In this third lecture of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand describes methods of detecting other solar systems and planets and their properties in the interest of answering the question: Is our solar system unique, or are there others like it in the Universe? A lecture video and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this second lecture of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand explores the life history of a star, a biography encompassing millions of years, and how astrophysicists are able to trace stellar evolution. A lecture video and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this first lecture of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand sifts through astrophysics jargon to explain the basic physics behind stars—"our signposts for measuring our place in the Universe and its history"—and how they evolve over cosmic time. A lecture video and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this third lecture video of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand describes methods of detecting other solar systems and planets and their properties in the interest of answering the question: Is our solar system unique, or are there others like it in the Universe? A lecture transcript and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this second lecture video of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand explores the life history of a star, a biography encompassing millions of years, and how astrophysicists are able to trace stellar evolution. A lecture transcript and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this first lecture video of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand sifts through astrophysics jargon to explain the basic physics behind stars—"our signposts for measuring our place in the Universe and its history"—and how they evolve over cosmic time. A lecture transcript and companion PowerPoint presentation are also available on FoSO.
In this PowerPoint presentation, the third of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand presents methods of detecting other solar systems and planets and their properties in the interest of answering the question: Is our solar system unique, or are there others like it in the Universe? A lecture video and transcript are also available on FoSO.
In this PowerPoint presentation, the second of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand explores the life history of a star, a biography encompassing millions of years, and how astrophysicists are able to trace stellar evolution. A lecture video and transcript are also available on FoSO.
In this PowerPoint presentation, the first of three in the Frontiers of Science unit on astronomy, Columbia University professor David Helfand sifts through astrophysics jargon to explain the basic physics behind stars—"our signposts for measuring our place in the Universe and its history"—and how they evolve over cosmic time. A lecture video and transcript are also available on FoSO.
This exam consists of 11 questions related to the astronomy materials presented in Frontiers of Science. The document provided here contains the questions and associated figures, while the answers are provided in a separate document. Each question requires students to apply their understanding of both content and the scientific habits of mind learned in the astronomy unit. (Note: We provide the exam questions and answers to guide instructors in designing their own assessments. Since this Web site is freely accessible to anyone, including students, we recommend revising these questions to suit your own course content.)