This introductory astronomy LM contains observing and lab-oratory activities that are an essential part of an intro-ductory two-semester descriptive astronomy course. The primary aim of the LM is to give the student an appreciationof the night sky. Observing activities include a compre-hensive guide to the constellations, how to find the ecliptic and the determination of North, latitude, andlength of the year. Indoor activities include building atelescope, determining the composition of stars using spec-troscopes, building a scale model of the solar system, determining the age of the Universe, and the search forplanets around other stars.

Astronomy is a fun and challenging science for students. This manual is intended for one- and two-semester astronomy courses and uses hands-on, engaging activities to get students looking at the sky and developing a lifelong interest in astronomy.

Hirshfeld's Astronomy Activity and Laboratory Manual is a collection of twenty classroom-based exercises that provide an active-learning approach to mastering and comprehending key elements of astronomy. Used as a stand-alone activity book, or as a supplement to any mainstream astronomy text, this manual provides a broad, historical approach to the field through a narrative conveying how astronomers gradually assembled their comprehensive picture of the cosmos over time. Each activity has been carefully designed to be implemented in classrooms of any size, and require no specialized equipment beyond a pencil, straightedge, and calculator. The necessary mathematical background is introduced on an as-needed basis for every activity and is accessible for most undergraduate students. This learn-by-doing approach is sure to engage and excite your introductory astronomy students!