REAL Science Odyssey- Astronomy Level 2

REAL Science Odyssey – Astronomy Level 2 textbook

Pages: 324

Grade Level: 6th–10th

Course Type: Textbook/Workbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

What Is Astronomy Level 2?

REAL Science Odyssey – Astronomy Level 2 is a semester-long, secular homeschool astronomy curriculum designed for middle and high school students. This course guides students in exploring the cosmos, from the Big Bang to the formation of our solar system, and finally back to Earth to understand how our planet fits into the universe.

Math is integrated throughout, helping students understand concepts such as gravity, mass, and planetary motion, while developing critical thinking and independent research skills.

The course follows the RSO approach of Read, Explore, Absorb, and Learn:

• Read – Engaging readings present astronomy concepts using color images, diagrams, charts, and occasional poems or mnemonics. All lessons are based on scientific research, not supernatural explanations.
• Explore – Hands-on labs help students apply the scientific method, collect data, and build models. Activities include modeling the expansion of the universe, calculating gravitational forces, and using GPS for geocaching.
• Absorb – The Famous Science Series (FSS) projects introduce key scientists and discoveries, from Galileo to Edwin Hubble to the Mars Curiosity rover, linking history, personalities, and technology to modern astronomy.
• Learn – Show What You Know (SWIK) quizzes and three unit assessments help gauge mastery of concepts. These may be used as formal tests or informal discussion tools.

For students who wish to extend their studies, The Stargazer’s Notebook provides additional observation guides, sky maps, and labs.

Who Can Use Astronomy Level 2

Designed for grades 6–10, Astronomy Level 2 lessons are written for independent middle and high school readers, though discussions and guidance are encouraged. Labs require parent or teacher supervision, especially for younger students.

Course Structure

Astronomy Level 2 is composed of:

1. Textbook/Workbook (this product) – 12 progressive lessons with readings, labs, FSS projects, SWIK quizzes, and unit assessments.
2. Teacher Guide – lesson plans, materials lists, scheduling suggestions, and answer keys.

Each lesson includes:

• A reading introducing key concepts and vocabulary
• Hands-on labs and projects
• Quizzes and unit assessments

The course is flexible—parents can choose the number of teaching days per week and adapt labs and assessments to their homeschool needs.

Science Skills Developed

Students will develop essential skills including:

• Applying the scientific method
• Conducting critical thinking
• Making observations and measurements
• Recording and interpreting scientific data
• Connecting astronomy concepts to real-world applications

Labs and Experiments

Hands-on activities give students direct experience with astronomy:

• Construct a spectroscope to split light into wavelengths
• Build and launch a model rocket, exploring gravity, launch angle, velocity, and drag
• Engage in a GPS geocaching treasure hunt to learn about modern mapping technology

Labs reinforce the scientific method, allowing students to hypothesize, record observations, and draw conclusions.

Planning and Scheduling

Astronomy Level 2 is designed as a 12–16 week semester course. The Teacher Guide provides:

• Week-by-week scheduling guidance
• Options for 2-, 3-, or 5-day per week pacing
• Tips to adapt lessons and labs to your homeschool schedule

This course is comprised of 12 chapters designed as a “short” semester to be paired with the 23-chapter RSO Astronomy 2 as a “long” semester. This assumes that each chapter is completed within one week plus some extra time for review and testing.

Important Copyright Information

If you choose the eBook version of this course, you are purchasing a license to use the PDF for your own children. You may make copies for your own children, but you may not share (email, download, print and distribute, resell, etc.) this eBook or any portion of this eBook to others. Licensing is available for group, school, and co-op use. Please contact Pandia Press for details on group licensing (info@pandiapressbooks.com).