After ten years of absence, Astronomy is now available for students at KHS, with Earth System as one of the core subjects. Kennedy’s Biology and AP Environmental Science teacher, Robbert Young, had been assigned to these courses. 

“Earth and Space Science is one of the core disciplines in Science. It was a mistake not have these courses available for students.  When the district asked for proposals for new courses to add, it was a no-brainer,”  said Young. “In addition, Earth Systems is planned to be the first course students would take within the Environmental Science and Sustainability Pathway program, which is planned to be offered at Kennedy.¨

Astronomy class offers knowledge about the fascinating universe,  allows students to learn cosmology, planetary motion, the structure of the Solar System, and how astronomers measure and analyze celestial objects.

“Astronomy will cover topics near to far, the Moon, planets, the Sun, stars, galaxies and the structure of the universe, space exploration missions, and observational astronomy techniques.¨ said Young.

Earth System will teach students that the Earth is a set of interconnected, dynamic systems that impact our daily lives. Mr. Young also shared his thoughts on students who question the difference between Earth System and Earth Science classes.

¨Earth Systems focusing on the main systems of the planet: Atmosphere (air), Hydrosphere (water), Geosphere (rocks), and Biosphere (life).  We will have much more about Meteorology/Weather and Oceanography topics that were not fully covered in Earth Science,” said Young. “Of course, many of the same topics from Earth Science will be in there somewhere.¨ 

These two courses are open to any students from grades 10-12, whether they are interested in these topics for college or if they just need some interesting elective credit.

¨These classes would be great for any student looking to learn more about our natural world and how humans fit into it.  It would serve as a great introduction to topics such as Geology, Meteorology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, and/or Astronomy,” said Young. “All of these are courses that can be taken in college, or even as a Major.  Earth Systems would be a great course to take if you are considering taking AP Environmental Science here at Kennedy.¨