High School Astronomy

Teacher: Tim Barrus

E-mail:

Course Description:

Astronomy is an interdisciplinary course of study. Geology, Meteorology, Physics, and Astronomy are included in the class. The Wyoming Science standards will be taught through a combination of lecture, readings, field trips, and hands on experiments where possible. There will be six star parties. It is mandatory to attend three. Dates will be posted in class.

Course Standards:

The following standards will be taught:

I. Concepts and Processes

7. Geochemical Cycles

8. Origin and Evolution of the Earth System

9. Origin and Evolution of the Universe

10. Structure and Properties of Matter

II. Science as Inquiry

  1. Students research scientific information and present findings through appropriate means.
  2. Students use inquiry to conduct scientific investigations.
  3. Students clearly and accurately communicate the result of their own work as well as information from other sources.
  4. Students investigate the relationships between science and technology and the role of technological design in meeting human needs.
  5. Students properly use appropriate scientific and safety equipment, recognize hazards and safety symbols, and observe standard safety procedures.

III. History and Nature of Science in Personal and Social Decisions

  1. Students examine the nature and history of Science
  2. Students examine how scientific information is used to make decisions.

Grading Scale:

100-90 = A89-80 = B79-70 = C69-60 = D59 – below = F

Term Requirements:

Homework:Study guides, Vocabulary, assignments, etcApproximately 25%

Labs:Experiments and investigationsApproximately 25%

Tests and QuizzesReading quizzes, chapter testsApproximately 50%

Semester Requirements1st Term 40%

2nd Term40%

Final20%

Suspensions:

ISS: See handbook

OSS: See handbook

Cheating:

On the first offence a zero will be given on the assignment. The second offence a zero will be given, parents will be called, and a detention will be given.

Cheating will consist of any of the following:

-Copying off other papers (tests or assignments)

-Talking about answers during a quiz or a Test

-Claiming someone else’s paper as your own

-Plagiarism

-Any other activity that unfairly changes your grade

Tardies:

A warning will be given on the third tardy. On the fourth you will be given a 15 minute detention to be served with me. On the fifth you will be sent to the office.

Class Rules:

Class rules are the rules I require for my class to promote and help learning. One warning will be given on an infraction of a rule. Further action will then be taken pending the situation of the violation.

  1. Be prepared for class having assignment, textbook, paper, writing utensil, and something to read.
  2. Be in your seat doing your assignment when the bell rings.
  3. No Profanity (automatic detention). Refrain from degrading language.
  4. Respect the property of to others ( this includes the school’s equipment)
  5. Raise your hand to speak or to get out of your seat during lectures or oral directions.
  6. Respect others by using the golden rule

Materials:

Pen and Pencil: Pencil is the preferred writing utensil but black or blue ink will be allowed.

Assignments:

Assignments will be due in class the date that it was set to be due. Late work will be accepted for only 50% up to five school days after it is turned in. Afterwards no credit will be given unless other arrangements have been made.

Food and Drink

No food is allowed in class. Water is allowed as long as it is in a clear sealable container, or other approved container.

Course Outline

These chapters and BOE Activities will be attempted:

Quarter3

-Intro : Science a Way of Thinking

-Chapter 1: Charting the Heavens

-Chapter 2 : The Copernican Revolution

-Chapter 3: Radiation

-Chapter 5: Tools of Astronomy (Telescopes)

-Chapter 6-10: Terrestrial Planets

Quarter 4

-Chapter 11-13: Gas Giants

-Chapter 14: Solar System Debris

-Chapter 15: The Formation of Planetary Systems

-Chapter 16 : The Sun

-Chapter 17-22 : Stars

-Chapter 23-25: Galaxies

Cell Phones

Normal school rules will apply for cell phones. On occasion you may get permission to use in class to use calculators, stop watches, or listen to music (when given permission).