While most people will never become astronauts, there are a lot of related opportunities. According to Vice President Al Gore, the U.S. Aerospace industry employs more than one million people and affects the jobs of fifteen million more. This industry also affects, in one way or another, eighty percent of the U.S. economy. (NASA, 1993)
A great definition of Astronomy and one that fits in well with curriculum requirements is as follows: Astronomy is the process of finding out where we are, our place in space and our position in the unfolding history of the Universe. (Hartmann,Impey,1994)
One final note for anyone doing a unit or research in Astronomy. NASA is a great source for reference material, curriculum ideas and activities, posters, lithographs,videos, slides etc. NASA have proved to be a valuable source for me and I highly recommend contacting them. The teacher resource section has information on how to contact them.