REAL Science Odyssey- Astronomy 1

REAL Science Odyssey – Astronomy 1

Pages: 248

Grade level: 1st–4th

Course type: Textbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

What is RSO Astronomy 1?

REAL Science Odyssey – Astronomy 1 is a comprehensive, secular homeschool science curriculum. Students take a journey through the solar system with delightful space dust-bunny pals, Bunny and Dusty. Along the way, they learn about more abstract concepts, such as the big bang, gravity, and the physical properties of light.

Age-appropriate math and labs are woven into the course, providing students with many opportunities to apply the scientific method and reinforce their knowledge.

It’s also important to understand what REAL Science Odyssey is not. This curriculum is NOT:

• A random selection of labs. It’s a fully developed, incremental homeschool science curriculum.
• Lightweight. Children will learn REAL astronomy, both observational and conceptual. They will find planets and constellations in the night sky, but also learn about the physics of the universe and how real scientists study it.
• Dry or boring. Night-sky observations, hands-on experiments, puzzles, and poems keep kids engaged and curious.
• Influenced by religion. All REAL Science Odyssey courses are secular and based on valid, empirical science.

Who can use RSO Astronomy 1?

We recommend Astronomy Level 1 for children in grades 1–4. Labs, readings, and assignments can be adapted easily to students of different ages. Read aloud and transcribe written answers for younger students, and give older students more independence.

What’s more, you don’t need to have a science background to use this homeschool science curriculum! All materials are written with the science novice in mind, so no extra research is needed in advance of the lessons.

Astronomy Level 1 starts with the basics, and each unit builds on the last. Every unit reinforces aspects of the scientific method and critical thinking. Each unit explores a big idea or question in depth through reading, experiments, and conversation.

Topics Covered in RSO Astronomy 1

What Is Astronomy?

• Using light to learn about the universe
• The origin and age of the universe
• Properties of stars
• Other inhabitants of our universe: planets, asteroids, comets, etc.

 

The Solar System

     

• Sun, planets, moons, and other objects in our space neighborhood
• Gravity’s role in holding the solar system together
• In-depth exploration of each planet in our solar system
• Space travel, both crewed and uncrewed
• Asteroid belt, Kuiper belt, and Oort cloud

Earth in Space

• Seasons
• The Goldilocks zone
• Rotation, orbit, and tilt

 

Science Skills Covered

In addition to being a complete homeschool astronomy curriculum, REAL Science Odyssey guides your student in learning essential skills that will serve them throughout their education and life, such as:

• Applying the scientific method
• Critical thinking
• Observation
• Presenting scientific data
• Reading and interpreting informational texts

Lab Experiments

No homeschool science curriculum would be complete without hands-on experiments. Your children will use their hands, senses, and sometimes their whole bodies to experiment, observe, and model space science concepts. With RSO Astronomy 1, your child will:

• Create a model timeline of the life of the universe, giving them a sense of the timescale astronomers work with
• Explore the properties of waves using a simple rubber band instrument
• Build an accurate model of the Voyager space probe using household materials
• Head outside to stargaze, journaling which constellations and celestial objects they see (hot cocoa optional but recommended!)

Each experiment includes detailed supply lists, step-by-step instructions, and, when needed, safety precautions. Lab sheets guide your student through implementing the scientific method. Your student will gain experience:

• Formulating hypotheses based on knowledge gained from the reading
• Recording observations and results
• Drawing conclusions based on those results
• Reinforcing their knowledge by answering questions about the experiment

Planning and Scheduling

Research shows that science is best learned through deep investigations of a single subject, rather than short hops from one field to another. RSO curricula align with this methodology. Astronomy 1 is designed to take about 18 weeks to complete. It includes:

• 18 weeks of material, assuming you teach science twice a week
• Suggested weekly schedule for the entire course
• Supply list breakdown for each week
• Instructor pages that guide you in implementing each lesson and lab
• Student pages are available if using the curriculum with more than one student
• Add the RSO Earth & Environment course for a full year curriculum. 

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 with others.

Licensing is available for group, school, and co-op use. Please contact Pandia Press for details on group licensing (info@pandiapressbooks.com).