GS 107 General Science: Astronomy

1. Analyze the different members of the solar systems and the Milky Way galaxy and compare and contrast them relative to one another.
2. Distinguish between the various ways distances in space are defined.
3. Interpret the basic apparent motions of the moon, planets and stars as seen from earth and contrast this explanation with what is occurring in outer space.
4. Evaluate current models used by astronomers as they relate to the origin of the universe and its evolution.
5. Explain the strengths and weaknesses of current and past scientific models used to explain the origin of the solar system.
6. Compare the physical properties of the various planets in the solar system to the major physical properties of earth.
7. Evaluate the origin of the minor members of the solar system and compare it to that of earth.
8. Collect and interpret scientific information from experiments and observations to generate results and further questions.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

1. Gather, comprehend, and communicate scientific and technical information in order to explore ideas, models, and solutions and generate further questions.
2. Apply scientific and technical modes of inquiry, individually, and collaboratively, to critically evaluate existing or alternative explanations, solve problems, and make evidence-based decisions in an ethical manner.
3. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of scientific studies and critically examine the influence of scientific and technical knowledge on human society and the environment.

• The Scale of the Cosmos (Week One)
  • Astronomical units of distance measurement
    • Compare metric and non-metric values
    • Using math, convert from metric to non-metric values
  • Major structures of the universe
    • Contrast the physical differences between stars and planets, star clusters and galaxies
  • Introduction of scientific method
• The Sky
  • Define the celestial sphere
  • Define stellar magnification scale
  • Introduction of scientific method
• Cycles of the Sky (Week Two)
  • Moon phases
  • Eclipses and tides
• Sidereal and Synodic lunar cycles
  • Compare the way we see the moon move from earth relative to the way the moon is seen to move from outer space
• Origin of Modern Astronomy
  • Greek Astronomy and the geocentric universe
  • Copernicus and the heliocentric universe
  • Use the Scientific Method to evaluate the assumptions in each of these two models
    • Discuss any critical observation that gives preference to one or another points of view
  • Kepler and Galileo
• Newton, Einstein, and Gravity (Week Three)
  • Three laws of Newtonian Motion
  • Einstein’s special and general theories
    • Use the scientific method to compare the assumptions in these two models
    • What experiments favor Einstein’s theories over those of Newton’s?
  • Curved space-time
• Atoms and Energy Levels
  • Atoms and energy levels
  • Properties of stellar spectra
  • Doppler Effect
• The Sun (Week Four)
  • Three layers of solar atmosphere
  • Sunspots and the solar magnetic cycle
  • Properties of the photosphere
• Stellar Properties
  • Parallax and stellar distances
  • H-R diagram
  • Binary star systems
• The Lives of The Stars (Week Five)
  • Stellar fusion
  • Neutrino problem
  • Radiation laws and stable stars
• The Death of Stars
  • The main sequence and stellar aging
    • Contrast the physical differences between the various types of stars in the galaxy
  • Red giants, white dwarfs, and neutron stars
  • Supernova events