Mr. Poley Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

michael.poley@hies.org 2010-2011 School Year

(404) 303-2150 x855 Fall Semester

Astronomy Syllabus

Text

Astronomy Today by Chaisson & McMillan, 6th Edition, © 2008 by Pearson

Course Description

Astronomy is a course designed to give the student an appreciation of the current state of knowledge about the planets of our solar system, stars and star life, galaxies, and the structure and evolution of the Universe. The course will include observations with the school’s bank of telescopes both at night and during the day, and research on current topics in astronomy. A list of the units with an approximate timeline is as follows:

• Unit One: Motion of Objects in the Sky. Chapters 1 and 2: Charting the Heavens, The Copernican Revolution. 2 weeks.
• Unit Two: Light and Radiation. Chapters 3 and 4: Radiation, Spectroscopy. 2 weeks.
• Unit Three: Astronomical Instruments. Chapter 5: Telescopes. 1 week.
• Unit Four: Solar System Overview. Chapter 6: The Solar System. 2 weeks.
• Unit Five: The Terrestrial Planets. Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10: Earth, Mercury and the Moon, Venus, Mars. 3 weeks.
• Unit Six: The Jovian Planets. Chapters 11, 12, 13: Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. 3 weeks.
• Unit Seven: Minor Solar System Bodies. Chapters 14, 15: Solar System Debris, The Formation of Planetary Systems. 2 weeks.
• Unit Eight: The Sun. Chapter 16: The Sun. 2 weeks.

Expectations and Grading

You are going to be in a challenging course, and meeting this challenge will take conscientiousness on your part. You are literate and competent to read, understand, and write about the information presented, both in the textbook, in the classroom presentations, and in the laboratory activities. You provide your own motivation for being here and learning. When textbook reading assignments are given, you will read thoughtfully and completely. Class time will be used for learning experiences, interaction, and questions. Questions not asked will be answered on your own. The grading scale is as follows:

Tests: weight of 10 Homework average: a weight of 10

Quizzes: weight of 4 Labs: weight of 3

Class participation average: a weight of 10

20% Final Exam (each semester)

The final exam will be cumulative in nature, covering material that was learned during the course of the semester.

Classroom Behavior

Simply, you are expected to:

1) Demonstrate Respect for yourself, for the other students, for the school, and for your teacher. Specifically, some examples of this behavior include:

a. Be in your seat when the bell rings.

b. No conversation which disturbs anyone else, including the teacher

c. No moving of furniture or handling of equipment without the teacher’s consent.

2) Behave in a Scholarly Manner so that your learning experience and the learning experience of others around you may be useful to you. Specifically, some examples of this behavior include:

a. Bring your book, calculator, notes, handouts, and a pencil to class each day.

b. Participation in all class activities

c. Have your homework out when the tardy bell rings.

Integrity Code Violations

Just so there are no misunderstandings, integrity code violations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Copying someone else’s lab report. Even though you will collect data with a partner, the report you submit must be your own work.

2) Copying someone else’s homework. I don’t mind if you work together on homework assignments, but you will learn nothing if you simply copy another’s answers.

3) Cheating off of someone else’s paper during a test or quiz. This also includes telling someone in another section or someone taking the test late what was on a particular test.

4) Lying about an absence or any other type of falsification of information.

Any indication of an integrity code violation will likely result in a formal discipline procedure as described in the student handbook. In general do not put yourself in any position where there is the possibility of inappropriate behavior.

Extra Help

I will be available normally after school until 4 p.m. (many times later) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, except when I have appointments or meetings. If you are getting below an 80 on tests you should be getting help regularly. Come to me during this period to get help. I can occasionally be able to help students during lunch or before school. Check with me if you have a time conflict.

Food, Drinks, and Gum in Class

You may not consume food, drinks, or gum in the classroom or the laboratory room. Any and all food and drink, including water bottles, must be secured in your backpack or bag, and remain there during the period.

Fire Drills

You will exit the lab, turn left, exit the rear of the hallway and proceed down the concrete ramp to the soccer field. I will designate a “point” person that will lead the group (I have to check the hallway and doors). I will take roll when you get to the field. Do not wander off and chat with friends.

Tornado Drills

We will exit the room and try move to the boys’ and girls’ bathroom on the 300 Hall. Sit down with your back against the wall, and cover your head.

Electronic devices

Any personal electronic entertainment or cell phone must be left in your locker. You may not receive calls during class. Students that violate this rule will have their equipment confiscated.