星艦歷險記：天文學

In this four week course, students will play a cooperative roleplaying game to learn about key topics in astronomy. Each class will be a self-contained story reminiscent of an Octonauts or Star Trek episode.

Not only is the game format a ton of fun, it creates the opportunity for deeper learning by allowing students (explorers) to apply the knowledge they have learned in a memorable way. 

Explorers will play the roles of scientists aboard their very own starship. They will get to design their own characters by choosing from several animals (bear, cat, fox, or quoll), what type of scientist they are, and what kind of skills they have. The explorers will create their starship together and a backstory for their crew.  

Each episode (live class meeting) explorers will learn about a particular real life space phenomenon. They will have to use their new knowledge, teamwork, and critical thinking to get their crew out of danger or save the day! While the framework of the game is fictional – anthropomorphic animals exploring space in a starship – the subject of each class will be from real life. This distinction will be made clear each episode. 


LIVE CLASS STRUCTURE:

In the first class we will build characters together, learn to play the game, and discuss expectations for the rest of the course.  

In weeks two through four there will be three sections to each class: 

- Introduction and Review 
We will review explorers' log entries from the previous episode, the game rules, and characters.

- Game Play
This section will take up the majority of the live meeting’s time. We will enter the make believe world of the game. Explorers will use descriptions and dice rolls to move the story along. In the course of their adventure they will learn about the week’s subject and have to use that information to get themselves out of a sticky situation. Turns will be taken, and each explorer will get the chance to shine.
We will take a brief bathroom break in the middle of this period. 

- Table Talk
In this section we will reflect on the game just played, the information learned (review and cover questions), provide constructive feedback, and discuss their assignment for next class. Assignments will be entries in their Mission Logbooks from their character’s perspective. 


Session One- Learn to Play 
Session Two – Electromagnetic Spectrum
Session Three – Orbits and Planetary Movement
Session Four – Life and Death of Stars


FAQs

What is a roleplaying game?
A table-top RPG is a form of collective storytelling. It can be thought of as structured make believe. 

Does my student need previous roleplaying experience?
No! This class is an excellent introduction to the craft of roleplaying. The rules are very simple, and learners will be guided through the process. Learners will gain a foundation that will help them succeed in more complex RPG systems in the future, such as Dungeons and Dragons. 

Does my student have to be super outgoing/an actor to participate?
No. While this is a full participation class, all different personality types are welcome! The game is structured so that each student is important to the success of the team and turns are taken to make sure each person get’s their moment to shine. I will guide and encourage them through the process.  

Is there fighting/violence in this?
If this was a movie, it would be Rated G. Violence will be strongly discouraged, and creative solutions to story conflict will be rewarded. 

What role do you (Arwen) play?
I play the game master. This role can be thought of as the narrator and facilitator. I will guide the story, create opportunities for the learners to express themselves and explore through their characters. I will also voice any non-player characters they encounter. It is my job to make sure everyone is having fun and learning!