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Astronomy Curriculum & Books
Living with a STAR
Living with a Star: From Sunscreen to Space Weather. GEMS Teacher's Guide, Grades 6-8 Students unveil our dynamic relationship with the Sun through a space-weather mystery, a mock mission from Earth's atmosphere to outer space, ultraviolet experiments, and more. This NASA-inspired unit focuses on the impact of electromagnetic energy and solar particles on Earth. CD-ROM included. For grades 6-8.
A Walk Through the Heavens / Southern Sky
| A Walk through the Heavens: A Guide to Stars and Constellations and their Legends Written for the beginner, A Walk through the Heavens by Milton D. Heifetz and Wil Tirion, takes the reader on a journey through the constellations starting with the brightest stars in the sky and moving on to the dimmer stars. This friendly book not only points out the constellations but enables the reader to see the relationships among constellations. With simple star maps to orient the reader, the book begins with a section on measuring distances in the sky, star brightness and life in the heavens. From there, the walk begins moving from constellation to constellation using beautifully detailed illustrations. Ancient myths and legends of the sky and a constellation index are also included. No equipment is needed to use this practical guide apart from normal sight and clear skies. |
| A Walk through the Southern Sky: A Guide to Stars and Constellations and their LegendsAn insightful, accessible and beautifully illustrated volume by Milton D. Heifetz and Wil Tirion (formatted like its predecessor) for stargazers in the southern hemisphere. |
Astronomy / Solar System
| NEW! Astronomy This pocket size guide is an excellent resource for beginner observers. Astronomy is a basic field guide for beginning observers of the night sky, introducing information on the locations, names, and characteristics of stars, constellations, and other bodies in outer space. By Jay M. Pasachoff and illustrated by Wil Tirion. |
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| NEW! Peterson First Guides?: Solar System Solar System introduces information on the locations and characteristics of the planets, sun, comets, meteors, and other objects in our solar system. |
Astronomy and More
| Astronomy and More — A Comprehensive User’s Guide for the STARLAB and Other Planetaria Astronomy and More is a collection of tried and true curriculum ideas from top STARLAB Portable Planetarium users who have created exciting and interactive activities for kindergarten through grade 12, as well as specific curricula for each STARLAB projection cylinder. These contributors are educators who not only love and believe in STARLAB as an essential educational tool, but have years of proven experience using STARLAB. Many of the activities can be easily applied to the classroom or used in other small, fixed planetaria. |
| Astronomy and More comes in two binders and includes a comprehensive table of contents and tab-spanided sections to help you locate the information quickly and easily. Four main sections include STARLAB Planetarium Set-up, Operation and Maintenance; K-6 Activities and Lessons; Grades 7-12 Activities and Lessons; Cylinder Guides. The pages are three-hole punched so that your lessons and worksheets are easily accessible. The binders have colorful, durable covers. |
| “. . . there’s a lot in this book worth having. . . . What sets [it] apart from normal books on myths is the activities sections. Each culture contains a set of activities related to that area. The book itself comes in a loose-leaf format, easy to handle and easy to copy needed pages for activities and enclosed handouts. Because this book was designed for use in the planetarium environment, LTI asked people known in the field for their expertise. Names such as Jeanne Bishop, Alan Gould, Gloria Rall, Doris Forror and Murray Barber were responsible for the varied myths and their follow-up activities. But don’t think you need a portable facility, or a planetarium at all, to get the most from this book. Many of the sections can be easily adapted for classroom use. You don’t teach astronomy? Use it in other disciplines. It will make an ideal addition or supplement to your history, geography, general science, or even art classes.” — Francine Jackson, URI Planetarium and Bryant College reviewer for The Planetarian, December 2000 |
Color Analyzers
Color Analyzers Students investigate light and color using diffraction gratings and color filters (available separately). A background section plus concise information on color, light, and how the eye and brain sense and comprehend color is included. The front cover contains a secret message! Grades 5-9.
