Hands-On Astrophysics includes the following materials:
The Teacher/Student Manual
A 560-page manual that is divided into two separate sections, one for teachers/instructors and one for students. The manual contents include: Investigations, Core Activities, Activities, Space Talks, Terminology, Poster Pages, Resources, and the Appendix.
Computer Software
There are three computer software programs that are included in HOA. HOAFUN is a simple visual introduction to variable star light curves. VSTAR is a very powerful data plotting and analysis program that can plot light curves and perform student-directed data analysis. HOAENTER is a data entry program that allows students to input their observations into the AAVSO Database to see how their observations compare with others.
Database of Variable Star Observations
At the heart of the HOA curriculum is the set of over 10 million observations of variable stars from the archives of the AAVSO. These observations, made by amateur astronomers from around the world over a period of 25 years, provide students with a unique opportunity to learn scientific techniques and develop mathematical skills by plotting and analyzing data to produce real results.
Variable Star Charts
AAVSO charts show areas of the sky which contain one or more variable stars. These charts are used to find and to make observations of variable stars. The 45 charts in the HOA materials include finder charts of the 5 HOA constellations, as well as different-scale charts for a number of the variable stars used in the HOA curriculum.
Slides and Prints
Thirty-one 35mm slides are included in the HOA materials. These slides may be used with the lessons in the manual to help illustrate the changing brightness of variable stars. Also included are a total of 14 photographic prints. The activities that go with these prints and slides give several suggestions as to how they can be used.
Video Cassette
The HOA video cassette is divided into three major segments, each of which is approximately 20 minutes long. They are titled "Backyard Astronomy", "Variable Stars", and "How To Observe Variable Stars." The videos can be used by teachers or students as introductory material for the curriculum.
