2025 Fall: Astronomy for Teachers - Online Endorsement Course

Our place in space and how we have come to this understanding, are the foundations on which this course is built.  We will explore the tools and laws of nature astronomers use to construct our model and understanding of the cosmos—both its structure and components.  From this informed foundation, we will address the fundamental question of are we alone within this context of our place in space.

• Earth Science 1
• Physics 2 
• 6-8 Core Science

This is a content and NGSS pedagogy course. This course also incorporates the Utah SEEd Standards which include NGSS science practices, crosscutting concepts and disciplinary core ideas.  Lesson plan creation is part of the course.  Emphasis is on best practices used to teach this content in a classroom.  The estimated time commitment is 6-8 hours a week.  Weekly participation is required. 

This 12 week course is only done over the set 12 week period.  Participants are not able to "move at your own pace" but work within the module assigned for that week.   Modules cannot be unlocked ahead of the scheduled time.

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION: 

• The cost for this course is a $50 refundable registration fee,  if you are a UtSTA Member and a contracted teacher. If you are not a contracted Utah Public School educator, the cost for the course is a nonrefundable $600 fee. 
• Participants will also need to pay an additional $69 for 3 university credits directly to SUU. (Instructions coming soon.)  This fee is refundable if you are are a contracted teacher. It is nonrefundable if you are not a contracted teacher.  Refer to this document if you have any questions about refunds.
• Upon successful completion of the course with a C or higher, UtSTA will reimburse you the $50 registration fee and the  SUU credits fee. You must be a contracted teacher with a public school/district to qualify for reimbursement.
• If you do not pass the course with at least a C, you will be billed for the remaining balance of the course which is $600.

NOTE: You MUST be a current member of UtSTA to take this course. If you are not a current member of UtSTA you can purchase/renew your membership. To join today, CLICK HERE.

Cancellation Policy: 

If you cancel or withdraw 14 days or more after the course begins:

• You will be billed the full tuition balance.
  
  

• You will not be reimbursed for the $50 registration fee or the university credit fee.

• A "W" (Withdrawal) will appear on your SUU transcript.