Cycles Book (10 pack)
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP), founded in 1889, is a recognized leader in the field of astronomy education offering resources and programs in an effort to increase the public understanding and appreciation of astronomy. We are pleased to be able to offer these outstanding products from ASP that bring astronomy to teachers, students, and families around the world. Cycles Book This illustrated introduction to astronomy and time has captured adults and older children with its friendly pocket size. Engaging illustrations from astronomy comic strip creator, Jay Ryan, graphically reveal the motion of the Sun and stars, phases of the moon, and reasons for seasons. Restore an awareness of the cycles of our planets, lost by modern man?s dependence on clocks, and remedy common scientific misconceptions with these delightful cartoons! Ages 10 and up.
Earth, Moon, and Stars
Earth, Moon, and Stars Students study the Earth, gravity, and astronomy, focusing on the shape of the Earth and gravity; moon phases and eclipses; and the stars. Six activities include observing and recording changes in the sky and creating models to explain observations. A challenging questionnaire can be used as a pre- and post-test assessment tool. This interdisciplinary unit also explores world cultures through myths about the rising and setting of the sun. Grades 5-9.
Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy, 3rd Edition
Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy, 3rd Edition This book provides astronomy teachers of all levels with encouragement in the art of teaching and support for trying new approaches. In putting together this valuable book, Stephen Pompea sought to inspire astronomy teachers to include more playful ideas in their repertoires, making the fascinating subject of astronomy more captiviating for students and teachers. By Stephen M. Pompea, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona. Highlights include: Articles from more than 60 professors Topics such as optics, cooperative learning, and testing Sections on public outreach, research, pedagogy, and the national science education standards have been added References to intriquing astronomy-related web sites Guidance on the incorporation of planetariums, museums, observatories, and science centers into your course.
Invisible Universe
Invisible Universe: The Electromagnetic Spectrum from Radio Waves to Gamma Rays. GEMS Teacher's Guide, Grades 6-8 Students unveil our dynamic relationship with the Sun through a space-weather mystery, a mock mission from Earth's atmosphere to outer space, ultraviolet experiments, and more. This NASA-inspired unit focuses on the impact of electromagnetic energy and solar particles on Earth. CD-ROM included. For grades 6-8.
Milky Way
NEW! Skylore from Planet Earth: Stories from Around the World . . . Milky Way In this Skylore from Planet Earth we explore some of the stories about our galaxy, The Milky Way. People from the entire planet have looked to it for a reminder of their own traditions. Fifteen richly illustrated stories take the reader on a trip around the world, giving a glimpse into the histories and cultures of the planet?s early civilizations. The publication of Milky Way was made possible, in part, with the support of the Indiana Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Moon
Autographed by the author! Moon Is the moon made of green cheese? Is there a man on the moon? Join a moonstruck cat and his firefly pal in their adventure to discover how the moon interacts with the sun, how it appears to change in our sky, and how it shines. Find out about mans? first trip to the moon and what they found there. Learn about moon craters, moon dust, and moon bouncing. Like the other Jump Into Science? books, Moon creatively presents carefully leveled scientific information in a picturebook format with fun characters to help readers understand the more challenging information. Ages 4 to 8. Written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Liisa Chauncy Guida for the Jump into Science? series from National
Moons of Jupiter
Moons of Jupiter In this unit, students recreate Galileo?s historic telescopic observations of Jupiter?s moons. Students learn how craters are formed; make scale models; and see Jupiter as viewed by the Voyager spacecraft. Students also work in teams to create a settlement on one of the moons of Jupiter. Background information and a box of 23 color slides is provided.
More than Magnifiers
More Than Magnifiers In this unit of 4 activities, students use two lenses to create optical instruments and find out how lenses are used in magnifiers, simple cameras, telescopes, and slide projectors. Focusing on physics, optics, and light, it is a great companion to Color Analyzers. A background section is included. Grades 6-9.
Oobleck
Oobleck: What Do Scientists Do? In four sessions, students investigate and analyze the properties of the strange green substance, Oobleck, said to come from another planet. Includes a large poster illustrating the Mars Viking mission. The Oobleck unit provides students with authentic insight into the real work of scientists. For grades 4-8.
