Central Magnet School
Honors Astronomy
2017-18 Syllabus
Instructor: Jeremy Edge, PhD
Phone: 615.904.6789 ext. 23352
Text: 470-207-3971 (for emergency questions only not for reminders or conversations)
E-mail: or
Website: Access from
Description:
This two semester course is an in-depth study of astronomy. Topics studied include the history and foundations of astronomy; concepts of gravity with the combined motions of Earth, moon, and sun; astronomical cycles and man’s measurement of time; characteristics of galaxies; tools and techniques to observe the universe; stellar evolution and past and current theories of the origin of the universe, and propose others. Students will investigate Astronomy concepts through experience in laboratories, technology, and group work using the processes of inquiry.This Astronomy course is a typical introductory course whose purpose is to introduce a systemic and holistic understanding of the Universe, its contents, and its origins.This is set up as a survey style course in which we will visit many topics at a moderate depth.
Course Calendar/Website:
It is imperative that students visit the course calendar and website daily in order to keep up with the instructional calendar, assignments, and any changes.
Topics to be covered are:
Basic Astronomical Tools and Concepts
History of Astronomy
Famous Astronomers
The Celestial Sphere
Time
Eclipses
Seasons
The Earth and Moon and their Relationships
Terrestrial Planets
Jovian Planets
Planetary Motion
Electromagnetic Spectrum and Waves
Telescopes
Comets, Asteroids, and other Galactic Objects
Stars and their Processes
Galaxies and Cosmology
Primary Text Used:
Chaisson, E. and McMillan, S. Astronomy Today. 9thed.. New York:Pearson, 2018.
Supplies:
3-ring binder
Dividers
Paper
Pencils
Black or blue pens
Tissues*
Paper Towels*
Markers*
Teaching Strategies:
This course will feature a mixture of lecture, instructional video, and student activities. We rely heavily on lecture/discussion and projects in class along with video resources that utilize CGI to allow for a profound understanding of objects and their place in the universe. Participation is expected and required. Students will complete reading assignments. Reading quizzes will be administered to check for reading completion. In addition, group tasks will be common. Even if you do not enjoy working with peers, a life skill we develop and promote in class is team work. Additionally, we utilize various technology resourcesincluding Twitter. In all, each day is different in this class with a new learning experience.
I will use many types of writing assignments in this course. When examining the complex ideas and theories regarding the universe and its origins, argumentative thinking and writing is necessary. Critical thinking and argumentative thinking will be a significant part of the writing assignments in Astronomy.
Grading/Student Evaluation:
- Daily Work: 10-30 points (each task varies)
- Homework: 10-20 points (each task varies)
- Quizzes: 10-50 points
- Essays: 50-80 points
- Projects: 50-100 points
- Exams: 100 points
Each unitwill include reading quizzes for chapter texts, several daily grades such as participation or group activities, one major paper or project, and the unit exam. Quizzes will consist of high-level multiple choice items that require careful reading in order to be prepared. Unit exams will be a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions.
Homework will be frequent and nrichment opportunities are very limited in this class.
*Students may calculate their grades at any time during the term by dividing total earned points by the total possible points that have accumulated so far. Example: After one exam grade of 77 and two quizzes totaling 40, a student has earned 117 points out of 150 possible points. By taking 117/150, one can determine the student’s grade equals 78 (C).
Absences:
It is vital for students to be in class everyday. Astronomy is a comprehensive course and much information is given on a daily basis. For the absentee’s benefit, assignments are posted on the instructor’s online calendar. The student file sorter on the side table contains any missed photocopied assignments or notes. In addition, the returning student should not come directly to the instructor for class notes or topics. If a student misses a graded assignment, then he or she must reschedule with the instructor as soon as possible. A student’s incompletion of graded make-up work after five days will result in a zero for that particular assignment. I will not find you or request to meet with you; you must seek me. Any student missing class for a school-related activity must schedule an alternate plan with the instructor beforehand; a school-related activity is treated differently from absences.
*Make-up exams, quizzes, and essays may be altered from their original versions.
Plagiarism
Students are reminded that plagiarism is not permitted. Plagiarism is the attempt to pass someone else’s work as your own. Do not, ever, give another student your papers! Do not “loan” another student your paper! If the assignment is to be done cooperatively, it will be very clear! Both students involved in copied work will earn no points (0) on the assignment. ANY student involved in plagiarism will receive no points (0) on the assignment and will not be allowed to make up the assignment.
General Expectations
We have the highest expectations in this class and will always do our best. This course is designed to provide a maximum amount of learning among students. Good manners are expected. Finally, if you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, please speak with me as soon as possible.
PACING GUIDE FOR UNIT STUDY (TENTATIVE)
These timeframes are approximate and subject to change pending school functions and weather.
August-September4 weeksIntroduction to Astronomy/Basic Concepts
September-October4 weeksHistory of Astronomy: Ancients to Modern
October-November4 weeksElectromagnetic Spectrum and Telescopes
November-December4 weeksEarth and Moon
January3 weeksTerrestrial Planets
January - February5 weeksJovian Planets
March-April5 weeksSun and Stars
April-May4 weeksGalaxies and Cosmology