This course is a survey of modern astronomy introducing cycles of the sky, astronomical observations, history of astronomy, gravitation, light, optical instruments, stellar evolution and classification, galaxies, cosmological theories, survey of the solar system, and life in the universe.
Prerequisites
Reading proficiency as established by District Policy.
1. Predict, observe, and analyze the motions of stars, the Sun, and the Moon as influenced by seasonal and latitudinal variations.
2. Explain the causes of lunar and planetary phases and eclipses. Predict and observe the phases of the Moon and planets, and estimate probable eclipse dates.
3. Utilize telescopes to conduct astronomical observations.
4. Critically evaluate both historical and contemporary theories of the solar system.
5. Describe fundamental mechanisms of light production and apply these principles to celestial phenomena.
6. Explain how analysis of stellar spectra provides information about the motion, temperature, composition, and density of celestial objects.
7. Describe the process of stellar formation and identify prominent regions of star formation in the night sky.
8. Apply quantitative methods to deduce stellar evolution and probable endpoints.
9. Describe techniques for determining distances to celestial objects and apply these measurements to infer the size and structure of the universe.
10. Describe scientific methods employed in the search for extraterrestrial life.
11. Apply scientific reasoning to evaluate physical and natural phenomena.
12. Identify the unifying themes of the scientific field of study.
13. Interpret numerical and graphical representations of scientific data.
14. Utilize essential tools and equipment for basic scientific analysis and research.
15. Record the results of investigation through writing.