Download Course Syllabus for Astronomy Overview: Astronomy is the study of

Course Syllabus for Astronomy
Overview: Astronomy is the study of the systems and structure of the
Universe. Although the study of Astronomy is generally done at the
college level, we have created a course that covers the major topics
through extensive use of DVDs, the use of the Internet, a planetarium,
and a self-teaching textbook. Students learn through many different
ways. Hopefully, our multi-media approach will accommodate you style
of learning. Students will ultimately have an opportunity to teach others
about what they have learned.
Course Essential Questions/Goals/Objectives:
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What is the importance of the study of Astronomy? What makes “astronomy”
different from “astrology”?
Where are we in the Universe? How do we determine motion and position of
objects in the night sky? Patterns and motion of the earth and its neighbors.
How did Hawaiians and ancient peoples of the past, treat and/or use the night
sky? (archeoastronomy)? How did early man explain the motions of objects in
the night sky?
What are the basic laws of physics that drive our Universe?
How do we gather information about our Universe? Why do astronomers use
telescopes and types other electromagnetic detectors?
How does our nearest neighbor (moon) affect the earth?
What do we know about the solar system and our fellow planets that orbit the sun
(Solar System)?
What’s special about comets, asteroids and other small objects that move through
our solar system?
Why study the sun?
What is the nature of stars? What determines their lifetime, chemistry, and
energy output?
Stellar Evolution -- How are stars formed and how do they evolve over time? Do
all stars have the same evolutionary path? How can the Hertzsprung-Russell
diagram be used as a tool to explain the birth, development, and death of stars?
Is the universe uniform? Galaxies and other oddities.
What is cosmology and why does it stimulate our interest?
Are we alone in the universe? Astrobiology and the search for life
Content Standards: from the National Science Foundation
Understand the nature of scientific inquiry, its central role in science, and how to use the skills and processes
of scientific inquiry.
Understand the fundamental facts and concepts in the study of astronomy
Students will gain an understanding of the dynamic interaction between science and technology including:
• utility as a tool and impact on our world
• how technology and science work in a synergistic relationship
Use scientific understanding and ability when cosmology.
Students will gain an understanding of the nature of science and astronomy as a human endeavor across time
and culture.
Content Outline/Areas of Study:
• Discovering the Night Sky
• Gravitation - the Waltz of the Planets
• Light and Telescopes
• Earth and Moon
• The Other Planets and moons
• Vagabonds of the Solar System
• The Sun
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The Nature of Stars
The Lives of Stars
The Death of Stars
The Galaxies
Cosmology
The Search for Extraterrestrial Life
Course Materials/Texts/References:
Text: Discovering the Essential Universe (2 nd edition)
By Neil F. Comins
Materials: One inch binder for handouts, worksheets, notes, etc. Dividers
Learner Expectations:
1) Students will further develop critical thinking skills through taking an active
role in gathering information, using technology and other astronomical
instruments to learn about the Universe and the night sky.
2) Students will actively take notes and/or hand in worksheets on DVDs shown
in class.
3) Students will develop a further appreciation and understanding of both the
Hawaiian culture and astronomical concepts by learning how nä poe kahiko
and other indigenous peoples used astronomy
4) Attend classes, punctually submit all homework, and ask questions for
clarification purposes.
Classroom rules/guidelines(protocol):
1. At all times, students are responsible for following Kamehameha Schools
guidelines explain in the Kamehameha Student Handbook not explicitly listed
here.
2. Students will be expected to be respectful of all other members of the
Kamehameha `ohana and their belongings through both manner of speech and
conduct. Students will be responsible for caring for any materials issued, both in
and out of the classroom. Special rules will apply to our fieldtrips and visitations.
3. Students will be responsible for carrying out designated roles/kuleana and be
physically responsible for the proper use and maintenance of all equipment, tools,
instruments, or materials designated for use. Some of the equipment costs
thousands of dollars. An accident could prove quite costly and deprive the whole
class from using some really neat equipment.
4. We expect students to do the right thing, at the right time – the first time, without
having to be constantly reminded.
5. Attend at least 2 of several “star parties” or night excursions.
Grading Policies:
Grades will be assessed through various means. They are indicators of the both the
progress and mastery of knowledge gained in this course.
1) Tests and quizzes will be given at the end of each unit. (50%)
2) Notes and worksheets will be used as daily assessments. (25%)
3) Assigned homework will serve to gather your mana`o or understanding of the
material covered prior to the assignment. Punctual completion of homework
assignments is important – Failure to do assignments will result in required A.P.
Study hall during Ke Ano and may lead to the missing of athletic or other cocurricular activities. (15%)
4) Projects (10%)
Category
Tests & Quizzes
Homework/Assignments
Notes/In-Class Worksheets
Projects
Grade
A
B
C
D
F
Percentage Range
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59-0
Percentage
50
15
25
10
Missing/Late Assignments Policy: All
homework is due at the beginning of the period. Any
late work (up to 4 days tardy) will be downgraded by
15%. After 4 days, the grade for that assignment will
become a zero.
Emails stating that work is missing work will be sent
to all coaches and parents.
After two missed assignments, teacher will call home and develop a plan with the student
and their parents/guardians to remedy the situation.
Participation in a service learning project may be done for extra-credit. It is means of
giving back to the community – knowledge gained or acquired during the course. We
will conduct star parties, use the planetarium, or teach younger students about different
aspects of astronomy.
Excursions: We will be taking several excursions over the course of the semester.
Attendance to these field trips are highly recommended and they cannot be easily be
made up.
These excursions will require observing the night sky during the evening and for those
who live far away, provisions to stay overnight might have to be made.
Astronomy Club: If there is enough interest, we may start an astronomy club that will
learn to use our telescopes and CCD to actually make real observations. Opportunities
for working with astronomers, to develop a legacy project or to attend summer
workshops may also be possible for those who have a real interest in astronomy.
Grades will be posted(updated) on Monday every two weeks.
*** After reading the syllabus, please acknowledge your understanding of the grading
policy and class protocols by detaching this page from the previous ones and returning it
signed with the appropriate information -- at our next scheduled class meeting.
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I have read and understood the course syllabus for Astronomy 0910.
I will strive to complete all assignments and work on time.
I understand that learning is an aspiration (something I want to do),
not an obligation.
As the Kumu has the kuleana to prepare to teach, I have the kuleana
to come to class ready to learn.
I will come with the proper attitude and tools to make the brief time
that we have – valuable.
Print Name: __________________________________ Per. ______
Student’s Signature: _________________________________ Date
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Parent/Guardian’s Signature _______________________________
Comments: