Have you ever wondered why our planet is habitable and the other planets in our solar system are not?  Join me to find out!  We will learn about the structure of our universe and what it includes, even the small objects within our solar system!  Our universe is vast and so is the knowledge we can gain learning about Astronomy!

Learners will encounter a variety of resources during the course, which includes videos, interactives, presentations with guided notes, hands-on activities, demonstrations, labs, classroom discussions as well as analytical and critical thinking. Labs are not required but participating in the labs is encouraged and learners will have a blast!

This course will be "out of this world" engaging and fun!  
The schedule is as follows:

Week 1:  Structure of our Universe (galaxies, stars, planets, moons)

Week 2:  Gravity in Space & Gravity Jump Lab

Week 3:  The Solar System (Inner & Outer Planets)/Planet Sales Pitch 

Week 4:  Phases of the Moon & Phases of the Moon Oreo Lab 
     (Students will need Oreo cookies for this lab.  Mega stuffed work best)

Week 5:  The Sun, Earth, Moon System (Tides & Eclipses)
                     We will make a model of the Sun, Earth & Moon System  (Students will need a glue stick and two brad/brass fasteners)

Week 6:  Properties of Stars & Life Cycle of Star

Week 7:  Properties of Stars Lab  & Small Bodies in Our Solar System 
     (Learners will need three large glow sticks of the same color for the lab)

Amazon Link to purchase glow sticks (Glow Sticks must be the same color):  https://www.amazon.com/Lumistick-Illuminating-Emergency-Waterproof-Non-Toxic/dp/B005HROJVM/ref=sr_1_15?crid=2FIMEN9ZM17OQ&dchild=1&keywords=glow+sticks&qid=1587956220&sprefix=glow+stics%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-15




A flex course allows learners to cover material during a time that is convenient for them each week.  Students are encouraged to check in with the teacher weekly via the Outschool classroom, which will allow for more engagement between the teacher and learner.  After weekly lessons, students can collaborate with their peers by replying to the announcements and lesson postings in the Outschool classroom.

Participation will include an introduction post, discussion posts, assignments, and projects. This allows students to process what they are learning by collaborating with peers and the teacher.  Participation in assignments allows students to practice and reinforce learning.  This also provides opportunities for the teacher to gauge student learning and provide interventions if necessary.  Private messages or classroom comments are usually responded to within 24 hours with the exception of weekends.