Orion
Skylore from Planet Earth: Stories from Around the World . . . Orion Explore some of the stories about the constellation Orion that have been passed down from generation to generation. Since Orion is located over the Earth's equator, people from the entire planet have looked to it for a reminder of their own traditions. Fifteen richly illustrated stories take the reader on a trip around the world, giving a glimpse into the histories and cultures of the planet?s early civilizations. Retold and beautifully illustrated in full color by Dayle L. Brown
Pleiades
NEW! Skylore from Planet Earth: Stories from Around the World . . . Pleiades Explore some of the stories about the the star cluster Pleiades. Since the Pleiades is located almost directly over the Earth's equator, people from the entire planet have looked to it for a reminder of their own traditions. Readers are treated to fifteen richly illustrated stories that look into the histories and cultures of early civilizations from around the world. Retold and beautifully illustrated in full color by Dayle L. Brown.
Sky Phenomena
Sky Phenomena: A Guide to Naked-eye Observation of the Stars This practical guide to the sky, expertly written for the general reader, includes chapters that cover the stars and constellations, the Sun, the moon, eclipses, planets, the Copernican revolution, comets and meteors, the southern hemisphere sky, and the stars in poetry. Also included are appendices on astronomical events, technical data, astronomical symbols, star maps for observers at the equator, as well as a listing of useful references and materials. The book is ideal for schools, libraries or for personal use. By Norman Davidson.
Skyways - Astronomy Handbook for Teachers
Skyways ? Astronomy Handbook for Teachers This publication of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is ideal for teachers, youth groups leaders, and anyone interested in hands-on astronomy education. The spiral-bound book includes hands-on, interactive activities geared to the upper elementary and middle school levels that were pre-tested by teachers. Topics include seasons, moon phases and tides, the Sun, the solar system, stars, constellations, galaxies, distance determination, the universe, telescopes and more. For astronomers in Canada, the activities are Canadian curriculum-specific. Skyways also includes conceptual background, teacher information, student worksheets and resource lists.
Stars
Autographed by the author! Stars When you wish upon a distant star, do you wonder what stars are? Those tiny, twinkling lights are really giant balls of gas, just like our sun. Follow a boy and his bike-riding dog on a star-studded scientific journey to find out: Where do stars go in the daytime? How far away are stars? What stories can they tell us? Watch the stars come to life in brilliant color, from red to blue to yellow to white. Marvel at the mythic stories of the constellations and try finding your own patterns in the sky. Then think behond our sun and wonder what other planets might be circling other stars and what, or who might be on them. Ages 4 to 8. Written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa for the Jump into Science? series from National Geographic.
Stars and Planets
NEW! Stars and Planets A must-have field guide for beginners and experts alike including all the latest astronomical information, beautiful color photos, star maps, atlas charts and more. By Jay M. Pasachoff.
Sun
Autographed by the author! Sun Without the sun, there'd be no sunburn, no blazing hot summer days, and no need for sunglasses. There would also be no life on Earth. What's the science behind our wonderful, life-giving sun? What is it made of? How hot is it? How big is it? How does Earth move around it? Why do we need the sun to live? These questions and more are answered as two kids and a lavender cat show you the science and the story behind our remarkable sun. Ages 4 to 8. Written by Steve Tomecek, illustrated by Carla Golembe for the Jump into Science? series from National Geographic
The Sun
NEW! The Sun Steele Hill, a world expert on solar images, and noted science writer Michael Carlowicz present a collection of spectacular images devoted entirely to our own star. The book illustrates both little-known facts and recent discoveries from the past thirty years. It explores the relationship between the Sun and Earth as well as numerous solar phenomena including rainbows, eclipses, auroras, sun dogs, prominences, flares and solar wind.
Tours of the Night Sky
Tours of the Night Sky: A Guided Tour of the Stars and Constellations This package produced by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific includes two cassettes, two CDs and a booklet with transcript and graphics that treats you to an astronomer-guided tour of the evening sky in the northern hemisphere. Tours of the Night Sky will help stargazers of all ages find their way around the sky quickly and enjoyably. Each tour is a half hour (one for each season), featuring basic, easy-to-follow instructions and fascinating tales of the myths behind the constellation names. You?ll feel like an expert in no time! With the tour you will be able to: Find the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way (summer) Locate the Andromeda Galaxy, the most distant object you can see with the unaided eye (fall) Find the sky?s brightest star, Sirius in the constellation Canis Major (winter) Use the Big Dipper to help you find Polaris, the North Star (spring)
