Just remember that you're standing on a planet that's evolving
And revolving at 900 miles an hour.
It's orbiting at 19 miles a second, so it's reckoned,
The sun that is the source of all our power.
Now the sun, and you and me, and all the stars that we can see,
Are moving at a million miles a day,
In the outer spiral arm, at 40,000 miles an hour
Of a galaxy we call the Milky Way.

--Monty Python's "the Galaxy Song" from "The Meaning of Life."

News

New Lesson Planning Calendar: Click here.

Observing Notebook Instructions

Several students have asked for the observing notebook instructions and checklist. Here is is.

Major Project Hints

Major Project Hints can be found at this page: http://homepage.mac.com/astronomyteacher/dvhs/majorproject.html

Mt. Diablo Observing

For more information about Mt. Diablo observing click here.

Astronomy and Space Science Curriculum Information

The University of California has approved Astronomy and Space Science at DVHS for UC admissions "d" credit (lab course). This makes it equivalent to Chemistry and Physics as far as UC is concerned. It is not an honors level class. A copy of the proposal to UC is located here. To see the updated UC list for DVHS, click here and enter "Deer Valley High School."

This is the Standard by Activity chart for Astronomy and Space Science.

This is the Activity by Standard chart for Astronomy and Space Science.

Much of the curriculum for this course is based on 3 sources.

• Teacher Leaders in Research Based Science Education sponsors authentic student research.
• Hands On Universe has developed a wide range of course materials in a variety of topics.
• Conceptual Astronomy by Jeff Adkins is an activity book we use. This contains many activities which you can use at a beginning level while developing an astronomy course.

Astronomy and Earth Science

Astronomy and Earth Science is a new course, designed to more closely focus on the earth science standards on the state assessment. Astronomy Earth Science is a "g" elective course as determined by the University of California.

The course approval for Astronomy and Earth Science is posted here. This is the form submitted to the district for approval. Here is s a list of the Earth Science standards from the CA Department of Education.

Observing sessions

Observing sessions are offered as a way for you to get guided assistance in completing your observing notebooks. You should consider them as after school study sessions. They are optional, and you must provide your own transportation with your parents' knowledge and consent. If you do not attend the observing sessions, you must do the observations (including those requiring a telescope) on your own.

Most of the observing sessions for the remainder of the year will be at the school on Friday or Monday evenings as announced in class. If you want to do some deep sky observing, consider attending the Mt. Diablo Astronomical Society Public Nights on Mt. Diablo.

 

Textbook and Supplies

Discovering the Universe by Neil Comins and William J. Kaufmann III

This text has been recommended by the majority of students responding to a book review. It seems to have a good readability level, is up to date but also includes mathematical explanations. This book has been approved by the school board and the library has copies available. The book is accompanied by a CD-ROM which must be checked out separately. The CD contains software which you are expected to master for the course.

The following purchases are recommended for this class:

• Scientific calculator
• Colored pencils
• Computer with internet access and CD-ROM (Mac is preferred)
• 360 degree protractor
• Ruler (metric)
• Graph paper
• Subscription to either Astronomy magazine or Sky and Telescope. Astronomy is at a lower reading level; Sky and Telescope contains more information.
• Observing notebook: Either a Computation Notebook with graph grid from Staples ($10) or other permanently bound notebook may be used.
• The AstronomyTeacher.com online store now has observing notebooks available. These have heavy weight paper for erasing and damp conditions and have the instructions for observing on the cover. You need a credit card to order. While you need an observing notebook, you don't have to buy this one.

 

 

Calendar

Lesson Plans

Web logs: News

Master Index

Astronomy and Space Science
Astronomy and Earth Science
AP Physics
CP Physics
Astronomy and Physics Research
Planetarium Production
ESPACE Academy
Spitzer AGN Research

California Science Standards

Click here to see the standards for all grades and subjects

 

 

Lesson Plan Calendar- Check upcoming lessons and past homework assignments here

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