Space is mysterious, with its many planets and many planet destroyers. We don’t know what’s out there, but we do know that we need more people in the astronomy field. I believe there should be an astronomy course taught at Bryan High. Just picture the future astronauts, or the first person to create a lightspeed spacecraft could be Bryan Vikings
Astronomy is about generating curiosity and making people ask questions. The course doesn’t just teach about the solar system; it also teaches students about light speed, black holes, the Big Bang Theory, how spacecraft are made, and so many other space-related topics.
When I was in middle school, I remember being taught astronomy. It was a short unit, and it felt like the teacher just wanted to rush through it. Usually, I don’t have fun in science classes, but I found the subject of space intriguing.
Teaching astronomy could spark interest among students to pursue a STEM related job, which gives students a chance to become successful adults. Some people think astronomy is only for future astronauts, but that just isn’t true. Space fields have jobs such as astronomers, meteorologists, aeronautical engineers, and physicists because the student is taught STEM skills.
Not only does astronomy teach about space, but it is also a good way for students to learn more STEM skills. It introduces them to more practical uses of algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry, and history. Did you know that nothing we see in space is truly accurate because of lightspeed? Although light speed moves about 670 million mph, it is still too slow to reach us, which means we may be in 2025, but the stars and galaxies we see are what they looked like in BC.
During an astronomy course, students could do fun modeling projects for black holes or the solar system, which allows the students to have some hands-on work. In addition, students might be inspired to start a club. This club could encourage students to build teamwork skills through learning how to use telescopes or coming up with ideas to convince people to use solar energy.
Furthermore, astronomy teaches about environmental awareness. Studying the universe teaches people how fragile Earth is and the importance of protecting it from climate change and preventing fossil fuels from burning a hole into the ozone layer.
The cost to build an entry level astronomy class is similar to physics because of its similar teachings in the subject such as, the same fundamental physical laws and mathematical tools. Regardless of the price, giving students the opportunity to experience an astronomy course is worth it because of previous statements like providing a student with a successful future.
Remember the 1950s space race? Well, when the race began President Eisenhower decided to bring more funding to math and science education. He did this to encourage students to join the space race, which eventually led to the US victory. Bryan High should do a similar job like Eisenhower and put funding toward an astronomy course.
