(Recorded Course) The Planets with MacBeth Derham (Astronomy)

In this Astronomy for Middle School course, we will study a different celestial body each class-- with the latest information and NASA images -- to make learning science engaging and fun!

Total Classes: 13

Duration: 45 minutes

Prerequisite: A love of the planets!

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade (older students welcomed to join us)

Suggested Credit: 1 full semester General Science or Astronomy

Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Instructor Email: macbethderham@gmail.com

Course Description: A fast and wild tour through the solar system, with stops at planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and more. We'll check out all the latest information, new discoveries, and NASA images. Do you remember the first time you discovered the moon? Have you ever studied the sky and wondered what all lies beyond Earth? If you have a sense of awe and love to learn, Mrs. Derham invites you to join her in this adventure across the solar system.

Course Outline: We will start with a bang and explore one heavenly body in depth per class. 

  • Class One: Introduction to the Solar System
  • Class Two: The Sun
  • Class Three: Mercury
  • Class Four: Venus
  • Class Five: The Moon
  • Class Six: Mars
  • Class Seven: The Asteroids
  • Class Eight: Jupiter
  • Class Nine: Saturn
  • Class Ten: Uranus
  • Class Eleven: Neptune
  • Class Twelve: Pluto and Friends
  • Class Thirteen: The Rest of the Solar System

Course Materials: The Planets by Dava Sobel ISBN-13: 978-0142001165 (www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0142001163/macbethsopinion-20 or bookfinder.com)

For students who want to explore the subject more deeply, Mrs. Derham will supply an optional reading list.

Homework: Students should expect to spend at least 1 hour per week on homework outside of class. There will be weekly automated quizzes for immediate feedback plus a brief report on an asteroid.