Welcome to the Universe!

Take your students on an exciting journey through the universe with Dr. Hirshfeld’s Astronomy Activity and Laboratory Manual! Through a series of twenty in-class, modestly mathematical, paper-and-pencil activities, students review the epic advancement of astronomical thought, from the rudimentary observations of prehistoric skywatchers to the development of modern astrophysics in the 20th century. In following the groundbreaking work of some of history's most famous astronomers, students better appreciate the fruits of modern research. Astronomy Activity and Laboratory Manual, Second Edition supplies what is missing from the standard introductory college astronomy course; the essential story line that tells how astronomers came to know as much as they do about the universe.

The activities require no specialized instructor training, equipment or individual materials beyond a pencil, straightedge, and standard calculator. They are designed for use in a classroom of any size and are an easy way to introduce active-learning into the teaching of astronomy. The activities are also ideal for individual homework assignments or team study. The necessary mathematical background — basic elements of high-school algebra, geometry, and trigonometry — is introduced on an as-needed basis for each activity and is summarized in the Appendix. This learn-by-doing approach will engage and excite your introductory astronomy students!