Investigating Astronomy is a high school curriculum under development at TERC with funding from the National Science Foundation. TERC is partnering with National Optical Astronomy Observatory and Starry Night to incorporate authentic astronomical data and tools into the curriculum, and the Astronomical Society of the Pacific to facilitate community outreach.

Investigating Astronomy is a comprehensive set of astronomy materials that engage students from all backgrounds in inquiry-based, data-rich investigations. The curriculum consists of six modules that can be used individually as astronomy content within Earth Science or Physical Science classes, or as a set for a semester-long, or year-long Astronomy course.

Each Investigating Astronomy module has a student guide, a teacher guide, an associated community newsletter, and technological resources.

The six Investigating Astronomy modules are:

Investigating the Motions of the Sky

Investigating the Tools of Astronomy

Investigating the Sun-Earth-Moon System

Investigating Planets

Investigating Stars

Investigating the Universe

Approximately 20 teachers piloted the first version of Investigating Astronomy materials, and in the 2006-2007 we are running a national field test in 30 schools across the US, as well as a research study on inquiry-based science learning in a smaller number of classes.

Publication of Investigating Astronomy is anticipated in 2008.