Download Course Description - Phoenix Country Day School

Phoenix Country Day School
Astronomy 2013-2014
Instructor: Mr. Michael Swingler
[email protected]
Course Description: The purpose of this course is to present the development
and findings on the exploration of the solar system. The study of the solar
system is followed from the deductive reasoning of ancient visual observations
to the modern use of space probes and telescopes. Emphasis is not simply
placed on the contents of the solar system, but rather on how and why these
objects formed, developed, and their physical interactions.
Course Objectives:
Upon completing this class students will be able to;
1) Apply the scientific method and other critical thinking
models to astronomical phenomena for hypotheses
development, experimental design, data acquisition, and data
analysis.
2) Explain the application of fundamental physical principles
to various astronomical phenomena.
3) Outline the history of astronomical thought.
4) Describe in terms of energy, wavelength, and frequency the various portions of
the electromagnetic spectrum.
5) Describe instruments used to detect radiation from the various portions of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
6) Compare the physical properties of the earth with its moon.
7) Give an overview of the components of the solar system.
8) Compare and contrast the physical properties of the major planets.
9) Describe the minor components of the solar system.
10) Explain possible models of solar system formation.
Prerequisite: Students taking this course need to have completed or be enrolled in
Algebra II
Text: Astronomy Today, 7th Edition-Chaisson McMillan
ISBN-13 978-0-321-69143-9
Materials
You will need the text, paper, pencil and a scientific calculator for this course. Desired
calculator functions include logarithms, exponentials, and trigonometry. Bring these
items with you to every class and laboratory session.
Grades:
The semester grade (pre-final exam) is calculated on a total points basis. Tests (100
points each), quizzes (20 points each), laboratory reports (15-25 points each) and
homework checks (15 points each) will make up the sources of the points. Tests and
quizzes will comprise the bulk of the points. The final exam each semester will count as
25% of the final semester average.
Homework Hints
Astronomy is a very visual science. Make sure that you understand diagrams and how to
use them to make inferences and draw conclusions. Remember that astronomy takes
place in three dimensions when you study a diagram! There are a great number of new
term that are unique to the study of astronomy, make sure you understand the terms so
that you understand later material when these terms are used freely. An in depth
understanding of the formation, development and interaction of astronomical objects is
often best described mathematically. The equations used in this understanding generate
interesting problems. The more problems you solve the better you will get at the process.
The only to master the material is by working problems.
Laboratory
Lab experiences in the astronomy class will vary from hands on work, to night
observing sessions, to computer simulations.
Course Content
Introduction to Solar System Astronomy
I. Early History of Astronomical Thought
A. Sky at night
B. Astronomical scales
C. Celestial sphere
D. Apparent motions of celestial objects
E. Eclipses
F. Geocentric universe
G. Ancient astronomy
II. Birth of Modern Astronomy
A. Scientific method
B. Heliocentric universe
C. Copernican revolution
D. Impact of Galileo, Kepler, and Newton
E. Solar system dimensions
III. Radiation
A. Evidence of the wave nature of radiation
B. Electric/magnetic field relationships
C. Electromagnetic spectrum
D. Evidence of the particle nature of radiation
E. Radiation laws and the Doppler effect
F. Model of the atom
G. Spectral line formation and analysis
IV. Telescopes
A. Optical telescopes
B. Resolution
C. Radio telescopes and interferometry
D. Full-spectrum radiation detectors
V. Earth
A. Bulk properties
B. Hydrosphere
C. Atmosphere
D. Magnetosphere
E. Interior
F. Earth-moon effects
G. Plate tectonics
VI. EarthÕs Moon
A. Bulk properties
B. Orbit and rotation
C. Surface features
D. Cratering and volcanism
E. Surface composition
F. Interior
G. Origin and history
H. Exploration
VII. Overview of the Solar System
A. Overall layout
B. Terrestrial and Jovian planets
C. Planetary configurations
D. Interplanetary debris
VIII. Comparative Planetology: Terrestrial Planets
A. Bulk properties
B. Orbit and rotation
C. Surface features
D. Cratering and volcanism
E. Surface composition
F. Internal structure
G. Atmosphere
H. Temperatures
I. Magnetic properties
J. Moons
K. Spacecraft exploration
L. Possibilities of life
IX. Comparative Planetology: Jovian Planets
A. Bulk properties
B. Discovery
C. Orbit and rotation
D. Composition
E. Atmospheric features
F. Internal structure
G. Temperatures
H. Magnetic properties
I. Ring structure
J. Moons
K. Spacecraft exploration
X. Pluto and Solar System Debris
A. Discovery of Pluto
B. Bulk properties of Pluto
C. Moon of Pluto
D. Origin of Pluto
E. Asteroids
F. Comets
G. Meteoroids
XI. Formation of the Solar System
A. Role of modeling
B. Solar system formation models
C. Modeling problems
XII. Nearby Stars
A. Distances
B. Motions
C. Magnitudes