Explore humans' place in the Universe by studying the Sun, Earth, Solar System, and beyond. A look at the origin, history, and possible fate of the Universe with a survey of nebula, stars, galaxies, and cosmology. Meets MnTC Goal 3L
Course Effective Dates: 2/27/24 – Present
Outline of Major Content Areas
History of Astronomy
Objects and Organization of Known Universe
Solar System
Stars and Stellar Evolution
Tools of Astronomy
Learning Outcomes
Identify basic concepts of astronomy.
Identify or illustrate ideas from the history of Astronomy.
Describe the characteristics of objects beyond the solar system.
Describe the characteristics of objects within the solar system.
Comprehend present theories of stellar evolution and cosmology.
Show mathematical ability to use very large numbers in astronomy (metric system, new units, and powers of ten.)
Analyze data through graphing and other data interpretation techniques.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Area(s) and Competencies Goal 03 — Natural Science
Demonstrate understanding of scientific theories.
Formulate and test hypotheses by performing laboratory, simulation, or field experiments in at least two of the natural science disciplines. One of these experimental components should develop, in greater depth, students' laboratory experience in the collection of data, its statistical and graphical analysis, and an appreciation of its sources of error and uncertainty.
Communicate their experimental findings, analyses, and interpretations both orally and in writing.
Evaluate societal issues from a natural science perspective, ask questions about the evidence presented, and make informed judgments about science-related topics and policies.
