Older Kids Astronomy Outline (Steve)
Updated January 2, 2005
Contents (clickable):
Special note to parents. READ THIS PLEASE:
Purpose of this outline:
This is my reference outline. It describes the topics I hope to cover but is not intended to be used directly by the students. Most of this will be translated into age appropriate conversation and activities. Some of the kid appropriate web links below will be suggested or assigned for the students. The overview of astronomy link is excellent because there is a beginner thru advanced option on each page so that a user can choose the level of detail they wish to access.
We will make actual observations during visits or potentially sleepovers in our observatory at “the rock” so that we can spend time observing and recording after dark (evening or early morning). Observatory visits are intended to be fun and educational.
The approach is to learn astronomy as humans did, by first making naked eye observations and assumptions, then moving on to how we learned more, understanding what has been learned, and making observations today.
Special note to parents. READ THIS PLEASE:
Astrology: (source) 31% of the public believes in astrology including 36% of women and 43% of those aged 25 to 29 but only 17% of people aged 65 and over, and 25% of men.
Creationism: (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) Only about a third of Americans believe that Charles Darwin's theory of evolution is a scientific theory that has been well supported by the evidence. Forty-five percent of Americans also believe that God created human beings pretty much in their present form about 10,000 years ago when the earth was created.
As the polls above indicate, very substantial numbers of people believe in astrology and creationism. In my presentation, I do NOT support these beliefs. I do NOT attack them. I mention them only in passing. They will NOT be major discussion points, but I want to be sure that parents know in advance how I will represent these beliefs.
- I clearly demonstrate that the signs of the zodiac are merely human “connect the dots” contrivances originating thousands of years ago (no one knows exactly when) when we grossly misunderstood astronomy, that the earth and moon is about 4.5 billion years old, that most of the stars and objects that we look at in telescopes generated the starlight that we see today hundreds of thousands if not billions of years ago, and that the big bang occurred about 13.7 billion years ago. This is consistent with modern astronomy.
- To create a timescale for astronomy and to put human astronomical achievements and events in timescale perspective, I matter-of-fact define human ancestry as between 200,000 and 2 million years depending on how you define humans. Many of my resources and the resources found on the internet that refer to the history of astronomy make comparable references.
I bring this up now, in advance, because there is no other way for me to teach astronomy. The science of astronomy is based on these premises and that is how I much teach it. I respect the beliefs of others, that is why I mention the positions I will take in advance so that you as a parent can make responsible choices. Comments or suggestions to me are very welcome.
Goals
Develop an overview of astronomy, its history and importance through time
Develop concepts, skills and vocabulary necessary to understand the science of astronomy and differentiate astronomy from celestial non-sciences
Create a personal timeline log of astronomical events, people and discoveries
Use online research resources effectively
Make basic (but still amazing) astronomical observations using available binoculars, telescopes, computer simulations, online resources
Post our progress and pictures online (Waller homeschool website) for examination and commentary by family and friends
Objectives
The list below is not in session order. These topics will be introduced as appropriate, starting from basic naked-eye observations and early human historical assumptions, then moving forward through the history of astronomy to today’s understandings, but all of the topics will be covered eventually.
The exception will be the opening exercise of viewing Comet Machholz which will not wait. It must be observed and discussed in early January.
