• Mark Verber Layering and Clothing systems
• Stanford Solar Center Observing the Sun for Yourself
• Coronado Solar Filters Solar Telescopes and Solar Filters
• Discoveries & Breakthroughs Spotting Sun Spots
• About.com Fundamental First Aid: The ABC's
• Mayo Clinic First-Aid Guide

• Stary Night Lights What is light pollution?
• Wikipedia Light pollution
• Save the Night What is light pollution?

With the aid of diagrams (or real telescopes if available) do the following:

a. Explain why binoculars and telescopes are important astronomical tools. Demonstrate or explain how these tools are used.

b. Describe the similarities and differences of several types of astronomical telescopes.

c. Explain the purposes of at least three instruments used with astronomical telescopes.

• Mr. R's TELESCOPES

Do the following:

a. Identify in the sky at least 10 constellations, at least four of which are in the zodiac.
b. Identify at least eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of magnitude 1 or brighter.

c. Make two sketches of the Big Dipper. In one sketch, show the Big Dipper's orientation in the early evening sky. In another sketch, show its position several hours later. In both sketches, show the North Star and the horizon. Record the date and time each sketch was made 
d. Explain what we see when we look at the Milky Way. 

• Mr. R's GALAXY, STARS & CONSTELLATIONS 

• Skymaps.com  Free online skymaps you can print off each month (excellent)
• Space.com  A great graphic showing the sun passing through constellations, tracing the ecliptic.

Do the following:

a. List the names of the five most visible planets. Explain which ones can appear inphases similar to lunar phases and which ones cannot, and explain why.

b. Find out when each of the five most visible planets that you identified in requirement 5a will be observable in the evening sky during the next 12 months, then compile this information in the form of a chart or table. Update your chart monthly to show whether each planet will be visible during the early morning or in the evening sky.

• Mr. R's PLANETS

• Mr. R's PLANETS & ECLIPSES

Do the following:
a. Sketch the face of the moon and indicate at least five seas and five craters. Label these landmarks. 
b. Sketch the phase and  the daily position of the Moon at the same hour and place, for a week. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills, trees, and buildings.  Explain the changes you observe. 
c. List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth.

d. With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of the Moon.

• Mr. R's MOON 

 
• The Physics Classroom  Circular, Satellite, and Rotational Motion
• The Physics Classroom  Newton's Laws: State of Motion
• The Physics Classroom  Newton's Laws: The Car and the Wall
• The Physics Classroom  Newton's Laws: The Truck & Ladder

Do the following:

1. Describe the composition of the Sun, its relationship to other stars, and some effects of its radiation on Earth's weather. Define sunspots and describe some of the effects they may have on solar radiation.
2. Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and one yellow star (other than the Sun). Explain the meaning of these colors.

• Mr. R's SUN & STARS

With your counselor's approval and guidance, do ONE of the following:
a. Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory. Submit a written report, a scrapbook, or a video presentation afterward to your counselor that includes the following information:

1. Activities occurring there
2. Exhibits and displays you saw
3. Telescopes and instruments being used
4. Celestial objects you observed.

b. Plan and participate in a three-hour observation session that includes using binoculars or a telescope. List the celestial objects you want to observe, and find each on a star chart or in a guidebook. Prepare an observing log or notebook. Show your plan, charts, and log or notebook to your counselor before making your observations. Review your log or notebook with your counselor afterward.

c. Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such as your class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and explain celestial objects to the group.

d. Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is open to the public.

e. Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the movement of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid or meteoroid, or a comet. In your visual display, label each image and include the date and time it was taken. Show all positions on a star chart or map. Show your display at school or at a troop meeting. Explain the changes you observed.

• Clark Planetarium  Salt Lake City, Utah
• WSU Ott Planetarium  Ogden, Utah
• BYU Summerhays Planetarium  Provo, Utah
• IPS Planetaria Around the World  Search for a planetarium near you.

• Skymaps.com FREE online skymaps you can print off each month (excellent).

List at least three different career opportunities in astronomy. Pick the one you in which are most interested and explain how to prepare for such a career. Discuss with your counselor what courses might be useful for such a career.

• The Astronomy Cafe 61 FAQs about A Career in Astronomy
• Curious about Astronomy - Ask an Astronomer (click on links or questions)
• Ask a Space Scientist For questions about the sun or earth (conducted by Dr. Sten Odewald--Astronomer)
• A New Universe to Explore: Careers in Astronomy

• Mr. R's FOR YOUR INFORMATION