PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR PARENTS (OR GUARDIAN).
Lake Elsinore High School Science Department
COURSE OUTLINE for ADVANCED ASTRONOMY
Instructor: Mrs. Christopher
Textbook: Foundations of Astronomy, 9th Edition, Michael Seeds, and other resources
GENERAL INFORMATION
Astronomy is the study of our universe and beyond. The key parts of astronomy include the study of the sun, the planets, the stars, and the universe beyond. We will explore: How we learn about the universe. The scientists who have expanded our knowledge of astronomy. How has this information changed our life on Earth. What expectations this gives us for our future. Plus much more…
Any student planning to attend college will benefit from this class. Students will participate in a variety of projects to explore our universe. Where relevant, the scientific method and inquiry lab procedures will be incorporated to improve analytical skills.
Methods of instruction will include lecture-discussions, instructor and student demonstrations, laboratory activities, library research, group and individual investigations, pertinent worksheets, and instructional videotapes.
GRADING POLICY
ALL of your work is important!
Notebook checks of graded work will be collected approximately every 3 weeks. This will include: class work, homework, laboratory assignments, and quizzes. Points will be totaled and entered on the student’s record. A sample of the notebook check sheet is included in this syllabus.
PARENTS, PLEASE USE THIS AS A DETAILED MEANS OF KNOWING WHAT YOUR CHILD IS DOING AND HOW HE IS DOING.
In addition, grades will include tests, and semester exam.
90 – 100% of total points A
80 – 89% of total points B
70 – 79% of total points C
60 – 69% of total points D
Below 60% of total points F
CLASS PROCEDURES
1. Regular attendance is a vital part of this class. You have 24 hours to have your parent call the school or bring a note from home to clear the absence (253-7200).
*It is your responsibility to get your assignments and make up your work.
*Test make-up will be on the day you return to class.
2. Tardies will be dealt with according to school policy. (Appropriate alternatives may be presented by the teacher.) You will be considered tardy if you are not physically in the classroom and in your seat promptly. 6 Tardies may result in a “U” in citizenship.
3. Daily class work will be assigned to support learning. Most class work is done individually, however there will be some occasion for students to work as a team.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
1. Textbook
2. All students should have a three-ring binder. In addition, colored markers are also useful.
3. Pen and pencil every day!
HOMEWORK
1. A homework sheet will be given out each semester. Homework is not difficult and is worth 7 points. Due dates will be on the whiteboard. On all of your work, please include your full name, date, class period, and title of the assigned work. Late work will be accepted for 4 points if completed and turned in the same week the assignment was due, after this time, the assignment can still be turned in for 2 points.
2. SCIENCE ARTICLES FOR 5 POINT BONUS Find a good science article with plenty of detail -- 2 or more pages of information on the topic. Summarize the article and state what it means to you, and what it means globally. Your summary must be 1 page in length. Attach the article. Up to two bonus opportunities may be turned in Fridays. (There may be some interesting articles available for this use in the classroom.) You may turn in 16 articles per semester.
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ASSESSMENT
1. Notebook checks every 2-3 weeks. Don’t ignore!!! - a late notebook may cost you 20 points. NO NOTEBOOK = “0”! A notebook check is a compilation of all work completed during this time – class work, homework, labs, quizzes.
2. Quizzes will be given at random. Be prepared!
3. Tests will be given as appropriate.
4. A comprehensive final exam and/or project will be given at the end of each semester.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Listen in SILENCE. Our best learning will take place if we can hear what is being shared. To discuss or respond to a question, please raise your hand. Remember, someone else’s question may help you too!!
2. Be prepared! Class materials on your desk only! Put everything else under your table.
3. Leave all food, drinks, candy, and GUM outside the classroom. Water bottles will be allowed if you are discreet.
4. Use only your BEST language when in class! This is a GOOD habit that will never harm you.
HELPFUL HINTS
1. Be prepared and attentive in class. This means getting involved with the discussion and activities that go on in the classroom.
2. Work with your classmates and help each other out. Exchange phone numbers, and create study groups. This class is designed to be ‘non-competitive’ with emphasis on cooperation. However, avoid copying on any assignments since you hurt yourself in the end.
3. Try to establish a consistent time to study each day. Find out your “peak” thinking hours and organize your study time around these hours.
4. DO NOT CRAM!!! Science must be studied and practiced. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the whole picture the first time.
5. Remember, this is YOUR class. I’m here to help you be successful in achieving your very best! If you’re having problems, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
ORGANIZING YOUR NOTEBOOK
Your notebook should be clear, overall picture of the work that has been covered in this course. The teacher and you should be proud of this notebook when examined by someone else. Your notebook will be an invaluable guide to you throughout this course. Use tabs to separate sections of your notebook. The following format is a suggestion only for organizing your notebook. Starting at the front:
1. The Course Outline
2. All notes and outlines
3. All labs, Worksheets, and other assignments
ALL work should be DATED and in your notebook by DATE ORDER.
Please note that I reserve the right to make any and all changes to this course outline if necessary. Mrs. Christopher
CLASSROOM EXPECTIONS
STUDENT Advanced Astronomy
PERIOD
I have read and understand all of the information on these pages. My signature below indicates my willingness to cooperate with my teacher and follow these class procedures and rules for my success in this course.
PRINT YOUR NAME
SIGN YOUR NAME DATE
PARENT
I have read this course outline and understand what is expected. I will do everything I can to help my son/daughter to be successful in this course.
I understand that completing homework assignments are very important and reinforce the astronomy concepts taught. By knowing what assignments are due each week, I will help my child stay on task.
I know that I am welcome in my child’s class at any time.
Parent/ Guardian
Signature DATE
Please fill in:
CLASS SCHEDULE
PERIOD COURSE TITLE TEACHER ROOM
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Sample NOTEBOOK CHECK SHEET
Astroblasts These are questions we may start our instructional hour with.
They are actual TEST questions!
#1
#2 Worth 3 points each.
#3
# 4
Etc.
Classwork
1.
2. Worth 5 points each
3.
4.
Etc.
Homework
1.
2. Worth 7 points each
3.
4.
Etc.
Labs/Activities
Points vary from 5 to 20 points
Quizzes
Points vary
Bonus
Optional - 5 pts per article.
GRAND TOTAL ______