Astronomy High School

Astronomy is the study of the composition and structure of the Universe and the conditions, properties, and motions of objects in space. It is a scientific field with many applications and a number of subfields including planetary science, solar system science, the stars and their formation, physics of the celestial sphere, cosmic radiation, and cosmology. Astronomy high school students study the fundamental principles governing the behavior of nature, from the most basic particles to the entire universe. This broad understanding prepares them for a variety of technical careers.

To become an astronomer, you need a passion for the subject and an excellent grasp of math. You also need to be good at physics and chemistry – and even biology, depending on the area of astronomy you choose to pursue. High school students are encouraged to take as many math and science courses as possible, particularly physics, pre-calculus and calculus. Advanced placement (AP) classes and university notes can help prepare you for the types of classes required to get a bachelor’s degree in astronomy or a related subject, but they are not substitutes.

You can find a wealth of free online resources to help you learn about astronomy. For example, the website Nine Planets features an “Astronomy Picture of the Day,” which is a great way to introduce yourself to the field and begin to recognize some of the basics. There’s also AstroBites, a site where graduate students describe their current research – it’s a great way to see what the work of a professional astronomer is really like.

There are also a number of online course resources that provide an introduction to the subject, without the constraints of typical high school classes. For example, the textbook Exploring Creation with High School Astronomy is self-contained and includes a password-protected page of book extras featuring video, illustrations, and math practice. It is available in a hardcover book or a softcover edition.

For a more hands-on experience, try the Charles Sturt University Remote Telescope Project (CSURTP). The CSURTP was originally set up for upper primary and secondary school students (Years 5 & 6). It allows teachers to access astronomical data in real time from Australia’s Faulkes telescope network via the internet. Students use ImageJ software to process the images and then analyze the resulting data. Teachers also use archival data from GBT, Parkes and Arecibo observatories.

Another great option is the NRAO’s Research Experience for Teachers program. This eight-week summer programme at Socorro, Charlottesville and Green Bank matches a team of teachers with an astronomer to conduct a genuine research activity. The team is then tasked with developing, documenting and disseminating a unit of work that can be used in their classrooms. In addition, participants are paid a stipend while they’re on the programme. The programme has been running since 1999.