Request for New Course
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
DIVISION OF ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS
REQUEST FOR NEW COURSE
DEPARTMENT/SCHOOL: _____PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY______________COLLEGE: CAS
CONTACT PERSON: _______PATRICK KOEHN______________________________________________________________________
CONTACT PHONE:
487-8795
CONTACT EMAIL:
PKOEHN@EMICH.EDU
__
REQUESTED START DATE: TERM___FALL__________YEAR____2016_______
A. Rationale/Justification for the Course
Planetaria have become relatively inexpensive tools for instructional, entertainment and outreach activities. They can
be found in high schools, middle schools, science centers open to the public, museums, and of course, universities.
Science and science education students can use the skills gained in this course to enhance their classroom delivery or
produce outreach shows for the public. The ability to translate phenomena in the real sky to that on a projected sky is a
blend of science, showmanship and technical know-how. This course provides the necessary training in the use of
planetaria, ranging in topics from understanding celestial cycles and creating planetarium shows to upgrading and
maintaining planetarium equipment.
B. Course Information
1. Subject Code and Course Number:
2. Course Title:
ASTR 320
Planetarium Science
3. Credit Hours:
3
4. Repeatable for Credit? Yes_______
No__x____
If “Yes”, how many total credits may be earned?_______
5. Catalog Description (Limit to approximately 50 words.):
A planetarium can be a relatively inexpensive tool for instructional, entertainment and outreach activities. The ability
to translate phenomena in the real sky to that on a projected sky is a blend of science, showmanship and technical
know-how. This course provides the necessary training in the use of planetaria, ranging in topics from understanding
celestial cycles and creating planetarium shows to upgrading and maintaining planetarium equipment.
6. Method of Delivery (Check all that apply.)
a. Standard (lecture/lab) x
On Campus
x
Off Campus
b. Fully Online
c. Hybrid/ Web Enhanced
7. Grading Mode:
Normal (A-E)
x
Credit/No Credit
8. Prerequisites: Courses that MUST be completed before a student can take this course. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title.)
ASTR 315 Observational Astronomy
or department permission
Miller, New Course
Sept. 09
New Course Form
9. Concurrent Prerequisites:
Code, Number and Title.)
Courses listed in #5 that MAY also be taken at the same time as a student is taking this course. (List by Subject
none
10. Corequisites: Courses that MUST be taken at the same time as a student in taking this course.
(List by Subject Code, Number and
Title.)
none
11. Equivalent Courses. A student may not earn credit for both a course and its equivalent. A course will count as a repeat if an equivalent
course has already been taken. (List by Subject Code, Number and Title)
none
12. Course Restrictions:
a. Restriction by College. Is admission to a specific College Required?
College of Business
Yes
No
x
College of Education
Yes
No
x
b. Restriction by Major/Program. Will only students in certain majors/programs be allowed to take this course?
Yes
No
x
If “Yes”, list the majors/programs
c. Restriction by Class Level Check all those who will be allowed to take the course:
Undergraduate
Graduate
All undergraduates__x_____
All graduate students____
Freshperson
Certificate
Sophomore
Masters
Junior
Specialist
Senior
Doctoral
Second Bachelor___x____
UG Degree Pending_____
Post-Bac. Tchr. Cert._x___
Low GPA Admit_______
Note: If this is a 400-level course to be offered for graduate credit, attach Approval Form for 400-level Course for Graduate
Credit. Only “Approved for Graduate Credit” undergraduate courses may be included on graduate programs of study.
Note: Only 500-level graduate courses can be taken by undergraduate students. Undergraduate students may not register for
600-level courses
d. Restriction by Permission. Will Departmental Permission be required?
Yes
No
(Note: Department permission requires the department to enter authorization for every student registering.)
Miller, New Course
Sept. ‘09
x
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New Course Form
13. Will the course be offered as part of the General Education Program?
Yes
No
x
If “Yes”, attach Request for Inclusion of a Course in the General Education Program: Education for Participation in the Global Community
form. Note: All new courses proposed for inclusion in this program will be reviewed by the General Education Advisory Committee. If this
course is NOT approved for inclusion in the General Education program, will it still be offered? Yes
No
C. Relationship to Existing Courses
Within the Department:
14. Will this course will be a requirement or restricted elective in any existing program(s)? Yes x
No
If “Yes”, list the programs and attach a copy of the programs that clearly shows the place the new course will have in the curriculum.
Program
Astronomy minor
Program
15. Will this course replace an existing course? Yes
No
Required
Restricted Elective___x_
Required
Restricted Elective
x
16. (Complete only if the answer to #15 is “Yes.”)
a. Subject Code, Number and Title of course to be replaced:
b. Will the course to be replaced be deleted?
Yes
No
17. (Complete only if the answer #16b is “Yes.”) If the replaced course is to be deleted, it is not necessary to submit a Request for
Graduate and Undergraduate Course Deletion.
a. When is the last time it will be offered?
Term
Year
b. Is the course to be deleted required by programs in other departments?
Contact the Course and Program Development Office if necessary.
