SMH Form 3 Astronomy: Accompanying the book The Planets by Dava Sobel (SMH Living Science Form 3-4 Guides (Grades 7-9))

In this Form 3-4 (grade 7-9) study guide, students will be introduced to the principles and tools of the study of astronomy. Included is an overview of our solar system, the sun, the planets, and comets. Students will learn about the sun’s convection currents, sunspots, solar flares, solar winds, and the auroras they create. They will learn how distant planets are studied and what has been discovered about their rotation, composition, atmosphere, moons, and rings. The study guide includes reading assignments from the spine text, narration prompts, and open discussion questions. Experiments related to the reading are also included. Optional supplemental activities, such as current events, videos, and article suggestions when there is time, are also included. Finally, you will find a link to an exam for each course in the introductory material. This study guide accompanies the living book The Planets by Dava Sobel (2006, ISBN: 0142001163), which must be purchased separately. Please Note. Though the text does not include religious content, this study guide does. If you require a secular version, please visit www.SabbathMoodHomeschool.com. The course Supply List and more information can be found at www.SabbathMoodHomeschool.com. This study guide includes 33 lessons, each requiring approximately 30-40 minutes. To learn more about scheduling a Charlotte Mason style science curriculum, read the article “Charlotte Mason’s Streams of Science” at SabbathMoodHomeschool.com/2016/08/masons-streams-of-science/. Charlotte Mason’s goal for school science was to instill a sense of wonder and awe in students and to provide them with the common information that allows for scientific literacy. However, to do so, books must be selected carefully, and relevant experiments must be included. Lessons should be prepared, and exam questions must be written for the end of the term. Many parents and teachers see the importance of Charlotte Mason’s methods for science education; however, they may not have the time to prepare such a program or know where to begin. Sabbath Mood Homeschool’s Living Science Curriculum allows you to confidently and quickly provide your children with an outstanding living science education. It is a curriculum that promotes wonder and admiration while preparing them to be scientifically literate citizens.