AFJROTC AS-300
Syllabus
2nd Semester/4th Term
INSTRUCTOR:Major J.G. Dorman
EXPLORING SPACE: The High Frontier, & Military Leadership
Chapter 1, Lesson 1: Prehistoric and Classical Astronomy
Pre-Test
The pre-test will be delivered and graded using the CPS Learning System. The pre-test score will not impact the cadet’s final grade.
The following topics will be instructed using the “guided discussion” and “demonstration performance” methods accompanied by the appropriate PowerPoint slide show and CPS:
Lesson Objectives:
1.Know about the Celestial Sphere
2.Know about the Greek Earth-Centered Model
3.Know about Ptolemy’s Model
Samples of Behavior/Main Points:
1.Identify constellations as patterns of stars
2.Describe the Sun’s motion among the stars and around the Earth
3.Explain the increasing (waxing) and decreasing (waning) of the Moon’s phases
4.Describe how planetary motion compares to the motion of the Sun and Moon
5.Recognize the Greek search for symmetry, order, and unity in the universe
6.Explain the rational approach to astronomy proposed by Thales of Mileus and the “Central Fire” theory of the Pythagoreans
7.Describe Aristotle’s view of the Earth as the center of the solar system
8.Describe Ptolemy’s ideal circular motion and heavenly perfection
9.Explain the theory of epicycles
10.Identify the strengths and weaknesses of Ptolemy’s Model
Daily classwork will consist of a graded combination note taking, vocabulary, check point reviews, and worksheet packets based on each lesson and as designated by the instructor. There will be one written evaluation concerning each lessons material. The test date may vary due to the length of the lesson and student learning process. When determined, the test date will be announced in class and posted on the APA blog.
Prehistoric and Classical Astronomy Evaluation…..100 Points
Chapter 1, Lesson 2: Astronomy and the Renaissance
Pre-Test
The pre-test will be delivered and graded using the CPS Learning System. The pre-test score will not impact the cadet’s final grade.
The following topics will be instructed using the “guided discussion” and “demonstration performance” methods accompanied by the appropriate PowerPoint slide show and CPS:
Lesson Objectives:
1.Know about Copernicus and the Sun-Centered Model
2.Know Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion
Samples of Behavior/Main Points
1.Describe the reasons Copernicus searched for a better model
2.Explain the heliocentric system proposed by Copernicus
3.List three scientific reasons that the Copernican Model is better than the Ptolemaic model
4.Describe the methods of observation Tycho Brahe used in measuring planetary motion
5.Explain the significance of an ellipse for Kepler’s laws of planetary motion
6.Explain the speed of planetary movement at the nearest and farthest point from the Sun
7.Describe how Kepler’s third law of planetary motion implied the force of gravity
Leadership Principles and Traits of the United States Military
Pre-Test
The pre-test will be delivered and graded using the CPS Learning System. The pre-test score will not impact the cadet’s final grade.
The following topics will be instructed using the “guided discussion” and “demonstration performance” methods accompanied by the appropriate PowerPoint slide show and CPS:
Lesson Objectives:
1.Know and understand the mission differences between U.S. Military service components
2.Know leadership principles and traits of the U.S. Military service components
Samples of Behavior/Main Points
- Describe the leadership principlesand traits of the U.S. Army
- Describe the leadership principles and traits of the U.S. Navy
- Describe the leadership principles and traits of the U.S. Marines
- Describe the leadership principles and traits of the U.S. Air Force
- Develop and defend a leadership matrix based on leadership principles and traits of the U.S. Military Service components.
- Identify and evaluate use of leadership principles and traits of selected characters during viewing of movie excerpts from “ We Were Soldiers Once and Young”
Daily classwork will consist of a graded combination note taking, vocabulary, check point reviews, briefing presentations, and worksheet packets based on each lesson and as designated by the instructor.There will be one written evaluation concerning this material. The test date may vary due to the length of the lesson and student learning process. When determined, the test date will be announced in class and posted on the APA blog.
Leadership Principles and Traits…..100 Points
APA Points
You will have 60 APA points assigned at the beginning of the grading period. You will lose APA points for any disruption to the learning process or non-compliance with the APA handbook. This is at the instructor’s discretion.
Drill and Ceremonies
You will be evaluated for drill (marching) every Tuesday and Thursday (weather/facilities permitting). You will be graded on participation, effort, knowledge, and demonstrated ability of drill. At the conclusion of this six-week term all cadets will be required to perform a graded drill skills assessment test worth 100 points toward their final grade.
