Astronomy Course on Huntington’s Spring Schedule
Huntington has always been a “science community” and high school students have long been given an interesting selection of courses to choose from when filling out their schedules. Astronomy is among the offerings and the spring semester class currently has an enrollment of 15, which is expected to still grow.
The one-semester, half-credit course has drawn the interest of teenagers for many years. It allows participants to learn about Earth’s place in the solar system and the universe. Teacher Craig McKee will lead the class.
David Casamento, Huntington’s director of science, is pleased the high school offers a variety of electives that appeal to a wide range of science students. “Here in Huntington, we are preparing our students for much more than tests,” he said. “We are preparing them to be life-long learners of science so they can better participate in their physical and natural world.”
During the astronomy course, the planetarium shell is lowered from the ceiling of the high school stage area when classes need it. It provides for teaching and learning experiences that cannot be duplicated in an ordinary classroom.
“Mr. McKee is an extraordinary astronomy teacher and any student who takes this course will be impressed with his knowledge and enthusiasm for teaching,” Mr. Casamento said. “In addition, they will leave the course with a greater appreciation for their universe. There is still room in the course and any student who wishes to take the course should see their guidance counselor.”
“Have you ever wondered about the constellations?” asks the high school course bulletin, which carries a description of the course. “What makes a star shine? These and many other questions will be answered in this course. Tools of ancient and modern astronomers will be used and viewed. The characteristics of celestial objects will be studied. The names, locations and histories of constellations will be studied through the use of slides, charts, star finders and other multimedia recourses.”
Astronomy is open to all high school students. It’s an unusual course and one that provokes the imagination along with a search for answers. “The course will also cover the farthest reaches of the known universe to the nearest celestial objects in our own solar system,” according to the course description.
For more information about the course contact Mr. Casamento at 673-2078 or dcasamento@hufsd.edu.
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