Course Syllabus – Astronomy
Mr. Keebler
Text: Foundations of Astronomy 11th edition, M. Seeds, D. Backman
Course Description
Astronomy is a course studying the objects and processes in the universe. The course will help students
to understand the very nature of scientific process through a variety of classroom investigations. Astronomy
examines the existence of matter and energy in the universe, therefore attempting to explain its (and our) origin.
While celestial objects such as stars, nebula, galaxies and quasars may be far removed from our location, these
objects are directly linked to understanding basic scientific methods and principles that ultimately explain our
place in the cosmos.
Course Objectives
1. All students demonstrate knowledge and application of mechanics relating to the celestial sphere.
2. All students demonstrate knowledge of the relationship between energy and matter.
3. All students demonstrate knowledge of stellar processes related to evolution, synthesis of elements and
calculating universal age.
4. All students demonstrate knowledge of cosmological models.
5. All students demonstrate knowledge of planetary processes relating to formation, differentiation and
classification.
6. All students demonstrate ability to solve mathematical applications relating to astronomy.
7. All students demonstrate ability to formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and develop a logical
conclusion utilizing the scientific method.
Course Requirements
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Students will be responsible for daily textbook readings.
Exam will be given for each chapter(s)/unit covered.
Labs/activities will take place numerous times throughout each unit.
Quizzes will occur within each chapter/unit.
Mathematics is an integral part of this class. A calculator which handles complex functions is required
(calculators on cell phones or other electronic devices are not permitted).
6. Written homework will be assigned for each chapter/unit covered. This homework could come from the
end of the chapter questions, or could be a class activity which needs to be finished at home.
7. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the teacher(s) on the day he/she returns from the absence to
make arrangements to make up any missed assignments and/or assessments. All missed assignments
and/or assessments must be made up within three school days from the day the student returns from the
absence.
8. Students will acquire and process celestial images using telescopic equipment and using an on-line
observatory.
Grading (approximate percentages)
Exams
Quizzes
Lab/Activities
Home Activities
40%
20%
25%
15%
Topics Outline
Unit I: Exploring The Sky
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Here and Now
The Sky
Cycles of the Sky
The Origin of Modern Astronomy
Gravity
Light and Telescopes
Unit II: The Stars
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Atoms and Starlight
The Sun
The Family of Stars
The Interstellar Medium
The Formation and Structure of Stars
Stellar Evolution
The Deaths of Stars
Neutron Stars and Black Holes
Unit III: The Universe
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
The Milky Way Galaxy
Galaxies
Active Galaxies and Supermassive Black Holes
Modern Cosmology
Unit IV: The Solar System
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
The Origin of the Solar System
Earth: The Standard of Comparative Planetology
The Moon and Mercury: Comparing Airless Worlds
Comparative Planetology of Venus and Mars
Comparative Planetology of Jupiter and Saturn
Uranus, Neptune, and the Dwarf Planets
Meteorites, Asteroids and Comets
Unit V: Life
Chapter 26
Astrobiology: Life on Other Worlds