Module 3: Astronomy - The Universe

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum in Chicago, Illinois

The Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum in Chicago, Illinois

Authentic Assessment iconThe exploration and study of the universe plays such an important role in human life that schools, cities, and organizations have created theaters just to view the objects contained in it. Part fun and part education, these planetariums seek to immerse attendees in presentations about constellations and other astronomical bodies. Each year, thousands of people attend planetariums to learn more about astronomy. For this assignment, you have two options. Please read through each option below to determine how to complete this assignment.

Option A: Visit a Planetarium

For this assignment option, you will locate a planetarium in your region for you to visit. Once you have attended the planetarium, complete the Planetarium Form. Make sure to print a copy of the Planetarium Form prior to attending the planetarium because you will need a signature from a planetarium employee.

Reflection

After you completed your virtual planetarium visit, write a short reflection addressing the questions below. Each response should include two to three sentences.

  1. Was this a meaningful experience for you?  Why or why not?
  2. Which concepts from this module did you cover at the planetarium?
  3. Describe the ways in which you think the planetarium captured the spirit of real astronomy and space exploration.

Assignment icon
Once you have completed the Planetarium Form and Reflection, please submit it to the dropbox. 

 

Option B: Access a Virtual Planetarium

If you are unable to make a facility visit to a planetarium, you can still have a planetarium experience. For this assignment option, you will need to conduct internet research to find a virtual planetarium (there are many!) to visit. Once you have selected a virtual planetarium, complete the Virtual Planetarium Form.

Reflection

After you completed your virtual planetarium visit, write a short reflection addressing the questions below. Each response should include two to three sentences.

  1. Was this a meaningful experience for you?  Why or why not?
  2. Which concepts from this module did you cover at the planetarium?
  3. Describe the ways in which you think the planetarium captured the spirit of real astronomy and space exploration.

Assignment icon
Once you have completed the Virtual Planetarium Form and Reflection, please submit it to the dropbox.

 

Exam icon
Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.