Words from the Wise:

Astronomy and astrophysics is a unique topic...that have a powerful hold on the human psyche,..virtually every civilization on earth has contributed to its development. Personally, I regard astrophysics as the one area of study where all the areas of science truly come into their own and shed light on the greatest story of all - the very origin of the universe and all that it encompasses. After where else can one dabble with loops of energy vibrating in an 11-dimensional spacetime on one hand, and expound on forging of molecules vital for life in interstellar space via non-equilibrium chemistry. A. Babul University Distinguished Professor and Professor of Physics and Astronomy/Dept. of Physics and Astronomy I am happy to have my voice added to whatever response you are preparing about including astronomy as a graduation science credit. Astronomy is indeed a fundamental science that explores our place in the larger cosmos and it requires special attention. For instance, one can only look at the woeful statistics of the numbers of people who still believe the Sun revolves around the Earth, the Earth is flat, the Moon landing was faked, or astrology is accurate to realize how important it is to educate young people about this topic. Dr. James Di Francesco Senior Research Officer National Research Council Canada Government of Canada I believe astronomy as a science-credit, high-school curriculum component throughout B.C. has unique potential, especially given resources teachers anywhere in B.C. can now access. Astronomy is an integrative science drawing together the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, geology, mathematics and the life sciences for contemporary research on, e.g., the origins of life, the exploration of the solar system, the formation and evolution of planets, stars, galaxies, and the development of structure in the universe. Not only is astronomy a fundamental science discipline, but B.C. enjoys a special role in the development of Canadian excellence in astronomical studies which makes the subject even more appropriate for the B.C. high school science curriculum... there is a unique opportunity in B.C. associated with high school astronomy for credit. James E. Hesser, Ph.D., FRAS, FRASC (1997 Michael Smith Award for Science Promotion, Industry Canada/NSERC) Emeritus Director (1986-2013) and Visiting Worker, Dominion Astrophysical Observatory NRC Herzberg, Astronomy and Astrophysics Programs | www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca National Research Council Canada | Government of Canada 5071 West Saanich Road I would suggest that an option to take Astronomy as part of the high school curriculum and as an accredited science option would be a very valuable contribution to the education system in BC. Indeed, making such a course required, and using it to promote a broad range of science, should be considered carefully. I provide these suggestions based on over twenty years of teaching to both specialists and non-specialists at Universities, as well as giving public talks and directed classroom presentations from grades 1 through 12. Doug Johnstone Principal Research Officer, NRC Canada Associate Prof. (Adjunct), University of Victoria ... an Astronomy 11 course in Victoria makes a lot of sense. Canadian astronomers are world leaders. Many of these astronomers live in our region, associated with NRC Hertzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics and the University of Victoria Department of Physics and Astronomy. Groundbreaking research is being done just a few kilometres away from Victoria High School. In many ways, Victoria is the centre of astronomy in Canada that makes it the perfect launch site for this course. I cannot think of another area of the curriculum that has so many primary resources so close at hand. Just think, your students will have the opportunity to meet world-leading researchers and visit actual research sites, not watch a video about discoveries made at some distant location. Chris Purse BSc, BEd, MEd President RASC Victoria Astronomy, as with most senior science classes, shares connections with other subjects. This field clearly is a major branch of science. At every university I’ve visited, you always see The Physics and Astronomy Department as being paired together as one. No other science is referred to in this manner. For example, you never hear Biology and Botany, or Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. I would imagine I do not have to go into length all the fascinating and neat topics that astronomy covers, nor highlight the academic rigor it entails below the surface (ex. The math, chemistry, biology and of course physics). Therefore, I highly support the Ministry of Education allow for Astronomy 11 to be accepted as a major grade 11 science. BRAD HARTLEY BSC PDPP TEACHER | CHEMISTRY | MATHEMATICS | PHOTOGRAPHY | PHYSICS