History of Local Astronomy
In this lesson, students will explore the role of the city of Los Angeles in the history of astronomy, paying particular attention to different sites of astronomy including the Mt. Wilson Observatory, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Griffith Observatory. Additionally, students can engage in an analysis of an important discovery in astronomy through an included extension activity.
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Lesson: Why did Los Angeles become a center of astronomy?
Content Standards
11.5.7 Discuss the rise of mass production techniques, the growth of cities, the impact of new technologies (e.g., the automobile, electricity), and the resulting prosperity and effect on the American landscape.
11.8.4 Analyze new federal government spending on defense, welfare, interest on the national debt, and federal and state spending on education, including the California Master Plan.
CCSS Standards
RH.11-12.1Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, connecting insights gained from specific details to an understanding of the text as a whole.
WHSt.11-12.2 Write informative/explanatory texts, including the narration of historical events, scientific procedures/ experiments, or technical processes.
SL.11-12.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11-12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
The Lost LA Curriculum project is a collaboration among PBS SoCal, USC Libraries, the UCLA History-Geography Project and the Huntington-USC Institute on California and the West.
