Ultimate Universe

The Ultimate Universe

I. Course description

How do we know the age of the Universe? Is there life on Europa? When will we send humans to Mars? Do wormholes exist? How does the tragedy of the Space Shuttle Columbia affect us? How can I find all those constellations? Can you really see the rings of Saturn from Earth? What is a Schwarzschild Radius? Does anyone else share my love for astronomy? Scholars will explore questions such as these in this “spacey” major.

II. Instructor's educational preparation and current employment

Ericca Thornhill earned her bachelor’s and master’s of education in science at the University of Missouri –Columbia. She is currently teaching chemistry and middle school science at Blair Oaks High School, near Jefferson City.

III. Rationale for inclusion in a program for gifted students

This program is a science enrichment class. It is a symposium style format so that gifted students have a chance to give their own unique style of input. The course allows for in-depth study of science phenomena that are not often covered in usual science classes. It offers advanced concepts and chances for critical thinking.

IV. Major topics covered

constellations and star charts
astrobiology
human space exploration and its related technology
the moon
the solar system, including planets, asteroids, comets, Kuiper belt objects
space suit design
age, size, development and fate of the universe
telescopes
rocketry
the big bang
extrasolar planets
stellar evolution and spectroscopy
eclipses and occultations
microgravity
dark matter
gamma ray bursts
galaxy formation
meteorites
black holes
the effect of astronomy and its technology on our civilization
the search for extraterrestrial life/intelligence

V. Pre-requisite knowledge

None. Students will learn as they go.

VI. Learning objectives

At the end of this course, the learner should:

Explain the basics behind how astronauts live in space.
Develop a logical and persuasive argument for issues related to astronomy including: human space travel, human impact on extraterrestrial environments, the truth of Apollo, nuclear reactors in space exploration, extraterrestrial causes for mass extinctions and future catastrophes, future developments on other planet(oid)s, affect of science fiction on the public’s view of astronomy, .
Show an understanding of the principles of rocketry through writing and inquiry activities.
Be able to find major stars and constellations using a star finder.
Use a telescope and explain how it works.
Explain current understandings of lunar history and structure.
Describe current research and findings on bodies in the solar system.
Be able to develop space suit designs for a particular location in the solar system.
Make a model to show the difference between solar and lunar eclipses and occultations.
Explain current understandings about the size, age, origin and fate of the universe.
Be able to describe rocket workings and history.
Be able to report on the discovery of planets orbiting stars other than our sun.
Be able to describe the life cycle of stars and tell how we know about stars using spectroscopy.
Conduct an interview with a current NASA astronaut.
Explain the workings of a black hole.
Describe the life cycle of stars.
Give ten facts about meteorites and asteroids.
Explain our current understandings about gamma ray bursts.
Explain our understandings about conditions needed for life.
Describe what SETI is doing to try to find life on other planets.

VII. Primary source materials

Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier by Fix
Exploring the Sky by Moeschl
The Space Shuttle Operator’s Manual by Joels & Kennedy
Entering Space: An Astronaut’s Odyssey by Allen
Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe by Dickenson
Current articles taken from: Discover Magazine, Astronomy Magazine, and Popular Science

VIII. Supplementary source materials

IX. Computing and the Internet

X. Typical classroom strategies

Discussion
Reading
Student centered teaching of the class
Hands on/inquiry projects
Field trips