for segue forms (.pdf) click below

Objectives

• Demonstrate some of the basic aspects of astronomy particularly as they relate to studies of traditional societies.

• Illustrate broad applications of astronomy

• Develop avenues for students to continue to learn about astronomy that lead directly out of the segue experience.

Learning Structure

• Class-room/Laboratory discussion groups (students will have already watched assigned video presentations)

  • In class students will calculate their latitude on Earth and determine the configuration of the Earth, Sun, and Moon based on moon phase.  By doing so they will learn how astronomy plays a critical role in human history, culture, and daily survival.
    　

• Community observations

  • Before class, students are asked to observe the total lunar eclipse on August 27 and attend the planetarium show at the Bishop Museum.
    　

• Web-based delivery of information to students:

  • Provide a brief overview of some of the most interesting areas of astronomy.

  • Direct students to practitioners of astronomy within the University and in the community at-large.

  • Show students specific courses or other educational opportunities that can be used to further explore interests in astronomy.

Learning Outcomes

(1 = Most Desired Outcome, 3 = A Desirable Outcome, 5 = Least Desired Outcome)

1. Students seek more information about studies in astronomy, register to take a course in astronomy, and become a degree seeking major in astronomy.

2. Students seek more information about studies in astronomy and register to take a course in astronomy as part of an effort to broaden their education.

3. Students develop a sufficient (but minimal) understanding of astronomy to be able to make decisions about their own career (and inclusion or not of this science). These students are probably better citizens/voters.

4. Students do not learn anything about astronomy.

5. Students develop a negative perspective about astronomy because of the information received through this project.

Ethnobotany Segue Experience

• Two ethnobotany activities are conducted together bridging this segue with a segue to botany.

• During the class session, the students will calculate their latitude on Earth based on stellar observation and determine the configuration of the Earth, Sun, and Moon based on moon phases.  Class discussion will address relationships between astronomy, plants, and culture.

• Prior to lab, students are asked to attend the planetarium show at the Bishop Museum and observe the August 27th total lunar eclipse.

Other Science

• Astronomy (also frequently referred to as astrophysics) is the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as the cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe.
  　

• Development of life on other planets

• Definition of time and the calendar in relation to astronomy

• Astronomical navigation, including wayfinding and colonial exploration

• Comparative study of planetary atmospheres

• Energy generation in the Sun

Other Science Practitioners

• Dr. Robert Joseph, joseph@ifa.hawaii.edu, Institute for Astronomy, is happy to speak with students about his experience as an astronomer.  He can also be contacted at (808) 956-853.
  　

• Students interested in studying astronomy may also want to contact Michael Nassir, mikenas@ifa.hawaii.edu, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Watanabe Hall rm. 312, (808) 956-2952.

• Carolyn Kaichi, Manager of the Bishop Museum Planetarium, may also be contacted by interested students, ckaichi@bishopmuseum.org .

Other Science Courses

• Students interested in learning more about astronomy may want to take an introductory course like Astronomy 110 Survey of Astronomy, Astronomy 120 Astronomical Origins, or Astronomy 130 Introduction to Archaeoastronomy.

• Here are some websites that pertain to astronomy in Hawaii:

  • Institute for Astronomy

  • Polynesian Voyaging Society

  • Bishop Museum Planetarium

  • 'Imiloa Astronomy Center

  • Astrobiology Institute

  • Interstellar Chemistry Group
    　

• The SETI Institute researches the origin, nature and prevalence of life in the universe.  Click here to learn more: http://www.seti.org/
  　

• For career information, students may want to view the occupational outlook for potential careers in astronomy at the U.S. Department of Labor:

  • Physicists and Astronomers

  • Atmospheric Scientists