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| Carl Sagan with the model of the "Viking" reentry vehicle (Wikipedia) |
Note: Few scientists have popularized science for the masses like the late Dr. Carl Sagan, and nothing he did had a bigger effect than his television series and book, Cosmos.
Get Ready: What do you know about astronomy? How did you learn it?
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| Galileo holding a telescope (Wikipedia) |
Note: One important part of the technological advancement of humankind is the development of tools that allow us to make even further discoveries. For example, astronomy took a great leap forward with the development of the telescope in the 17th century.
Get Ready: Have you ever looked through a telescope (or binoculars)? If you have, what was it like? If you haven't, what do youthink it would be like?
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| Sir Isaac Newton (Wikipedia) |
Note: With this lesson we'll begin discussing stories from science, literature, art, music, history, philosophy--almost every field of human endeavor and experience, even folk tales. We'll start by examining a well-known story from science.
Get Ready: What do you know about Sir Isaac Newton? Do you know any stories about him?
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| The Transfiguration of Jesus (Wikipedia) |
Note: There's not much happening in August--maybe due to the heat! Still, a major pagan holiday and a major Christian one will do.
Get Ready: Are you badly affected by hot weather, or can you tolerate it easily?
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| The reunion of the Weaver Girl and the Cowherd (Wikipedia) |
Note: Two lovers--actually, stars--are banished to opposite sides of the river called the Milky Way, and can meet only once a year.
Get Ready: Do you know any other myths or legends based in astronomy?
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| Earth at the equinoxes (Wikipedia) |
Note: The March equinox, called by some the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere, is the cue for several other observances as well.
Get Ready: Do you participate in Earth Hour or any other events around the March equinox?
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| Pliny the Elder (supposedly) (Wikipedia) |
Note: A true scientist who went into the field and "got his hands dirty," the Roman naturalist Pliny died while observing a the effects of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE.
Get Ready: Have you ever been in an earthquake, hurricane, typhoon, volcanic eruption, tsunami, or other major natural disaster? What was it like?
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| Galileo Galilei (Wikipedia) |
Note: Though the theory wasn't his, by championing the idea of the sun-centered solar system, Galileo advanced science and changed the way we see ourselves in the cosmos.
Get Ready: The earth goes around the sun, and not vice versa. Does it really matter? Does it change anything to know this? How?
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| Sir Isaac Newton (Wikipedia) |
Note: What keeps us stuck to the earth? Sir Isaac Newton figured out exactly how this "glue" works! Find out what else he did!
Get Ready: If you hold something in mid-air and let go, which way will it probably travel? Why?
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| Earth at the equinoxes (Wikipedia) |
Note: Each of the four great turning points--solstices and equinoxes--is widely celebrated across cultures. Let's look at some springtime celebrations.
Get Ready: Does your culture or region have a special celebration for Spring Equinox? If so, what do you do?
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| Day and Night (Wikipedia) |
Note: Morning becomes afternoon at 12 noon, but the other periods of the day are a little more slippery. Learn the different ways of dividing them.
Get Ready: What is your favorite time of day? Why do you like it?
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