Galileo's Classroom: Activities & Materials for Teaching Astronomy

These materials were developed for the Galileo Teacher Training Program (GTTP) in celebration of the United Nations' International Year of Astronomy (2009).

Editors

Stephanie Slater
Janelle M. Bailey
Michael Gibbs.

Contributors

Gemini Observatory
Thirty Meter Telescope
NOAO
Big Island Toyota
University of Wyoming
Carthage College
Galileoscope

Table of Contents

1. Preface (Peter Michaud & Janice Harvey, Gemini Observatory)
2. The Telescope Reveals the Heavens
   

   A. Joy of Telescopes (Doug Arion, Carthage College)
   B. Hands on Optics (Steve Pompea & Rob Sparks, NOAO)
   C. Galileoscopes Observing Guide (Rob Sparks & Steve Pompea, NOAO)

3. Creating Caters on the Moon
   

   A. The Moon: Craters and More (Stephanie Shipp & Christine Shupla, LPI)
   B. Impact Crater Inquiry (CAPER Team)

4. Observing Our Imperfect Sun
   

   A. The Sun and Sunspots in Perspective (Cherilynn Morrow, Georgia State Univ.)
   B. Tracking Features on the Sun (Kendra Sibbernsen, Metropolitan Community College)

5. The Countless Stars in the Heavens
   

   A. Galileo and the Milky Way (Erika Grundstrom, Vanderbilt Univ.)
   B. Naked Eye Astronomy
   C. Dark Skies

6. Jupiter's Moon System: A System within a System
   

   A. Studying the Moons of Jupiter (Kevin Grazier, JPL)
   B. Observing Jupiter's Moons: Inquiry Using Backwards Faded Scaffolding (CAPER Team)
   C. The Solar System Dance (Inge Heyer, Joint Astronomy Centre)

7. Phases of Venus and Our Moon
   

   A. Galileo and the Phases of the Moon (Michael LoPresto, Henry Ford Community College)
   B. Studying Phases (Stephanie Shipp & Christine Shupla, LPI)

8. What Would Galileo Teach Today?
   

   A. What Would Galileo Teach Today? (Mike Brotherton, University of Wyoming)
   B. All the Other Things to Do (Dave McKinnon, Charles Stuart University)

9. Appendix
   

   A. NRC National Science Education Standards for Astronomy