Investigating Astronomy
Finally, high school students have a comprehensive astronomy textbook written specifically for them.
Investigating Astronomy lets them explore all the major topics in astronomy, while conducting hands-on investigations to learn in an interactive, meaningful way.
Students also get an opportunity to master scientific inquiry – making scientific claims, finding supportive evidence, then using reasoning to justify and revise them.
Six units covering six major themes.
The first three cover observations made from Earth, as well as the mechanics and characteristics of objects within our solar system.
- Unit 1 — Investigating Motions of the Sky
- Unit 2 — Investigating the Sun-Earth-Moon System
- Unit 3 — Investigating Planets
The second 3 cover advanced observations of electromagnetic radiation, objects outside our solar system – and even outside our galaxy.
- Unit 4 — Investigating Tools of Astronomy
- Unit 5 — Investigating Stars
- Unit 6 — Investigating the Universe
Students follow best practices in scientific inquiry.
Each unit includes a series of Explorations, each based on an essential question. Each Exploration offers an opportunity for First Thoughts, when students make initial claims. At the Exploration's end, students revisit those claims, and confirm or revise them based on what they've learned.
All Explorations also prepare students for the unit Challenge, a final project that makes use of all information they've learned. Finally, high school students have a comprehensive astronomy textbook written specifically for them. To help students master their universe, Explorations include hi-tech components unavailable in most textbooks. These include:
- IA Data Center, a Web-based investigative tool for realistic image processing and analysis.
- Starry Night, software (must be purchased separately) that allows students to display and measure sky motions over time.
- IA Triplet, an online game that gives students a fun way to get to know the structure of the universe.