Understanding Our Universe is a high school level astronomy course adapted from college-level materials with a focus on interactive technology, science process and the scientific method, and project-based learning.
Students who take this class will come away with a deep real-world understanding of the structure of the universe, the science of astronomy, and how to make decisions about science and technology in the 21st century. Wherever possible, students will be provided opportunities, both in the real world and using interactive tools, to learn by doing as astronomers really do.
Students will learn about:
- The foundations of astronomy as a discipline
- Our solar system in depth
- Stars
- The evolution of stars
- Galaxies
- Our universe
- Cosmology
This is a 16-week class for teens working at an advanced high school level. Weekly webinars are 50 minutes long. Recordings are available for students who must miss a session. This class will make a good extension for students who became interested in astronomy (and the science thereof) through Big History or Physics Literacy.
Links to required book:
- Required text: Understanding Our Universe, 4th Edition
This textbook is the latest revision of a text currently used at respected universities across America. Please note that if you buy used from another source, the book you get will not come with the code required to access some activities in the coursework.
