Course Syllabus – Astronomy
Mr. Keebler
Text: Foundations of Astronomy 11th edition, M. Seeds, D. Backman
Course Description
Astronomy is a course studying the objects and processes in the universe. The course will help students to understand the very nature of scientific process through a variety of classroom investigations. Astronomy examines the existence of matter and energy in the universe, therefore attempting to explain its (and our) origin. While celestial objects such as stars, nebula, galaxies and quasars may be far removed from our location, these objects are directly linked to understanding basic scientific methods and principles that ultimately explain our place in the cosmos.
Course Objectives
- All students demonstrate knowledge and application of mechanics relating to the celestial sphere.
- All students demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between energy and matter.
- All students demonstrate knowledge of stellar processes related to evolution, synthesis of elements and calculating universal age.
- All students demonstrate knowledge of cosmological models.
- All students demonstrate knowledge of planetary processes relating to formation, differentiation and classification.
- All students demonstrate ability to solve mathematical applications relating to astronomy.
- All students demonstrate ability to formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and develop a logical conclusion utilizing the scientific method.
Course Requirements
- Students will be responsible for daily textbook readings.
- Exam will be given for each chapter(s)/unit covered.
- Labs/activities will take place numerous times throughout each unit.
- Quizzes will occur within each chapter/unit.
- Mathematics is an integral part of this class. A calculator which handles complex functions is required (calculators on cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted).
- Written homework will be assigned for each chapter/unit covered. This homework could come from the end of the chapter questions, or could be a class activity which needs to be finished at home.
- It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher(s) on the day he/she returns from the absence to make arrangements to make up any missed assignments and/or assessments. All missed assignments and/or assessments must be made up within three school days from the day the student returns from the absence.
- Students will acquire and process celestial images using telescopic equipment and using an on-line observatory.
Grading (approximate percentages)
Exams40%
Quizzes20%
Lab/Activities25%
Home Activities15%
Topics Outline
Unit I: Exploring The Sky
Chapter 1Here and Now
Chapter 2The Sky
Chapter 3Cycles of the Sky
Chapter 4The Origin of Modern Astronomy
Chapter 5Gravity
Chapter 6Light and Telescopes
Unit II: The Stars
Chapter 7 Atoms and Starlight
Chapter 8The Sun
Chapter 9The Family of Stars
Chapter 10The Interstellar Medium
Chapter 11The Formation and Structure of Stars
Chapter 12Stellar Evolution
Chapter 13The Deaths of Stars
Chapter 14Neutron Stars and Black Holes
Unit III: The Universe
Chapter 15The Milky Way Galaxy
Chapter 16Galaxies
Chapter 17Active Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes
Chapter 18Modern Cosmology
Unit IV: The Solar System
Chapter 19The Origin of the Solar System
Chapter 20Earth: The Standard of Comparative Planetology
Chapter 21The Moon and Mercury: Comparing Airless Worlds
Chapter 22Comparative Planetology of Venus and Mars
Chapter 23Comparative Planetology of Jupiter and Saturn
Chapter 24Uranus, Neptune, and the Dwarf Planets
Chapter 25Meteorites, Asteroids and Comets
Unit V: Life
Chapter 26Astrobiology: Life on Other Worlds