Yes
No
c. If “Yes”, do the affected departments support this change?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of support, if available.
Outside the Department: The following information must be provided. Contact the Course and Program Development office for
assistance if necessary.
18. Are there similar courses offered in other University Departments?
If “Yes”, list courses by Subject Code, Number and Title
Yes
No
x
19. If similar courses exist, do the departments in which they are offered support the proposed course?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, attach letters of support from the affected departments. If “No”, attach letters from the affected department explaining the lack of
support, if available.
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Sept. ‘09
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New Course Form
D. Course Requirements
20. Attach a detailed Sample Course Syllabus including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
Course goals, objectives and/or student learning outcomes
Outline of the content to be covered
Student assignments including presentations, research papers, exams, etc.
Method of evaluation
Grading scale (if a graduate course, include graduate grading scale)
Special requirements
Bibliography, supplemental reading list
Other pertinent information.
NOTE: COURSES BEING PROPOSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL
COMMUNITY PROGRAM MUST USE THE SYLLABUS TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY THE GENERAL EDUCATION
ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE TEMPLATE IS ATTACHED TO THE REQUEST FOR INCLUSION OF A COURSE IN THE
GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM: EDUCATION FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY FORM.
E. Cost Analysis (Complete only if the course will require additional University resources.
Fill in Estimated Resources for the
sponsoring department(s). Attach separate estimates for other affected departments.)
Estimated Resources:
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Faculty / Staff
$_________
$_________
$_________
SS&M
$_________
$_________
$_________
Equipment
$_________
$_________
$_________
Total
$_________
$_________
$_________
F. Action of the Department/School and College
1. Department/School
Vote of faculty: For _____9_____
Against _____0_____
2/25/16
Abstentions ____0______
(Enter the number of votes cast in each category.
Department Head/School Director Signature
Date
2. College/Graduate School
A. College
College Dean Signature
Date
B. Graduate School (if Graduate Course)
Graduate Dean Signature
Date
G. Approval
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Sept. ‘09
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New Course Form
Associate Vice-President for Academic Programming Signature
ASTR 379 Planetarium Science.............
Winter 2013, CRN 24683
Monday & Wednesday 7:30-8:45pm 402 SciComp
Date
Norbert Vance
124B Strong Hall
(734) 487-4146
Observatory (734) 487-3033
Purpose: To give students experience and.understanding in the operation of a typical modern.planetarium, along with
use of astronomical vocabulary....................
Text: Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe, T. Dickinson, **4th edition (revised and expanded
through 2018); SC1 and SC2 star charts, Sky Publishing Co. (charts supplied), other various sources
Numerous handouts and web references will also be used for course study.
Download Stellarium (www.stellarium.org) and Nightshade (www.NightshadeSoftware.org) to your computer for free
Please obtain a 4Gb thumb drive for software, scripts, the projector manual, etc. and have on the FIRST meeting of
class
For only the second time, this new course meets in the new Science Complex planetarium, 402 Science Complex
sphere. It is possible however to meet on select evenings in 402 Sherzer Hall, adjacent to the observatory entrance, the
Astronomy Lab. If we are not present in the sphere, find us in the lab or the observing deck! We will generally meet in
the sphere.
Field Study: A trek one evening or Saturday afternoon, TBA, to a nearby planetarium (likely Adrian College, UofM
Exhibit Museum, or even UofT Ritter) is anticipated so that we may see a different, opto-mechanical installations and
operation for comparison to EMU's "full-dome" facility. You will be introduced to the workings of the Great Lakes
Planetarium Association (GLPA or "glippa"). Meet the people that run our regional planetaria. This is a great, helpful
group of professionals that share ideas, knowledge, programs, and assist each other in the field! The MSTA convention
will also be held on campus March 7-8, 2013. Hoards of science teachers will decend on our campus during winter
break. This is a chance to rub elbows with many of them!
Observing Sessions: Weather permitting, observing sessions will be held in the observatory and on the deck.
Comfortable, warm clothing and shoes (boots) are recommended. Dress in excess for the weather is a good rule.
Fish Lake: A field trip to KEEC near Lapeer, Michigan, April 5-7, 2013 , is scheduled for the course. Your
attendance is *highly anticipated* as a working knowledge of a real sky is paramount to what goes on under the
dome. This also gives us the potential for an entire night, or two, of concentrated observing and an opportunity to see
things not possible from Ypsilanti's evening skies. Cost is $60 for 2 nights, 3 meals, hikes, observing and more ( *make
advanced arrangements with employers, etc. where possible).
Expected Outcomes:
• Familiarize students with scientific, cultural, and technical aspects of a modern astronomical planetarium.
• Sharpen knowledge obtained from ASTR 105/205/315, serving as an observational capstone for the prior
courses by melding real sky experience with that of the virtual sky.
• Give students experience and confidence in operating modern planetarium equipment while delivering an
astronomy lesson.
• Provide knowledge to potential teachers on how to upgrade an existing school planetarium with modern, low
cost systems as such training is rare, few having such experience on their resume’.
