Astronomy
Course Expectations and Student Responsibilities & Guidelines
Course Philosophy: Astronomy is the oldest branch of science. Today, modern astronomy attempts to explain more than just the objects and structure we find in the universe. It explains the existence of everything and everyone. In understanding astronomy, you begin to understand yourself and the very nature of science. The process of science will also unfold through astronomical discoveries and changes in ideology.
Course Expectations
Criteria for Evaluation: The student’s grade for each quarter (9 week marking period) will comprise a variety of assessments including: exams, quizzes, homework, class work (labs), and mini projects. Students are expected and required to complete all assessments to the best of their ability.
Ø Exams will be given each marking period, usually following the completion of a chapter(s). Each exam will have a value between 85 and 100 points. Exams will require practical mathematic application.
Ø Quizzes may be given anytime! Quiz values range from 10 to 55 points. At least one quiz will be given per week. Quizzes concentrate on vocabulary and concepts for the week or chapter covered.
Ø Homework and class work will be assigned frequently and have values between 10 and 40 points. Homework and class work will carry a math emphasis. Any homework or class work not completed will be given a grade of ZERO. Any homework or class work turned in without a name will be placed in the trash. When completing questions for any assignment, answers must be written in complete and appropriate sentences. Late work is accepted with the highest grade given for late work being 60 % of the original value. If the homework or class work is not completed by the end of one day past the original due date, the homework or class work will be given a grade of ZERO.
Ø 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.
Ø Notebooks are required for the course. A three ring binder may work best. Keep EVERYTHING for the semester in the notebook. Notebook quizzes are given at the end of the semester.
Ø Calculators are required for the course (calculators on cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted). Students will not be allowed to share or borrow calculators during exams, quizzes or labs.
Ø Class participation and conduct can affect your grade. (See Student Responsibilities & Guidelines.)
Ø Students are required to complete an astronomy imaging project and an on-line imaging project for the course.
Grades: Grades are calculated every nine weeks of the semester (quarter marking period) by the sum of a student’s graded evaluations and work, divided by the total possible points for the marking period. (Note to students and parents: exams and quizzes will account for approximately 60-65 % of each marking period.)
Final Course Grade: The final percentage grade for the course is comprised of the two quarter grades and a final exam given at the end of the course. Each marking period grade will comprise 44 % of the final course grade. The final exam will be worth 12 % of the final course grade. It is suggested that students do not discard any materials during the course of the semester, for these materials may aid in preparing for the final exam.
Student Responsibilities & Guidelines
In order for students to get the maximum educational benefit from this course, a few classroom responsibilities must be followed:
1. Each student shall be in the room and seated before the bell rings.
2. Each student shall be “ready to start” when the teacher begins class. (i. e. have your pencil sharpened, notebook open, homework out, have paper ready …)
3. Students shall raise their hands to ask and answer questions and wait for the teacher to acknowledge them.
4. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature manner.
5. No food or drink (except for water bottles) is allowed in the classroom. (This includes gum and candy.)
6. Personal objects (combs, compacts, lipstick, notes, personal electronic devices, etc.) are strictly forbidden and will be confiscated. Personal electronic devices shall be dealt with in accordance with school policy.
7. Student desks should be free of purses, handbags and book sacks.
8. Any homework or class work turned in without a name will be placed in the trash.
9. If a student wants to be treated with respect, then the teacher and fellow classmates are to be treated with the same respect.
10. Students are responsible for their own behavior and are subject to the consequences of their own misconduct. (Consequences for inappropriate behavior are covered in the Exeter Twp. Senior High Student Code of Conduct.)
If a student acts responsibly, maximum educational benefits are attained.
Mr. L. Keebler