Astronomy For High School

We are a homeschooling family that combines the Classical and Charlotte Mason methods in our learning. We try to make learning relevant and interesting, hoping to stir an interest in our sons that will motivate them to learn more. We try to build on interests by noting their passions and then offering courses and projects to help them dig in deeper.

My youngest son, age 14, has wanted to do a formal study of astronomy for a very long time. He dreams of space and draws elaborate space vehicles. His favorite Lego sets are Star Wars and other space related models. He reads loads of science fiction: H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury, Eleanor Cameron, and Isaac Asimov. We often are outside looking at stars and moon together late into the evenings. Last summer the two of us slept outside on our deck for a complete week so we could watch the Perseid meteor showers in the night.

I planned a study that would both be informative and interesting for my high school age son. He loves researching things so the basis of his astronomy course is really one that is student led. We have a spine text but then he pretty much follows his interests as they arise.

Nighttime stargazing is casual and includes our whole family at times.

I have listed below my specific plans for this year and as the term progresses I will add to the list showing what we were able to add in and accomplish.

We do not have a telescope but we do use our binoculars on a tripod to get a closer look at the night sky. My son keeps a journal of his discoveries as we go along.

We supplement with internet sources like the NASA Photo of the Day and current events.

Hopefully this lens will give you some ideas for your own study of astronomy.