天文学ラボ: 天文学における測定とモデリング (9 ～ 12 歳)

*SPECIFIC MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THIS CLASS*
**NOTE: Please, Read My Class Policy (under the Parental Guidance Section) Before Enrolling **

Beginning Astronomical Measurement and Modeling gets learners outside observing and measuring. This hands-on, 4 week course for ages 9-12 sets the foundation for beginners learning observational astronomy. This course focuses on experiential lessons and hands-on activities mixed in with demonstration and discussion.  You can take this class at the same time as the Telescopes for Beginners class.

After taking this course, you will be able to:

Know how to prepare for an observing session
Know how to use a star finder to recognize seasonal constellations in the night sky
Experience seasonal night sky tours and hear star stories
Chart the moon phases using an astrolabe​
Understand where we are in our solar system
Understand how moon phases and eclipses work
Understand why the north star changes
Understand the reason for the seasons
Participate in Citizen Science and the importance of keeping our night skies dark

Week 1: 
In this first class, you will learn how to use a star wheel and compass to find constellations. You'll learn how to prepare for an outdoor observing session. I'll give you a night sky tour of seasonal constellations with planetarium software and tell a constellation story. Your homework this week will be to practice finding the constellations we discussed this week. 

Concepts and Vocabulary: 
Circumpolar
Constellation
Horizon
Cardinal directions
Why the planets are not on star wheels or constellation charts


Week 2: 
This week we will learn how to use an astrolabe provided in your kit to measure the position of the moon in the sky. You will learn how to chart the moon to make a moon calendar we will all share with one another in our last class. We will do an activity together to get a feel for the sizes and distances between the planets in our solar system. I'll give you a night sky tour of seasonal constellations with planetarium software and tell a constellation story. Your homework this week is to keep practicing finding new constellations with your starwheel and begin charting the moon. 

Concepts and Vocabulary: 
Altitude
Azimuth
Degrees


Week 3: 
This week we do an activity together to help us understand the reason for the seasons with materials from your kit. I'll tell a star story and give you a night sky tour of even more seasonal constellations (there are so many out there!) with planetarium software. You will learn about why we need to keep our night skies dark and how you can use your new constellation finding skills to become a citizen scientist. Your homework this week is to keep practicing finding new constellations with your star wheel and to keep charting the moon till the last class. 

Concepts and Vocabulary: 
Northern Hemisphere
Southern Hemisphere
Equator
Light Pollution
Color Temperature
Precession
Rotation
Revolution


Week 4: 
This last week we will do an activity together to help us understand how moon phases and eclipses work and share our moon calendars with one another.  I'll give you a night sky tour of even more seasonal constellations (there are just so many out there!) with planetarium software and tell a story. You will learn more about keeping our night sky dark and how you can earn patches for learning about light pollution. If you are ready to learn how to use a telescope for observing, check out The Astronomy Lab's Telescopes for Beginners class.

Concepts and Vocabulary: 
Moon phase vocabulary
Annular vs. Total Eclipse
Date of next eclipse
Eclipse viewing safety