R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Astronomy 1 Textbook

Grade level: 1st through 4th (target grade is 2nd) You will find REAL Science Odyssey to be unlike any other science curricula available. Most notably, it is secular. Only scientific inquiry and theory based on empirical and measurable evidence are understood to be valid and standard science in all REAL Science Odyssey courses. Astronomy 1 can be used as a stand-alone 18 week course, or paired with Earth & Environment 1 for a year+ of science.

In REAL Science Odyssey Astronomy 1, the major topics include scientific modeling, solar system, space, physics of light, space travel, cosmology, the universe, and gravity. Students study each planet separately as they travel through the solar system with Bunny and Dusty, the adorable space-dust bunnies.

Short lessons are followed by several hands-on labs and activities including mixing and separating light waves, learning why the sky is blue, modeling the Earth/moon/sun system, creating a Big Bang timeline, and making a comet. Space travel and exploration is a highlight of the course. Students make models of several spacecrafts, create a a travel map of the solar system, and launch a soda bottle rocket.