Ganchi's Astronomy Classroom
O.W.L. Lessons
Wow, OWL Year already? Time really flies!
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This year does not have a new assignment for every week, since by now in your academic career, I hope you've figured out how to organize your own workflow.
The assignments you do have will build on some of the things we've covered in the first few years of Astronomy. I hope you'll find them stimulating and enjoyable.
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The assignments are labeled by week, but these are actually only suggestions. In fact, you can feel free to turn the assignments in in the "wrong" order if you want to.
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I'm trusting you to pace yourself. All assignments have a hard deadline at the end of Week 8, but I do strongly recommend you don't leave them all til the last minute. ;)
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As always, the door to my office and my PM inbox are open if you have any questions.
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Weeks 3-5
This is your chance to leave your mark on the face of Astronomical history!
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This task is to build your own constellation. Take a look at the star chart below (click for a much larger version) and use your favorite image editing software to connect the dots and create a shape or character. Please crop a smaller section of the full chart to include with your homework submission.
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Just like the classic constellations were applicable to the ancient cultures that discovered them, so your new constellation should somehow resonate with a modern stargazer.
Show me the constellation you created and tell me, in 400-600 words, a little bit about its cultural significance or origin story, and why it should be included in a contemporary pantheon of constellations. -- A modern-day myth, if you will.
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Weeks 1-2
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One of the great things about studying Astronomy is that you can make observations on your own without any sort of specialized equipment!
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For this task, you'll be taking a step away from your computer and outside on a clear night to tell me about everything you see.
You only need to write up one night of stargazing, so try to pick as good a night as you can. Clear, dark skies, a new moon, or perhaps a forecasted meteor shower make for great conditions.
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Write up a report of 200-300 words, explaining what you were able to see and recognize in the night sky, and showing me that you're able to apply what you've learned in the classroom to the real world.
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A couple of common-sense tips:
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More detail earns more points
proofread your work
creativity is always a plus
as always, points are deducted for bad science. :)
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Weeks 6-8
The field of Astronomy is an ever-evolving science, and new discoveries are being made every day that increase our knowledge of the universe.
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For your final assignment, pick and research one astronomical event or discovery that has been made in the last twelve months. (NASA's website might be a great first place to look)
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In 500-700 words, tell me what was discovered, what it means, what impact is might have, and why it's important.
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I'm looking for more than just a recap. Don't just tell me what happened; tell me what it means, and why it's important.
Also, cite your sources. :)
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Remember, all three assignments are due by the end of Week 8. Please turn them all in to the appropriate Owlery thread, and feel free to reach out to me in my office or via PM if you have any questions.
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Have fun!
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