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553 Astronomy (Level 3) - Mr. Siren
553 Astronomy (Level 3) - Mr. Siren
Teacher: Mr. Christopher Siren
Mr. Siren's E-mail:csiren at IGNORETHIS gdrsd dot org
Room: 209
Text:Chaisson, Eric and McMillan, Steve, Astronomy Today Fifth Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, 2005
Program of Studies Description
Grades 11-12 Level 3 Semester 1 Credit
Astronomy is the study of stars and planets. This course focuses on the logic an methods used in the past and present to learn about these distant objects. From its beginnings in ancient times through the present we will learn what and how we know about the solar system. We will examine the makeup of stars and galaxies, what they tell us about the structure of the universe, where the universe is going and where it's been. Students will engage in some classroom labs as well as a research project. As astronomy relies on a dark sky, students will also make naked eye nighttime observations at home. No telescopes are required. As math is a language of science, Algebra I and Geometry skills will be used during the course.
Prerequisite: Integrated Science
Schedule
Course Goals
- To learn about the basic laws of nature through an introduction to
motion, forces, and energy.
- To learn about how we can apply those laws to everyday life as well as
more extreme situations such as the evolution of the solar system.
- To learn about how scientific knowledge is acquired by designing and
carrying out experiments
- To gain laboratory skills - making measurements, using various lab
equipment, keeping a science lab book, setting up and cleaning up
experiments
- To gain valuable problem-solving skills through the process of
designing experiments and analyzing data
What To Bring To Class Daily
- Covered textbook
- Pens/pencils and scientific calculator
- 3-ring binder with section dividers
- Completed Homework, Assignments, Projects, and Lab Reports
- Lined paper and graph paper for notes, labs and quizzes.
3-Ring Binder Format
Each student is expected to have a 3-ring binder exclusively for science.
This binder should be organized into the following sections:
- List of Assignments
- Notes and handouts
- Completed Homework
- Quizzes and Tests
- Labs
- Project Work
- Miscellaneous
By having all your papers and by keeping them organized throughout the year,
you will be much more effective in preparing for quizzes and exams. To
encourage the habit of organization, your notebook may be checked by me
at any time.
Some pop quizzes will also be designated as open notebook.
Grading Policy for Each Quarter:
| Labs | 25 to 50 points each |
| Quizzes/Homework | 1 to 10 points each |
| Tests | 100 points each |
| Project | 100 points (second quarter only) |
Both announced and pop quizzes will be given frequently throughout
the year to help me evaluate your understanding of new material, lab
preparation, reading comprehension, and homework completion.
You will have tests at the end of each chapter.
You will usually have at least one lab per unit. Some of these labs will
be formal labs, requiring a formal lab report. Others will be mini-labs,
requiring a less extensive write-up.
Collaborative Learning vs. Academic Dishonesty
Please learn the difference between collaborative learning and academic
dishonesty! Collaborative learning is positive and involves constructive
discussion of homework problems and labs with your classmates. However,
what you write down for homework or in you lab notebook must be in your
own words in order to reflect your effort and understanding of
the material. Students who hand in identical work, or work that is
too similar, will experience serious disciplinary
consequences! Note that all quizzes and exams are considered
strictly independent work. While lab partners may share data and discuss
how to address the analysis questions, their final words should be
their own.
General Astronomy Links
- The publishers of our textbook have a page dedicated to support Chaison's Astronomy Today, 5th edition Their support page includes annotations, and images, web links, practice problems and a study guide with interactive
practice quizzes sorted by chapter.
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