This course represents an alternative and independent approach to learning astronomy. It is based on a series of computer simulation activities using real data and realistic astronomy tasks. From this series of labs students will learn features of our solar system, the life cycle of stars in our galaxy and the structure of our universe of galaxies. For example, the rotation of the sun will be calculated from following sun spots, the mass of Jupiter will be determined by observing its moons, asteroids will be spotted and their path determined, the distance to spectacular stars called pulsars will be found and the expansion rate of the universe will be measured. The activities will involve graphing, calculations and other procedures amply described in the lab manual, but there will be no need to memorize formulas or conduct algebraic manipulations to pass this course.
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