Classroom Goals

I am a first year Astronomy teacher at Mason High School. I have transitioned from running my own woodworking business to being a full-time science educator. I am at the beginning stage of organizing and developing this class. I have received a vast amount of help and support from the science director here at Mason (Debbie Rupp), along with several of the other science instructors. It has been both challenging and rewarding. Although I am happy with things thus far, the development of this class has a long-long way to go. This class has so much potential. Astronomy can (and should) be as exciting as it is educational in order for the students to thoroughly appreciate all the facets of this fascinating science. However, this can only be achieved by utilizing all the latest technology that is available. This course cannot be taught with textbooks alone. Incorporating the latest technology available into the classroom setting will enhance the students desire to learn and also contribute to their preparedness for the 21st century. A thorough understanding of the latest technology is essential for career development. There is wide variety of computer generated astronomy exercises available on the Internet. It is my goal to be able to visit these web-sites and utilize the available software they offer and instruct the students on its usage. These exercises bring astronomy into the classroom. Without the use of an available telescope these laboratories are essential in captivating and keeping the students interest. For this new class to be successful it is essential that I learn this available software and then pass this knowledge onto my students.The students' use of this technology will help them understand the difficult concepts and theories they will have learned in either textbooks or lectures. This will then provide the students with the confidence to recognize legitimate resources when researching in order to validate their concepts and ideas for their projects and presentations.