--- title: Online Astronomy Basic Course | Williamsburg Learning description: In this online course, high school students learn about the sun, and how astronomers locate and study the stars, planets, and constellations image: https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/astronomy-a.jpeg ---  Science Program  # Astronomy A ![live online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Icons%20Badges/ico-bar-4.svg) ![live online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/WHITE%20live%20course.svg) #### Live Courses If you want the personal connection of an excellent brick-and-mortar classroom combined with the flexibility of online learning for your student, choose this option. Our signature live online courses are the heart of the Williamsburg program, led by expert mentors who create a deep sense of community between students. Live courses include the following benefits: - Weekly live classes with mentor and peers - Live interaction via webcam, mic, and chat box - Access to live study groups and 1:1 tutoring - Chances to participate in student government - Group projects & peer-reviewed presentations - Simulations & student-led discussions - Written, oral, and project-based exams ![classic or honors online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Group%20195%20(1)-1.svg) ![classic or honors online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/WHITE%20classic%20honors.svg) #### Classic & Honors Versions In many live courses, we offer both a Classic and Honors format. Students in both versions meet in the same live class sessions, but students in Honors courses have about 30% more readings and assignments, including projects that are more challenging. Students are welcome to enroll in whichever version fits best for them and can switch within the first twenty-one days of the semester. Honors courses are not available in the self-paced format. - Freedom to participate in other programs and extracurriculars - Freedom to go deeper in other areas of interest - Time to process what you’re learning without being overwhelmed by assignments and readings - Opportunities for deeper readings, discussions, and analysis - Challenging assignments exploring themes, lessons, and characters in the liberal arts - Freedom to thoroughly explore the subject material ![self-paced online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Icons%20Badges/ico-bar-3.svg) ![self-paced online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/WHITE%20selfpaced.svg) #### Self-Paced Courses If your student works well independently or needs more flexibility to work around other activities, our self-paced courses are an ideal option and provide a richer, more personal experience than many other asynchronous online courses. Self-paced courses include the following benefits: - Engaging recordings from our best live classes - Interaction with peers through online forums - Access to weekly mentor office hours - Streamlined assignments for meaningful learning - Same high-quality readings as live classes - Same personalized feedback as live classes ![independent studies online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Icons%20Badges/ico-bar-2.svg) ![independent studies online course](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/WHITE%20indi%20studies%20course.svg) #### Independent Studies Courses In high school [Math](https://www.williamsburglearning.com/curriculum/high-school/math/independent-math-courses/), [Fine Arts](https://www.williamsburglearning.com/curriculum/high-school/fine-arts/independent-fine-arts/), [PE](https://www.williamsburglearning.com/curriculum/high-school/pe-health/independent-pe/), and [Electives](https://www.williamsburglearning.com/curriculum/high-school/electives/independent-electives/), we offer independent courses so students can earn academic credit for learning from a third-party curriculum provider. Some students prefer alternative math programs; others put in long hours practicing musical instruments, competing on an athletic team, or participating in internships. Students can earn credit for these and other activities by enrolling in an Independent Studies course, provided they fulfill the course requirements (see the above course links for full details). - Earn credit for things you are already doing and enjoy - Access to a mentor while working independently to complete education hours Why This Class At some point, your student has probably asked you a question or two about outer space: How many stars are there? How big is the Milky Way? What is a black hole? As you know, these aren’t easy questions to answer. This course helps by taking your student on an introductory tour of the marvels and mysteries of astronomy. Mentors in this course begin by showing students how astronomers locate and study the stars and constellations of the night sky. Next, students learn the characteristics of objects including the Sun, distant galaxies, black holes, quasars, and solar flares. Students also explore how light and distance determine whether a celestial object is visible to the naked eye or requires state-of-the-art technology to view—and learn how to spot some of those objects themselves. By the end of this course, students expand their awareness of the natural world well beyond planet Earth. They feel inspired by a new level of fascination about the universe to continue exploring its unanswered questions. ![Featured Image](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/astronomy-a.jpeg) [![REGISTER NOW](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8517951/88ac3225-76e8-42c6-b779-0d65b82fa80e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8517951/88ac3225-76e8-42c6-b779-0d65b82fa80e) **Course Details** Recommended Grade: 9th (Freshman) – 12th (Senior) Prerequisites: None Estimated Weekly Hours: 5 Format: Live Credits: 0.5 ### Reading List ![Group 166](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Group%20166.svg) The Art of Urban Astronomy: A Guide to Stargazing Wherever You Are by Abigail Beall This course requires additional supplies. Please see the book list in SIS for details. ### Overarching Questions ![Group 108](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/Group%20108.svg) How do we organize and understand the sky above us? What is light and how do we use it to see distant objects? What is the nature of the Sun? Of the moon? Of stars? How do stars change as they age? What is a galaxy and how does it form? ## Related Courses [ ## Student Body Leadership B SEE THE COURSE ](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/courses/student-body-leadership-b) [ ## Social Leadership A SEE THE COURSE ](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/courses/social-leadership-a) [ ## High School Study Skills SEE THE COURSE ](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/courses/high-school-study-skills) [ ## High School Math 2A SEE THE COURSE ](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/courses/high-school-math-2a) [ ## Calculus A SEE THE COURSE ](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/courses/calculus-a) Please contact our Customer Support Team at [support@williamsburglearning.com](mailto:support@williamsburglearning.com) if you have questions. Please note that program and course descriptions, as well as reading and materials lists, are subject to change as we continuously improve our curriculum throughout the year. Book and materials lists for the upcoming school year are published in SIS mid to late June. ## Register For Courses Today! [![REGISTER NOW](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8517951/7f80c908-fbda-439f-a997-1f38a6d368bf.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8517951/7f80c908-fbda-439f-a997-1f38a6d368bf) ![arrow](https://blogstaging.williamsburglearning.com/hubfs/shape%20(1).svg) back to top ## About - Curriculum - Enrollment - Q&A ## Current Families - SIS - Canvas - Registration ## Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title ## Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title - Site Map title ## Business Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm MST Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm MST Closed weekends and holidays 1173 S 250 W Ste 107 Saint George, Utah 84770 P. 800-200-6869 F. 435-215-7699 © 2015-2021 Williamsburg Learning Privacy Policy Cookie Policy (US)