Emphasizes experimental work with the scientific concepts important in astronomy, including planetarium observation and computer simulations of astronomical events. This course combined with ASTR-131 provides the student with a four-hour laboratory science credit. Two hours of laboratory per week.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
The goal of this course is to provide the general education student laboratory experience in astronomy by discovering astronomical concepts through simulations of the collection and analysis of astronomical data.
- Celestial Globes
- Desktop Planetarium Software
- Star Charts
- Telescope Construction and Observation Techniques
- Properties of Astronomical Objects including planets, stars and galaxies
- Astronomical Data Plotting and Analysis
- Successful students will demonstrate careful, accurate and safe use of laboratory equipment, including celestial globes, telescopes and computers.
- Successful students will gather, analyze and draw conclusions from simulated astronomical data.
- Successful students will be able to demonstrate the correct use of star charts in a simulated sky environment (planetarium).
- Successful students will be able to combine, organize and analyze simulated and real astronomical data to assess the validity of various astronomical theories and concepts.
Meeting MTA requirements: Course transfers as an equivalent to similar courses at Eastern Michigan, UM-Dearborn, Lawrence Tech, Wayne State and other colleges and universities.
Assessment and Requirements
A. Graded activities using laboratory equipment to gather data involving questions leading the student in the analysis of the data.
B. Practical Examinations on use of laboratory equipment to gather data and on the analysis of the data.
Lab Activity Manual
Outcomes
- Natural Sciences
- Category 6: Natural Sciences (Lab Only)