Astronomy Syllabus
South Warren High School – Mr. Treon
Welcome to a new school year! I am excited to get to know you throughout this
semester. Welcome to Astronomy! Astronomy is the science of how the universe works.
Studying astronomy will allow you to develop your view of the natural universe and give
you a more complete and rounded understanding of the world, which can shape everything
you do with your life. The central question of this class is:
How do we make sense the natural universe?
There are different types of skills that you must develop to begin answering this
question. The three overarching skill-sets that you will need to begin answering the central
question are (1) self-discipline skills, (2) scientific reasoning skills, and (3) concept skills.
The table below lists some examples of each of these skills.
Self-Discipline Skills Scientific Reasoning Skills
 Engage in classroom  Use specific evidence to
activities.
support a claim.
 Study.
 Make observations, detect
patterns, analyze data, and
 Receive feedback and
develop theories.
correct mistakes.
 Describe phenomena in
 Reflect.
mathematical ratios.
Concept Skills
 Analyze the motion of the
moon, planets, and stars.
 Calculate the effects of gravity
on celestial bodies.
 Determine the age and
composition of stars
 Identify factors and forces in
the formation of the universe.
Materials Needed
In order to succeed in this class, there are some materials you will need. The
following is a list of materials to bring to class daily. Please let the teacher know if you are
not able to acquire these materials.
 Pencil with eraser
 1” binder or larger
 Spiral notebook with at least 100 pages
 Composition notebook with at least 70 pages
 Foundations of Astronomy Textbook (issued by teacher)
 Calculator (scientific calculator recommended)
Grading Breakdown
The table below displays how students will receive their grade at the end of each
quarter. The significant portion of grades will come from Unit Tests. Students may retake
part or all of a Unit Test until the student can demonstrate mastery and achieve a
satisfactory grade, but the version and format of the test may change.
Self-Discipline Skills
Scientific Reasoning Skills
Concept Skills
In-Class Activities
10%
Homework
10%
Lab Reports
10%
Unit Tests
60%
Quarter Exam
10%
QUARTER TOTAL
100%
How Assignments Will Be Graded
Types of Anticipated
Assignments
Warm-Up
In-Class Worksheet
In-Class Notes
Reflection Journal
Homework—Reading
Homework—Practice
In-Class Lab Sheet
Lab Report
Unit Test
Quarter 1 Exam
Quarter 2 Exam
Category
Grading Criteria
In-Class Activity
In-Class Activity
In-Class Activity
In-Class Activity
Homework
Homework
Lab Reports
Lab Reports
Unit Tests
Quarter Exam
Quarter Exam
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Self-Discipline Rubric
Lab Report Rubric
Accuracy
Accuracy
Accuracy
Self-Discipline Rubric
Level of
Effort
Quality
of Work
TOTAL
SCORE:
4
3
2
1
Student makes
thorough effort,
addressing each part of
the assignment to its
fullest requirement.
The work contains no
known error in
conceptual reasoning
or math computation.
Student makes
basic effort to
address all parts of
the assignment.
Student makes effort
to address most parts
of the assignment, but
is lacking in one or
two parts.
The work contains
several minor errors
or some major errors
in conceptual
reasoning or math
computation.
Student makes little
or no effort to
address some or all
of the parts of the
assignment.
The work contains
major errors in
conceptual
reasoning and/or
math computation.
___ / 8
The work contains
one or two minor
errors in
conceptual
reasoning or math
computation.
Discipline Plan
All actions have consequences—positive and negative. Positive consequences have
rewards; negative consequences have penalties.
Rules
The following rules are set up to provide clear expectations for behavior so that the
classroom can be a safe and orderly learning environment.
1. Be in class before the bell rings
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3. Use appropriate language
4. Follow directions the first time
Penalties
If you break a rule, you are not being punished; you are choosing to accept the penalty. If a
student breaks a rule, the student will receive a small slip of paper indicating their penalty.
“Morning Detention” is held in Mr. Treon’s room (Room 30) in the morning before school.
For 10 minutes of Morning Detention, the student must report to Mr. Treon’s room no later
than 7:10 a.m.
First offense:
Warning
Second offense: 10 Minutes Morning Detention
Third offense:
20 Minutes Morning Detention
Fourth offense:
Major Infraction Referral
Some inappropriate behaviors not listed deserve more severe penalties, such as an office
referral. These behaviors include fighting, cheating, actions or words that threaten the
safety of students, and taunting or bullying.
Classroom Expectations
In addition to the rules above, there are some expectations for our classroom that you
should be aware of:
 Eat any food outside of class.
 Drinks must have a lid.
 Cell phones will be taken and turned into the office if they are visible OR a
distraction.
 Always bring materials to class.
 Stay in your assigned seat during class.
 Raise your hand to speak during class.
 Work together and respect each other.
 Ask the teacher any question you cannot answer!
S.W.O.R.D.
Semester Schedule
The following schedule is tentative and subject to change based on the teacher’s
discretion regarding a need for more or less time in one unit of instruction.
Dates
Unit of Instruction
Aug. 6 – 8
Introduction to the Science Classroom
Aug. 11 – 15
Intro. To Science Class/The Night Sky
Aug. 18 – 22
The Night Sky
Aug. 25 – 29
The Moon
Sept. 2 – 5
The Moon/The Solar System
Sept. 8 – 12
The Solar System
Sept. 16 – 19
The Solar System
Sept. 22 – 26
Light & Telescopes
Sept. 29 – Oct. 3
Light & Telescopes/Quarter Exam
Oct. 6 – 10
FALL BREAK
Oct. 13 – 17
Atoms and Starlight
Oct. 20 – 24
Stellar Evolution
Oct. 27 – 31
Stellar Evolution
Nov. 3, 5 – 7
Black Holes
Nov. 10 – 14
Galaxies
Nov. 17 – 21
Galaxies
Nov. 24 – 25
Selected Topics
Dec. 1 – 5
Big Bang & Cosmology
Dec. 8 – 12
Big Bang & Cosmology
Dec. 15 – 19
Astrobiology/Final Exam