Discussion:
Learners will have a weekly project related to the lessons material. Project assignments vary by week but include assignments such as creating an art piece, researching a current or past mission, or write an opinion piece. Students will be able to choose from multiple project to complete each week. Projects are designed to encourage critical thinking and conversation between classmates. 
Students will post their projects in the classroom. They will also need to respond to a minimum of three other posts by their classmates. The instructor will encourage respectful conversation and exchange of ideas.
Participation in class projects and discussion is key to a deeper and lasting understanding of the material! Participation is required.

Instructor-Student Interaction:
In addition to interacting with the instructor through questions, discussion, and feedback on homework, the instructor and student will have a weekly check-in to evaluate the learner’s needs and progress together. The instructor is available for “Office Hours” to meet with the learner over video or voice upon request!

There is no textbook or prerequisites for this class, just a love of learning and curiosity astronomy. All necessary learning materials will be provided in the classroom. Classes are designed to encourage student engagement and follow their curiosity.

Week One - The Sun as a Star
   - The Sun’s Context in the Milky Way
   - Stellar Life Cycles
   - Stellar Categorization and Properties 

Week Two - 
   - Structure
   -  Fusion
   - Sun Cycles
   - Solar Storms

Week Three – Heliology
   - Current and Past Missions
   - Helioseismology 
   - Spectroscopy

Week Four – The Sun Influence
   - Heliosphere
   - Interaction with Planets
   - Solar Storms and Technology
   - Photosynthesis and Life