Download Course Content Form - Pima Community College

Course Content Form
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Start Term:
AST
102LB
Initiator:
Campus:
Date:
201420
Stars, Galaxies, Universe Laboratory
Gary Melcher
West
03/11/2013
CEU/Credit Hours:
Lecture Periods:
Lab Periods:
1
3
Description:
Laboratory for AST 102. Includes in-class measuremental and mathematical exercises, outside
observation projects, independent studies, and self-initiated field trips to local astronomy facilities.
Emphasizes hands-on group and individual experiences and mathematical reasoning to enrich
understanding of AST 102 lecture material.
Corequisite:
AST 102
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Employ specific concepts, skills, or information related to AST 102 lectures in various in-class
activities and outside observation projects.
Identify specific aspects of the sky and record common sky phenomena, utilizing the naked eye or
binoculars.
Examine and describe the sky more closely in at least one telescope viewing experience.
Describe astronomical and astronomy-related facilities in the Tucson area.
Discuss the Tucson area’s importance to the field of astronomy and astronomy’s role in the local
economy.
Course Outline:
Due to the unique Tucson location and the wide variety of student backgrounds, AST 102LB offers
students many options in terms of lab experience. These options include self-initiated field trips,
personal observational projects, in-class collaborative laboratory activities, and individualized
laboratory exercises. All involve various aspects of mathematics, including, but not limited to,
logarithms and exponents, graphing, use (but not derivation) of formulae, linear and angular
measurements, and unit conversions. Different instructors may emphasize varying options and are not
limited to the following possible activities.
I.
II.
Observation Projects
A. Standardized methods of observing and recording sky phenomena
B. Circumpolar constellations
C. Identifying bright stars and constellations
D. The Sun
E. Cluster star counts
F. Double stars
Collaborative Exercises and Activities
A. Stellar brightness and magnitudes
B. Sunspot observation
C. Sunspot cycle
D. H-R diagram
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
E. Life in the Universe
Individual Laboratory Exercises
A. Tools of the astronomer
B. EM radiation
C. Constellations
D. Galaxies
Videos Related to Lecture Topics
Life in the Universe (Optional Topic)
A. The nature of life
B. Probability estimates
1. Simple life forms
2. Complex life forms
3. Intelligence
Scientific Perspectives on Specific Pseudosciences (Optional Topic)
A. UFO’s
B. Ancient astronauts
C. Scientific creationism as it pertains to the age and origin of the Universe
Potential Field Trips
A. Kitt Peak National Observatory
B. Whipple Observatory on Mt. Hopkins
C. Flandrau Planetarium
D. Group observational session at a dark site with telescope
E. University of Arizona Mirror Lab