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Jillian
Student
Beavercreek, OH
1
Question
Updated
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What are the best high school extracurriculars to take for astrophysics?
What are the best high school extracurriculars for astrophysics? I was advised to join clubs or organizations that could help me learn more about this subject. What high school classes would be the best to take? I know math and science classes would be the most helpful, but I wanted to see if there are better classes to take.
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Michelle M.
Actress
3276
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jillian !
You would take Astronomy, Chemistry and Physics classes in High School and join Science Clubs, events and activities at school and in the community. Find out what science extracurriculars are offered at your school.
There are lots of things that you can also do outside of school. Contact the Columbus Astronomical Society and ask about any programs and events for your age range. This group does star parties, science fairs, and educational outreach at schools. Ask one of your science teachers about events, too.
You can also plan visits to planetariums, such as The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and also The Great Lakes Science Center's Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater. Attend planetarium presentations as much as possible. The Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University is also one to visit. But that's not all !
There are Observatories you can visit also ! There is Perkins Observatory in Delaware, Ohio, The John Glenn Astronomy Park, The Swasey Observatory at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and The Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville, Ohio.
The Columbus Astronomical Society hosts monthly meetings at Perkins Observatory, typically on the second Saturday of each month at 8 PM, and welcomes guests, including teens. There are opportunities for hands on experiences through them.
So, in high school, there really is a lot you can do by way of high school classes, finding out about available extracurriculars from your teachers or guidance counselor, and activity outside of school. Once you get to college, you could get your Bachelors Degree by Majoring in Astrophysics. Some of the colleges in your state that offer this path are Ohio State University - Main Campus, Ohio University, Ohio Wesleyan University, The University of Cincinnati and Youngstown State University.
Astrophysics is a branch of Astronomy so any high school class connected to astronomy would be beneficial for you to take. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best for this awesome career choice !
You would take Astronomy, Chemistry and Physics classes in High School and join Science Clubs, events and activities at school and in the community. Find out what science extracurriculars are offered at your school.
There are lots of things that you can also do outside of school. Contact the Columbus Astronomical Society and ask about any programs and events for your age range. This group does star parties, science fairs, and educational outreach at schools. Ask one of your science teachers about events, too.
You can also plan visits to planetariums, such as The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal and also The Great Lakes Science Center's Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater. Attend planetarium presentations as much as possible. The Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University is also one to visit. But that's not all !
There are Observatories you can visit also ! There is Perkins Observatory in Delaware, Ohio, The John Glenn Astronomy Park, The Swasey Observatory at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, and The Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park in Montville, Ohio.
The Columbus Astronomical Society hosts monthly meetings at Perkins Observatory, typically on the second Saturday of each month at 8 PM, and welcomes guests, including teens. There are opportunities for hands on experiences through them.
So, in high school, there really is a lot you can do by way of high school classes, finding out about available extracurriculars from your teachers or guidance counselor, and activity outside of school. Once you get to college, you could get your Bachelors Degree by Majoring in Astrophysics. Some of the colleges in your state that offer this path are Ohio State University - Main Campus, Ohio University, Ohio Wesleyan University, The University of Cincinnati and Youngstown State University.
Astrophysics is a branch of Astronomy so any high school class connected to astronomy would be beneficial for you to take. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best for this awesome career choice !
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hello Jillian. There are a few extracurriculars and classes that can help you build a strong foundation for this field. First, joining science clubs or organizations that focus on physics or astronomy will help you learn more about the subject outside of the classroom. Look for clubs like an astronomy club where you can explore space through telescopes and learn more about stars, planets, and galaxies. A robotics club could also be helpful since it will give you hands-on experience with technology, which is important for astrophysics. You could also consider joining science fairs or competitions like the Physics Olympiad, where you can deepen your knowledge and challenge yourself. These experiences will help you gain practical skills that are valuable in any science-related field.
For classes, you're right that math and science are essential. Take advanced math classes (like algebra, geometry, etc.) as they will be the foundation for solving physics problems. Physics is also a must, so take the highest level of physics your school offers, ideally an AP Physics class. Astronomy is another excellent class to take if your school offers it, as it will give you a direct introduction to space science.
If your school offers computer science or programming classes, it's a good idea to take those too. Astrophysicists often use computer models to simulate space phenomena, so learning how to code will be a valuable skill. Hope this helps.
For classes, you're right that math and science are essential. Take advanced math classes (like algebra, geometry, etc.) as they will be the foundation for solving physics problems. Physics is also a must, so take the highest level of physics your school offers, ideally an AP Physics class. Astronomy is another excellent class to take if your school offers it, as it will give you a direct introduction to space science.
If your school offers computer science or programming classes, it's a good idea to take those too. Astrophysicists often use computer models to simulate space phenomena, so learning how to code will be a valuable skill. Hope this helps.
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Jillian,
It is good that you want to get into astrophysics and when it comes to classes you should take it will be up to what classes are available at your school. I will create a list for you to consider when it comes to classes or extracurriculars and would also suggest you check with your counselor/advisor to make sure you have what you need. Best of luck to you when it comes to your school year and astrophysics journey!
List:
-Math classes-Statistics,Calculus
-Science classes-Physics(advanced), Chemistry
-Astronomy club
-Physics club
-Any science/math classes or clubs that relate to astrophysics
It is good that you want to get into astrophysics and when it comes to classes you should take it will be up to what classes are available at your school. I will create a list for you to consider when it comes to classes or extracurriculars and would also suggest you check with your counselor/advisor to make sure you have what you need. Best of luck to you when it comes to your school year and astrophysics journey!
List:
-Math classes-Statistics,Calculus
-Science classes-Physics(advanced), Chemistry
-Astronomy club
-Physics club
-Any science/math classes or clubs that relate to astrophysics