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Quick Links
FAQ
Is the space academy like Space Camp?
Space Camp is a relatively short-term, highly focused commerical camp to teach you what being an astronaut is like. ESPACE Academy is more about the academic discipline of astronomy, and the physical science of space physics as well as the history, math, biology, and other subjects that astronomy touches on. So while we will study space flight, simulating shuttle flights is not the main purpose of our curriculum.
What is an Academy?
At Deer Valley High School, an Academy is a course sequence including several required and elective classes that are focused on one or more academic areas. DVHS already sponsors a Business Technology Academy as well as a Teaching Academy among others. While in the academy you will "major" in astronomy and space science and related topics while earning graduation credits.
When will the Academy begin?
This is the first year of implementation.
How do I get in?
There will be an application process involving a questionnaire, letters of recommendation, and interviews. The application process will begin in the 2003-2004 school year. Until then, get the best grades possible in your math and science classes. When the applications are ready, they will be posted on the "How to Apply" page (see links at left).
What classes will be offered?
Electives parallel to the courses you would normally take will be offered. The difference will be that these courses will emphasize connections to astronomy. The history course, for example, will emphasize the development of science through history of astronomy. The geometry course will use astronomical examples. In addition, all participants will be required to take Astronomy and Space Science, as well as another course in the senior year focusing on practical experience in observatories or planetariums.
For more information about specific courses, see the "Courses" link at left.
What projects will we work on?
Already in place are projects related to astronomy research such as searching for supernovae and novae, astrophotography, presentations of planetarium programs to schools, electronic image processing, and the development of curriculum units for the high school level and below. We also plan to build a permanent planetarium, several telescopes, and other instruments to help us observe the sky. A radio telescope facility is being constructed by several students for use in the program during 2002-2003.
For more information about projects, see the "Projects" page.
ADDITIONAL FAQ QUESTIONS ADDED SEPTEMBER 2004
1. What if I’m not taking astronomy this year?You don't have to be taking astronomy to be in the academy (although you should take one of the earth science courses as a junior or a senior). You do have to complete a culminating project as a senior about either research or outreach.
2. What if I registered for the academy but never filled out the application?You need to fill out an application.
3. What should I be doing now?
Working on your culminating project, getting advice, make sure your grades are OK.
4. What should I sign up for next year?
The application packet has a suggested course sequence and information about how to plan your schedule.
5. When is my project due?
Sometime during your senior year...in order to get into the academy journal for the current year you must submit your project before the end of the previous year.
6. Where will the Academy go on a field trip this year?
Choices are: Chabot Observatory, Lawrence Hall of Science, Lick Observatory, Hume Observatory, Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Exploratorium
7. How do I volunteer to work in the planetarium?
Contact Mr. Adkins.
8. How do I get help for my regular class work?
Academy teachers will be publishing a schedule of office hours to assist in subjects.
9. What are the other benefits of being in the ESPACE Academy?
a. Letter of recommendation based on your senior profile and course history.
b. Access to computers and printers.
c. Scheduling priority.
d. After school tutoring assistance.
e. Opportunity to participate in meaningful outreach or research which can be used as college application material or for science fairs or contests.
f. You get to learn about the universe!10. Senior profiles for recommendation letters
Please file one of these with us so we can write better recommendation letters.
11. Forms: Project Description and Status, Current Information, and Course Schedule
We'd like you to correct our contact information, plus tell us what you know about your culminating project (or ask for help if you need it.)
12. T-shirt sizes
We may be able to purchase T-shirts for you this year. Tell us your size.
13. Complimentary copy of Journal, description of Journal
A draft copy of the Journal will be shown as an example of the sort of things you can do.
14. Scheduling of monthly meetings.
What day of the month should we meet?
15. Logo redesign?
Do you think you can improve the academy logo? Accepting submissions until the end of the semester.
16. What should we name the planetarium?
Every planetarium deserves a name. What should ours be called?
Working name: DVHS Planetarium
How do I learn more?
Send email to astronomyteacher@mac.com, and watch this web page for updates.
Jeff Adkins, Director
astronomyteacher@mac.com
Cheryl Domenichelli, Assistant Director
cheryldomenichelli@antioch.k12.ca.us
4700 Lone Tree Way
Antioch, CA 94531
The ESPACE Academy is sponsored in part by a grant from the California Department of Education's Specialized Secondary Program.
