This astronomy course is the third in a series of three, any of which can be taken individually. This term, the class will look at the Universe as a whole, considering the long history of ideas and discoveries about it. You'll ask the biggest questions of all, like "Where did the Universe come from?", "How will it end?", and "Do aliens exist?" You'll be asked to participate in many lively discussions where you'll share your own views while learning about the history of science's understanding of the Universe. Movies, TV documentaries, and other multimedia presentations online will help jump start your inquiring mind, and you’ll work on lab activities that explore some of these big ideas. You’ll be asked to reflect on your personal beliefs, lean into the challenge of having them questioned, and politely consider other students’ points of view. In the end, you’ll have a great understanding of the Universe, its properties and origins, and the new problems that scientists face in our total comprehension of everything around us. Each astronomy elective is a distinct course and can be taken as a one-time experience or as a series of connected classes.

Students currently enrolled in the Astronomy II elective will be given enrollment priority when new courses are selected each term. This course may satisfy a student's science requirement.