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Description

Astronomy is an incredibly broad subject that is the study of the universe and the phenomena found within it. It is a dynamic science where new discoveries regularly alter our perception of reality. This course is an overview of general astronomy. Much of the course material will be online. No prior experience in astronomy is necessary to take this course.

Objective

Following the completion of this course, students will understand the basic structure of the universe and the physical laws which govern it.

Course Standards and Benchmarks

Prerequisites

Successful completion of two semesters of earth science.

Successful completion of two semesters of high school mathematics.

Topics and Units

This course is a survey of astronomical topics and is designed around these general topics and units:

• The Sky
• The Celestial Sphere, Distances, Sizes, and Angles
• Light, Mirrors, and Lenses
• The Solar System
• Stars, Galaxies, and More About Light

Late Work

Any late assignments will be docked 50%, provided it comes in within two days after it is due. If it comes in after that, it will be worth one point.

Labs

Labs are an integral component of this class. Because we do not meet every day, missing class just one can put you way behind. Most labs will be way too difficult to complete on your own if you miss class, therefore it is in your best interest to be in class every time we meet.

Tests

If you miss school the day before a test you are still required to take the test the day you return along with everyone else. If you know in advance that you will be gone on a test day, you must make arrangements to take the test before the scheduled test time. You may not take it late.

Book

There is a book required for this class, but it is not a textbook. "An Intimate Look at the Night Sky," by Chet Raymo, provides an excellent overview of the topics we will study in this class. It is also very easy to read. PLS students can check out a copy of the book from Mr. Spurr to use during the semester. It can also be purchased from amazon.com.

Math

Since this is a science course, you will need to use some math to do many of the homework assignments and exercises. However, none of the math skills you'll need are above basic high school algebra and geometry. You will benefit a great deal by having a scientific calculator available to you. If you don't have one, you can use this online scientific calculator. You can also access the calculator from the menu on the left side of every page.

Grading

The following grade scale will be used for assigning grades for the course:

superior	above average	average	below average	failing
A 93-100 A- 90-93	B+ 87-90 B 83-87 B- 80-83	C+ 77-80 C 73-77 C- 70-73	D+ 67-79 D 63-67 D- 60-63	F <60

I hold to the traditional meaning of letter grades. If you are an average student, you will probably earn a "C." If you are above average, you will probably earn a "B." Extra credit assignments are rarely provided, and their impact will be minimal. Extra credit is typically not assigned on the request of a student, and is usually given to the entire class if it is appropriate to the topic we are studying. Before any extra credit work can be counted, all regular work must be suitably completed and turned in. Extra credit cannot move you from one letter grade to the next (e.g., from a C+ to a B-), and it cannot move you from an A- to an A.

You will be evaluated on your performance in three categories: Assignments & Labs (45%), Tests & Assessments (30%), and the PLS 5 (25%).