About Investigating Astronomy

Investigating Astronomy is a high school curriculum developed at TERC, a not-for-profit mathematics and science education company, with funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF). TERC partnered with the National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO) and Starry Night to incorporate authentic astronomical data and tools into the curriculum, and with the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to facilitate community outreach.

Investigating Astronomy is a comprehensive astronomy curriculum, engaging students from all backgrounds in inquiry-based, data-rich investigations. The curriculum consists of a Student Guide, Teacher Guide, and various associated print and technological resources.

The curriculum contains six Units:

Investigating the Motions of the Sky

Investigating the Sun-Earth-Moon System

Investigating Planets

Investigating the Tools of Astronomy

Investigating Stars

Investigating the Universe

Individual Units can be used as astronomy content within Earth Science or Physical Science classes, and together, they make up a semester-long or year-long Astronomy course.

Between 2005 and 2007, approximately 60 teachers piloted and field-tested the Investigating Astronomy materials, and a more extensive research study on inquiry-based science learning was conducted in a smaller number of classes.

Publication of Investigating Astronomy is anticipated in 2009-2010.