Choosing the Right Curriculum
What grade level is Home School Astronomy designed for?
Home School Astronomy is available in two versions: Elementary for grades K-5 and Jr./Sr. High for grades 6-12. Both versions cover the same astronomy topics. The elementary version uses less text, and simpler vocabulary.
Which version should I choose?
Choose the elementary version for students in grades K-5 and the Jr./Sr. High version for students in grades 6-12. If a student’s reading level or learning needs fall outside the usual grade range, the free lesson can help you decide which presentation style is the better fit.
Is Home School Astronomy a complete curriculum or a supplement?
Home School Astronomy can serve as a complete semester or full-year astronomy curriculum. Some families use it as their primary science course, while others use it as an astronomy elective or a high-interest supplement to another science program.
Do I need a science background to teach this?
Home School Astronomy is designed to help parents and students explore astronomy without requiring the parent to be an astronomy expert. The lessons provide the presentation, questions, activities, and suggested pacing.
Can my student work independently?
The curriculum is self-directed. Older students can often work independently, while younger students may benefit from more parent involvement. Families can adjust the level of support to the student’s age and learning needs.
How the Curriculum Works
What comes with the curriculum?
The curriculum includes lesson objectives, warm-up activities, illustrated PowerPoint presentations, student questions or quizzes, answer keys, writing or research activities, cross-curricular extensions, printable materials, and suggested pacing guidance. The curriculum does not include narration.
How long does each lesson take?
Most families can spend about 30 minutes per day on one lesson over the course of a week. That time may include the warm-up, presentation, questions, and activities. The curriculum is self-paced, so families can adjust the schedule.
Is there a required order for the lessons?
Each semester includes a suggested lesson order, but the sequence is flexible. Families may follow the recommended path or adjust the order to match their schedule and interests.
Are the lessons videos?
No. The website curriculum is delivered as self-paced PowerPoint presentations. Students control when to move to the next concept, allowing more time to read, study the visuals, and complete questions or activities.
Can I print the curriculum?
The curriculum is designed for use on a computer, but printable lesson materials may be printed as needed.
Pricing, Free Lesson, and Purchase
How much does the curriculum cost?
- Semester 1, 14 lessons: $57
- Semester 2, 14 lessons: $57
- Full Year, 28 lessons: $97
Can I try a lesson before purchasing?
Yes. Email Tony.Ceraso@HomeSchoolAstronomy.com to receive immediate access to the free Comets, Asteroids and Meteorites lesson. The sample lets your family experience the lesson format before choosing a semester or full year.
How is the curriculum delivered?
Payment is processed through PayPal and all credit cards are accepted. After purchase, a download link is sent immediately to the email address used for the order. The curriculum is delivered digitally as PowerPoint files.
Technical Questions
What devices can I use?
Home School Astronomy works best on a computer using PowerPoint. It may be used on tablets and Chromebooks with compatible presentation software, but likely with some aberrations in text and picture placement.
What software do I need?
The lessons are PowerPoint-based. Apple Keynote, Google Slides, and OpenOffice Impress will work but with some aberrations. If you do not own PowerPoint we recommend you use the free version: PowerPoint for the Web
What if my download email does not arrive?
Wait 15 minutes. Then check the spam or junk folder and confirm that the email address used during purchase was entered correctly and is the email box you are checking. If still having and issue email Tony.Ceraso@HomeSchoolAstronomy.com and we’ll resolve the issue quickly.
What if I need help after purchasing?
Support is available by email: TonyCeraso@HomeSchoolAstronomy.com
About the Creator
Who created Home School Astronomy?
Tony Ceraso is the creator of the popular Home School Astronomy curriculum. Tony has a Master’s Degree in Education and has written astronomy curriculum for NASA and the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC, where Tony helps run the planetarium. Tony has presented astronomy material at hundreds of venues across the United States.
How long has Home School Astronomy been available?
Helping families explore astronomy since 2009.
What makes Home School Astronomy different?
It focuses entirely on astronomy.
It provides a complete semester or full-year path.
It uses vivid, self-paced PowerPoint presentations.
It includes questions, activities, and cross-curricular options.
It is designed to reduce preparation for homeschool parents.
It offers separate K-5 and grades 6-12 versions
Worldview
What worldview does it take regarding the universe’s age and origin?
Home School Astronomy teaches astronomy from an “as is” perspective, focusing on what we observe happening in the universe today. The curriculum does not refer to the age or origin of the universe. The creator of Home School Astronomy is a Christian and believes that God created the universe.
Returns and Support Policies
Can I receive a refund if the curriculum is not a good fit?
Yes.
Can I use the curriculum with more than one child?
One purchase may be used with multiple children in the same household. Co-op, classroom, or group use requires multiple, but discounted licenses.
Will I receive future updates?
Updates to the curriculum are free in perpetuity.