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New Course Form
•
•
Establish contact with members of the Great Lakes Planetarium Association (GLPA), the oldest and most
respected planetarium association in the country. The organization heavily supports its membership with online
lesson plans, information library, conferences, and professional contacts throughout North America and the
world via the International Planetarium Society (IPS).
Require visitation of two or more regional planetariums and/or science centers to observe operations, programs,
staffing, and physical layout of facilities. Report back findings of the experience with signature of center
manager or program docent.
Reading Assignments, Exams, Project, and Grading: Reading assignments are given during lecture. A total
of three short answer, multiple choice, and chart identification exams will be given, dates to be announced at least one
calendar week in advance. Your final grade will be based upon the numerical average of these tests and your course
presentation. The presentation should run some 15-20 minutes and include some of the usual astronomical fare but also
surprise us, inform us. It's your show!
Exam 1
Understanding the Night Sky
Our place in the universe, charts, constellations,
star identification, SC1 and SC2 charts; knowing the dome sky
Exam 2
Myths and Mythology: Constellation Folklore
Legends and stories under the dome; historic astronomical people
Exam 3
Planetarium Technology
From projectors to cove lights, seats to domes; nuts and bolts
Scripting for and operating the system; shows and theatrical methods
Presentation Project
Your turn under the dome in front of an audience (the class)
Each student conducts a 20 minute “public show” under the dome, in the dark,
using the main projector system, topic of your choice, astronomy related of course.
Grade Scale:
Letter grades are assigned according to the following scale:
A
95-100 C 72-76
A- 90-94
C- 70-71
B+ 87-89
D+ 67-69
B
82-86
D
62-66
B80-81
D- 60-61
C+ 77-79
E 59-0
Equipment Usage: Given the fragile nature of the expensive equipment you will be using, do not hesitate to ask
questions if you are uncertain about operation. Expensive lamps can burn out so minimize operational time. System
corruption from improper shut down is to be avoided - READ the manual for operation of the projector! Work slowly
and carefully... ask classmates for assistance. Work together
Note that the EMU Astronomy Club is an active, ongoing student organization.. They hold open houses and
observation sessions at Sherzer Observatory. Attending their meetings adds to the astronomy experience gained in our
facilities.
Attend class regularly, especially during the presentations in the latter part of the course. You will be learning from
each other as well as the lecture portion of the course.
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New Course Form
As a courtesy, please turn off cell phones while in class! Use of laptops, iPods, PDA's, etc. is not permitted during
lecture as they generally serve as distractions to the learning environment.
Some select observing events for the Winter term, 2013**
January
7 Jupiter near zenith after sunset between Aldebaran and the Pleaides
13 very young moon above Mars low in SW, 6:15pm EST
16 waxing cresent moon near Uranus (binoculars) high in SW, 6:30pm EST
21 waxing gibbous moon and Jupiter near zenith, 7pm EST
February
3 waning gibbous moon near Saturn low in SE, 3am EST
17 first quarter moon near Jupiter and Pleaides overhead, 7:30pm EST
March
2 waning gibbous moon near Saturn low in SE, 1am EST
10 Comet PANSTARRS potentially brightening low in the western skies during the month
17 waning crescent moon between Aldebaran and Jupiter high in west, 9pm EDT
20 Vernal Equinox; spring begins as Sun crosses northward on the Celestial Equator, 7:02 am EDT
28 waning gibbous moon near Saturn low in SE, 11pm EDT
April
5-7 Fish Lake Weekend, EMU KEEC, Lapeer, MI
14 waxing crescent moon near Jupiter in west, 9pm EDT
25 full moon near Saturn in SE, 10pm EDT
** Take note of subtle changes such as sunset/sunrise times and position of the stars of the winter sky like Ursa Major
(Big Dipper) in the northeast, Cassiopeia in the northwest, and the changing position of the magnificent constellation of
Orion. Carefully observe the changing positions and phases of the moon, and position of Jupiter relative to the Hyades
of Taurus throughout the term. Use the program Starry Night© found on the Astronomy Lab computer network to
simulate some of the above events to get an idea of what should occur.
Bibliography:
Dickenson, Terrance (2013, revised 4th Edition through 2025). Nightwatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the
Universe. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books
The top selling stargazing guide in the world for the past 20 years serves as the primary text for the course,
providing star charts, observational tips, astronomical information, and practical reference at an affordable
price. Carries over from ASTR 315 Observational Astronomy.
Great Lakes Planetarium Association (2016). Resource Library. http://glpa.org/resources
A data bank of all available show kits, visual and audio effects, lesson plans, resource materials and
conference proceedings usually free or at a cost recovery basis. The proceedings include vendor profiles and
advertisements for planetarium systems and the latest full dome shows.
Fulldome Database (2016). http:://www.fddb.org
A leading source of worldwide planetarium programs, productions, technology, and job opportunities for
planetarians.
Digitalis Education Solutions (2016). Astronomy Education Resources http://digitaliseducation.com/resources
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New Course Form
An online resource library somewhat specific to the EMU Digitarium Epsilon system but also applicable to
other formats or systems.
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