Science In The Community- (Unit #4 Galileo Galilei)

Galileo BONUS: Go visit the SUU Ashcroft observatory.

I have been here a couple times and it is awesome! In our unit on Galileo and astronomy, the students are learning all about the universe. This is the perfect spot to visit and observe the stars and planets.

Phone: (435) 586-1409

The Ashcroft Observatory is located on the hilltop just south of the SUU farm on Westview Drive.

OPEN NIGHTS

In keeping with a long-standing tradition stemming from its opening in the early 1970s, the Observatory remains focused on community involvement and learning opportunities. The Ashcroft Observatory is open every Monday night to all those interested in learning about constellations or viewing distant parts of the galaxy. Interested parties should plan on arriving at the observatory just as the sun sets. As weather or other conditions might alter this schedule, before driving out, please call the number above to make sure someone is there.

This is a free opportunity, and has been of great use in the past to school groups, scout groups and families, but all are welcome and encouraged to enjoy the splendor in the skies. ~SUU

So go blast off to the observatory. The sky is the limit!

Together We Can Rule The Galaxy- (Unit #4 Galileo Galilei)

“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered, the point is to discover them.” ~Galileo Galilei

In this unit we will be learning all about Galileo, space, galaxies, stars, the sun and the planets and tying in the solar system to our theme of STAR WARS. Of course the force in strong in my class. Don’t underestimate the power of science haha! I stinkin love Star Wars and actually went to a sight where they filmed The Force Awakens. Okay I know I’m geeking out. Now onto the scientist we will be learning about.

Considered the father of modern science, Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) made major contributions to the fields of physics, astronomy, cosmology, mathematics and philosophy. He invented an improved telescope that let him observe and describe the moons of Jupiter, the rings of Saturn, the phases of Venus, sunspots and the rugged lunar surface. His flair for self-promotion earned him powerful friends among Italy’s ruling elite and enemies among the Catholic Church’s leaders. His advocacy of a heliocentric universe brought him before religious authorities in 1616 and again in 1633, when he was forced to recant and placed under house arrest for the rest of his life. ~ History.com

He improved the telescope, discovered the laws of the pendulum and is famous for discovering that the sun was the center of the universe, not Earth, as they believed at the time.