Uniform Inspection
You will be evaluated on the wear of the AFJROTC uniform each Tuesday and Thursday. Each uniform inspection is worth 50 points per week. Cadets will be graded on their knowledge of proper uniform wear, participation, military bearing, and grooming and hygiene standards. If you fail to wear the uniform properly for the entire day then you forfeit all 50 points for the day. Each uniform item you forget, such as your hat, belt, or nametag, results in the loss of half of your uniform inspection points for the day. If you fail to wear two uniform items, then you forfeit all your points for the day. Cadets will also be verbally evaluated on general AFJROTC knowledge during their uniform inspection. If a Cadet fails to wear their complete uniform (this also includes failure to maintain the grooming standards for haircuts and shaves), this includes before school and after release from school, that Cadet is will lose points for that daily inspection. In addition, that Cadet will be required to re-wear the uniform on Friday instead of spirit wear. Multiple infractions (incomplete uniform wear) may lead to loss of spirit wear privileges on Friday for the 6 weeks/semester/or school year based on instructor/administrative discretion. Failure to perform during the verbal evaluation will be rated in the same manner as missing an item on your uniform. Cadets missing a uniform inspection day are required to wear the AFJROTC uniform the next day they attend school. Ifleaving for the day prior to their AFJROTC block of instruction cadets must see an AFJROTC instructor to accomplish their uniform inspection. Failure to do so may result in a loss of inspection points for the day. In cases of school cancellations due to act of God where uniform days are missed the following AFJROTC Uniform Day will be valued at 100 pts vice 50 pts to make up for the missed inspection day.
Physical Fitness
Physical Fitness (Participation and Preparedness) will be graded for 25 points each Friday. Cadets will be graded in their participation and level of effort. Cadets are expected to perform at their own pace but must result in a proper work out for their fitness level. Each cadet is required to complete the Physical fitness test each semester. Failure to complete the fitness test results in an automatic failure of PT program. Like anything in life you only benefit to the degree that you commit to doing the work. Opting out is not an option. The 1st no dress will result loss of 20% of the PT grade for the 6 weeks. The second no dress will result in failure of the PT program for the 6 weeks and a referral for Saturday school with each subsequent no dress resulting in an additional referral. Failure to participate fully will result in a loss of points equivalent to the amount of participation loss. This is based on the AFJROTC Instructor’s discretion. If a cadet dresses out but fails to participate then all points will be forfeit for the day. This program is designed to help motivate each cadet to make healthy lifestyle choices for a longer, healthier life.
Community Service
Each APA Cadet is required to complete 24 hours of community service prior to the end of the year. This is broken down to 5 verified hours approved in the X2VOL web site each six week grading period. This counts for 20% of their overall AFJROTC grade. Therefore every cadet must have 20 community service hours loaded, verified, and approved in the X2VOL system by the end of this grading period or 20% of their grade will be subtracted from their final grade. This is graded on Pass/Fail criteria.
1st 6 weeks: 5 Hours
2nd 6 weeks:5 Hours
3rd 6 weeks:5 Hours
4th 6 weeks:5 Hours
5th 6 weeks:4 Hours
Classroom Rules
The classroom rules are posted on the bulletin board next to the classroom door. These rules strictly follow the APA handbook. In addition to the posted rules, the APA handbook will be adhered to at all times.
Grading Scale
The grading scale used on all evaluations, worksheets, and assignments is the same scale listed on page 6 of the APA Cadet Handbook which each cadet is required to have at all times.
Tutoring
Tutoring is available upon request and will be performed after school on a case by case basis.
Peer tutoring may be available upon request.
Extra Credit
Extra credit will be available to those that complete the assigned work during the 6 weeks. Periodic extra credit opportunities will be presented during normal class hours.
Tardies
First time tardies will result in a warning. The second occurrence will result in lunch detention for the cadet to be served the closest lunch following the occurrence. Failure to complete the detention is considered defiance and will be referred accordingly. The third tardy results in an immediate referral and subsequent Saturday school or appropriate outcome as determined by Director White.
References Used/Available
CPS Learning System
APA Cadet Handbook
APA AFJROTC Cadet Guide
AFJROTC Exploring Space: The High Frontier
Air Force Instruction 36-2903
Air Force Manual 36-2203 Drill and Ceremonies
The Inter-Service Drill Manual
Any questions or concerns should be directed to Major Dorman in person or via e-mail at