Astronomy Program

"Drawing by Cedric B."

"Astronomy" is a science elective course offered within the Burke Science Curriculum, open for students in grades 9-12. The course lasts one semester and meets in the Burke Planetarium. Topics include the solar system, stars and their life cycles, galaxies, and space exploration. Through the use of the Planetarium and through evening sky observations, students learn to identify constellations in the night sky.

Students also study astronomy by using computer technology including simulation programs such as TheSky, and Starry Night Pro; extensive use of astronomy Internet resources and image processing are also important technology-related components of the astronomy class.