Things Are Looking up! Ongoing Backyard Astronomy Older Grades
A observation-driven, naked-eye introduction to the night (and day!) sky.
Talib Huff
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(48)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Homework will not be assigned but the students are encouraged to go out and observe the night sky at least once each week.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner Level
Each session of this class will cover constellations, planets, and celestial events that will be observable that week. Objects and events presented will vary, depending on the students' interests and location. The emphasis will be on objects that can be seen without a telescope and without having to travel to a dark site. Some of the lore and history of the constellations and stars will also be shared. As time allows, general space questions will be addressed as well. The material will be presented through lecture, shared slides, and videos. No previous experience is needed. Content will vary depending on what is visible for that week (celestial current events, if you will). A typical schedule might look like this: Week 1: Finding Sirius, the Dog Star. How the ancient Egyptians used Sirius to predict the flooding of the Nile river. Week 2: Orion, the Great Hunter. Recognizing Orion from his famous belt. The story explaining why Orion sets just as Scorpio is rising. Week of 3: The moon and it's phases. As the moon is just past its first quarter, it is now easy to find in the sky. How to predict what the moon will look like in the coming weeks. Week of 4: Leo, the King of the Zodiacal Beasts. Finding Leo from his distinctive mane. Why are some constellations of the zodiac easy to find and others not.
Learning Goals
The students will become familiar with the night sky and gain an understanding of movement of the planets and stars.
Other Details
Learning Needs
Well not aimed directly towards students with you unique learning needs, I do have 10 years experience working with those students. The class material and format is easily adapted to each students particular learning style.
Parental Guidance
Some of the myths associated with the constellations involve sensitive topics (death, infidelity, etc.). These will only be touched on lightly and handled in a manner appropriate for the age group. Kahoot may be used sometimes in class.
Pre-Requisites
Awareness of the cardinal directions (N, E, S, W) around the student's home is helpful.
Supply List
Suggested but not required: a journal to record your observations.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined December, 2017
5.0
48reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have been an avid amateur astronomer my whole life. In my 35 years teaching in private schools and local museums I've taught Astronomy to hundreds of children. In addition to developing and presenting planetarium shows, I volunteered for JPL as a Solar System Ambassador.Reviews
Live Group Class
$10
weekly1x per week
30 min
Completed by 57 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-8 learners per class
