ASTR 114 Elementary Astronomy Laboratory
Students learn to identify prominent stars and constellations and
develop an understanding of basic astronomical measurements and calculations.
Students explore measurements and calculations related to angular sizes,
absolute and apparent magnitudes, stellar spectra, and sizes and motions of
objects in our Solar System, our Galaxy, and beyond our Galaxy. Field trips,
including at least one night-time observation, are required.
Hours Weekly
2 hours lab weekly
Course Objectives
- Identify prominent stars and major constellations in the night sky.
- Analyze potential sources of error or uncertainty in astronomical measurements and evaluate
the reasonableness of claims based on these measurements. - Calculate the sizes, distances, and motions/apparent motions of objects in our Solar System
from astronomical observations. - Identify absorption, emission, and blackbody spectra and analyze each spectrum to
determine characteristics of a celestial body. - Explain the difference between absolute and apparent magnitude and use magnitude
measurements to calculate stellar distances. - Analyze measurements of objects outside our Solar System to determine characteristics of
our Galaxy and of the Universe beyond our Galaxy. - Apply basic algebra and trigonometry to common astronomical equations and diagrams to
solve problems regarding distances, angular sizes, or temperatures. - Prepare a report summarizing evidence and claims related to a topic of interest using
appropriate symbols notation and vocabulary.
Course Objectives
- Identify prominent stars and major constellations in the night sky.
This objective is a course Goal Only
- Analyze potential sources of error or uncertainty in astronomical measurements and evaluate
the reasonableness of claims based on these measurements.
Learning Activity Artifact
- Writing Assignments
- Written report
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Calculate the sizes, distances, and motions/apparent motions of objects in our Solar System
from astronomical observations.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Identify absorption, emission, and blackbody spectra and analyze each spectrum to
determine characteristics of a celestial body.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Explain the difference between absolute and apparent magnitude and use magnitude
measurements to calculate stellar distances.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Analyze measurements of objects outside our Solar System to determine characteristics of
our Galaxy and of the Universe beyond our Galaxy.This objective is a course Goal Only
- Apply basic algebra and trigonometry to common astronomical equations and diagrams to
solve problems regarding distances, angular sizes, or temperatures.
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric
- Prepare a report summarizing evidence and claims related to a topic of interest using
appropriate symbols notation and vocabulary.
Procedure for Assessing Student Learning
- Scientific Reasoning Rubric