To the Universe and Beyond! An Introduction to the Cosmos – Friday – Spring 2022 – 10 Weeks – Grades 4 – 8

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what was out there? 

Or perhaps took a history class, and felt awe at how many people have lived before us? 

Maybe you just waded into the ocean and felt how huge the water must be.

This is “To the Universe and Beyond! An Introduction to the Cosmos,” where I want to introduce OTA students to some of the biggest – and smallest – things in existence. In this class, we will wander over the intellectual horizon and talk about things like space, planets, the histories of astronomy and science, and so much more. 

Are you wondering if this class is for you? 

Watch the trailer for the 2014 documentary we will be watching along the way. 

This is a discussion and interaction-based class. Before each class, students will be required to watch an episode of the 2014 documentary series Cosmos and take a short 3-question comprehension quiz. 

In class, students will listen to short lectures on the theme of episodes, discuss their opinions, ask questions, and do exercises that help bring the vastness of the universe we’re learning about back down to Earth. Each student will complete a final project from a list of several options. 

To learn about the universe, ask questions, and foster curiosity. 

Nothing is required; however, I greatly recommend that you purchase a copy of Carl Sagan’s original book, “Cosmos.” When I was young, I didn’t understand everything in it, but flipping through its pictures every now and then led to a journey that brought me to where I am now. 

REQUIRED – obtain access to the modern documentary tv series, “Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey.” Some options for access are:

• Purchase a DVD box set
• Use a Disney+ subscription (monthly)
• Purchase digital copy on Amazon ($20)

Students can expect approximately 1 hour of weekly homework, which consists of one episode and less than 15 minutes to answer quiz questions. During the second half of the course, students will need a few hours to complete their final project.

In the second half of the course, a few extra hours to complete the final project.

NOTE: Registration deadline is March 15, 2022.

There must be a minimum of 5 students to run this class.