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<h1>Pathfinder: Astronomy</h1>
 
 
 Astronomy is the study of the universe. The study of the universe dates back to the earliest civilizations. Ancient scientists observed and tried to theorize the far off heavens. With the development of telescopes and precise measurements, astronomy has expanded well beyond inaccurate theories. Studying Astronomy has led to amazing discoveries, such as earth-like planets, and voyages, like man walking on the moon. In the classroom students learn two major categories of Astronomy which are our solar system and everything outside of the solar system. Inside our solar system, students are taught about the nine planets and the characteristics of our ordinary sun. Outside of the solar system, students are introduced to galaxies, the life of stars, and theories on our existence. Understanding the size of the universe is the goal when teaching about space in elementary and middle school. The audience targeted in this pathfinder is middle school students and teachers. 
 
 
Subjects to Search 
 
 
Astronomy, Universe, Solar System, Stars, Planets, Physics, Galaxies, Comets, Asteroids, Astronauts, NASA, Moon, Earth, Sun 
 
 
Bibliographies 
 
 
“Astronomy Books.” <a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://www.kidscosmos.org/resources/books.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.kidscosmos.org/resources/books.html</a> 
 
 This website provides a list of over thirty astronomy books for children. The books are categorized by subject including dictionaries, encyclopedias, and atlas. This is great for lesson planning. 
 
 
“Astroweb: Bibliographical Services.” 
 
<a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/astroWeb/astroweb" rel="nofollow"> http://cdsweb.u-strasbg.fr/astroWeb/astroweb</a> 
 
This bibliography has a list of twenty-five professional astronomy Websites. Some of the websites are student oriented and could be used for research 
 
 
“Physics and Astronomy: A Research Guide.” 
 
<a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/phys/resguide/physics.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www2.lib.udel.edu/subj/phys/resguide/physics.htm</a> 
 
This bibliography has a list of books, indexes, and handbooks for astronomy. This is great for planning lessons. 
 
 
Indexes 
 
 
The NASA Astrophysics Data System, 2000. Database online. <a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://adswww.harvard.edu/" rel="nofollow">http://adswww.harvard.edu/</a> 
 
This database provides access to articles relating to astronomy. It is a great tool when researching current NASA projects. 
 
 
Encyclopedia 
 
 
Dasch, Pat., ed. Space Sciences. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002 
 
 REF 500.5 SPA 2002 
 
This is a set of four encyclopedias. The books include chronological lists of astronomy discoveries, current research, and even carrier options. Each book has photographs and diagrams about space. 
 
 
Glover, Linda. National Geographic: Encyclopedia of Space. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 2005. 
 
 520.3 NAT 2005 
 
This encyclopedia is 400 pages of resources with amazing facts and photographs. It can be used by both students and teachers for learning. 
 
 
Hitzeroth, Deborah. Telescopes: Searching the Heavens. The Encyclopedia of Discovery and Invention. San Diego: Lucent Books, 1991. 
 
 J 522.2 HIT 
 
This series offers sixteen books about discoveries and inventions that impact our lives. It includes photographs of space and telescopes. It can be used by students. 
 
 
Stott, Carole. Space Exploration. Eyewitness Books. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2004. 
 
 J 629.4 STO 2004 
 
This Eyewitness Book is filled with information about the United States space program. At the end of the book, there is a timeline and a list of places to discover more facts about space. 
 
 
Zimmerman, Robert. The Chronological Encyclopedia of Discoveries in Space. Wesport, CT: Oryx Press, 2000. 
 
 500.5 ZIM 
 
This encyclopedia has more information than most reference books for students. Inside, students can look up information on anything about space. 
 
 
Dictionaries 
 
 
Dictionary of Astronomy. 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003 
 
 REF 520 MCG 2003 
 
This is compiled of more than 150 pages of astronomy terms. At the end there is a list of useful statistics about space. 
 
 
Curtis, Anthony, ed. Space Almanac, 2nd ed. Houston: Gulf Publishing Co., 1992. 
 
 REF 520 CUR 1992 
 
This Ready-Reference is filled with thousands of useful astronomy facts. The information deals with all kinds of subjects including American Astronauts and the distance of galaxies. It would useful to both students and teachers. 
 
 
Biography 
 
 
Abbot, David. (Ed.). The Biographical Dictionary of Scientists: Astronomers. New York: Peter Bedriek Books, 1984. 
 
 520.924 BIO 
 
This biographical book has a large list of current and past astronomers. The book also includes a fifteen page glossary and photographs of space and astronomers. Most of the names would be unknown to the average person. A teacher planning a unit about astronomy or a student researching an astronomer would be most likely to use this book. 
 
 
Buckley, James. Space Heroes: Amazing Astronauts. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 2005. 
 
 J 639.45 BUC 2004 
 
Space Heroes is a great book for middle school students who struggle with comprehension. The book shares the story of John Glenn and two other astronauts. The book has information about United States space missions. 
 
 
Atlas 
 
 
Brunier, Serge. The Great Atlas of the Stars. Toronto: Firefly Books, 2001. 
 
 REF 523.8 BRU 
 
The Star atlas focus is a large atlas of the stars, galaxies, and common constellations in the universe. The book is interactive and allows viewers to see the stars and constellations with or without a transparent outline. Students will enjoy learning about the constellations and then finding them in the night sky. The atlas is a great resource on the univers. 
 
 
Greely, Ronald and Raymond Batson. The Compact NASA Atlas of the Solar System. Cambridge: Cambridge Press, 2001. 
 
 REF 523.2 GRE 2001 
 
The atlas is a huge book filled with fantastic photographs and diagrams of our solar system. The pictures are close-up photos of the planets taken by telescopes and space mission equipment. Readers have the opportunity to learn the names of the formations on the planets and moons. 
 
 
Websites 
 
 
NASA <a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://www.nasa.gov/" rel="nofollow">http://www.nasa.gov</a> 
 
This is a great website that can be used by both students and teachers. It has current information as well as some history of space exploration. 
 
 
National Geographic Solar System <a class="wiki_link_ext" href="http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system" rel="nofollow">http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/space/solar-system</a> 
 
This website has great pictures and can be used by both teachers and students. 
 
 
Books Found In the PHGS Library 
 
 
1000 Facts on Space by John Farndon 
 
 523 FAR 
 
 
Atlas of the Universe by Mark Garlick 
 
 REF 523.1 
 
 
Guideposts to the Stars by Leslie Peltier 
 
 523.002