Amanda's Great Astronomy Find - a Review for You

Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy
Book Author: Jay Ryan

With all of the attention on space this month, I thought that I would share an exciting curriculum discovery – Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy, by Jay Ryan. For those of you with curious children and an interest in space, this book brings a practical and thorough answer to teaching them about astronomy in a way that they will always remember. No telescope required, just eyes and time and a desire to learn.

First question of many – “what is classical astronomy?” From the Introduction, “Classical Astronomy is the visual observation of the motions of the celestial bodies – the simple act of studying the cycles of the Sun, Moon, and stars with our unaided eyes.” This book captures things that past generations have known and understood, the things that our modern society has forgotten. Grandparents and great grandparents knew the time of day and the phase of the moon without a calendar. They were very much in tune with the evening sky and daily sun path. They knew the constellations and they knew how to navigate by the stars. Most recent generations are not so fortunate – we use clocks and calendars and have lost touch with all that God has created for us in the heavens.

This book presents a Biblical presentation of classical astronomy, using scripture and great illustrations with the lessons to clearly take the reader by the hand and learn about the signs and seasons and clockwork of the heavens. Great for a family project, this book also provides an independent 7-12^th grader with an unforgettable course.

Well written, Signs & Seasons provides a hands-on understanding of so many terms and ideas used in the study of astronomy. For high school students using this curriculum, Mr. Ryan has also developed Signs & Seasons: Field Journal and Test Manual, a Workbook for Establishing High School Credit.

As an engineer, mom, and author, I can honestly say that this is a rare find for families that want to learn more about God’s heavens. I find myself reading through the pages and watching the sky at night more often these days. My thanks go to the author, Jay Ryan, for taking the time and writing this text for the up and coming generation of believers and seekers! Learn more about this curriculum at www.ClassicalAstronomy.com – don’t miss out on these lessons of a lifetime!

 

Signs & Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy By Jay Ryan / Fourth Day Press Using the biblical use of astronomy--for signs and seasons--as a foundation, this illustrated book will take a deeper look at the stars and sun we so often view. Filled with notes on historical practices, readers learn about where the terms A.M. and P.M came from, how Passover is linked to astronomical cycles, and the biblical heritage of timekeeping through the sky! 40 pages of field activities are included as well. 225 pages with index and astronomical tables.