Astronomy
Course Requirements and Expectations
Teacher: Mr. Joseph Schoen
Topics of Study: We will be studying the following areas during the next 18 weeks:
1. Introduction – In this unit, we will introduce the great size and scale of the Universe and review
some useful math concepts in Astronomy.
2. The Night Sky – To understand where and how we locate and identify the constellations, motions
of the sky, cycles of the earth, moon, and sun, and the movements of the planets,
several practical observations and demonstrations will be completed. We will use
computer simulations and planetarium programs to aid us in our discussion.
3. The History of Astronomy – We will explore the early discoveries, observations, and models of the
universe that have shaped Astronomy.
4. The Origins of Modern Astronomy – The discoveries of Kepler, Galileo, and Newton are the basis of
modern astronomy. We will discuss, analyze, and use their laws
and observations to help us understand the Universe.
5. Light and Telescopes – This section will deal with electromagnetic radiation and the instruments that
have been invented to collect information about light and other
wavelengths. We will also explore the various types of telescopes and
binoculars, learn how to use them, and discover how to buy a quality
telescope.
6. The Solar System – After a brief description of its formation, processes at work in the solar system
will be studied. An in-depth discussion of the Earth and the Moon will lead
into a brief planet by planet survey, with emphasis on aspects surrounding the
object's history, geology, atmosphere, satellites, and rotation, and revolution.
Comets, asteroids, and meteors will also be outlined.
7. Our Star, the Sun – A brief study of the sun and its properties will lead us into the topic of stars.
Basic stellar properties, motion, distance, classification, and evolution will be
discussed. We will end our discussion with pulsars, black holes, and quasars.
8. Galaxies – Beginning with the Milky Way, we will examine organized matter at increasingly larger
scales. Among the items of study will be barred spiral, irregular, and elliptical galaxies
as well as active or peculiar galaxies.
9. Cosmology – This branch of astronomy concerns the origin, evolution, and development of the
universe. The Big Bang, Steady State, and Oscillating Universe theories will be
discussed.
10. We will discuss the search for life in the universe and the US space program if time allows.
Course Materials
Text: Pasachoff, Jay M. Astronomy: From the Earth to the Universe, Sixth Edition. Thomson
Learning, Inc.: United States, 2002.
Pencils, Calculator, Ruler, Compass, and Protractor
Three ring Binder or folder
Notebook and Graph paper
Observations
Up to three nighttime observation sessions will be held during the semester involving stars and
constellations, the planets, and the moon. Students will be expected to sign up and attend these
sessions, which will take place on the practice fields along Center Street.
Coursework
There will be various homework, activity, lab, and project assignments given throughout the
semester. Assignments will be collected and graded regularly.
Quizzes and Tests
Tests and quizzes will be given throughout the semester. You will generally be notified of an
upcoming test a week before the test is given. Quizzes will generally be announced prior to the quiz,
but unannounced quizzes may occur.
Final Exam
The final exam will be worth 20% of the semester grade and will cover all material given throughout
the entire semester.
Grading
Grades for each six weeks period, and generally on tests will be determined on a percentage of
points acquired. Points are acquired through individual chapter tests, quizzes, laboratory exercises,
homework, activity, and observation assignments, and oral presentations. The grading scale will be
as follows:
100 – 92%
91 – 90%
89 – 88%
87 – 82%
81 – 80%
A
AB+
B
B-
79 – 78%
77 – 72%
71 – 70%
69 – 68%
67 – 62%
C+
C
CD+
D
61 – 60%
59 – Below
DF
Semester grades will be recorded by adding 79% of the total points score of the three six weeks
periods (all 18 weeks), to 20% of the final exam score, to 1% teacher discretion.
Make-up Procedures
Make-up work must be completed within the same number of days of your absence. You are
responsible for checking with me and completing missed assignments. Assignment grades will be
reduced 50 percentage points if they are considered 1 day late. If an assignment is more than 1 day
late, it will be recorded as a zero. Make-up quizzes and tests will follow the same guidelines as stated
above.
Extra Help
If you have questions or need help, please do not hesitate to ask! I will be available after school, or
at other time by appointment, for help with the course material, discussions, and any other questions
you may have.
Classroom Expectations
Students are to adhere to the school’s rules and guidelines as well as the rules below.
1. Be in your seat with the proper materials for class before the bell rings.
2. Respect yourself, your fellow classmates, and your teacher.
Have an open mind and be ready to learn!
Attendance
Every student is expected to be in class and participate daily. In order to be successful, you must be
in attendance regularly.
Tardies
If you arrive to class late, you are required to obtain a tardy slip from the designated location and
either give it to me or set it on my desk to be filled out.
Additional Information
If there are any other accommodations you may need, (help with course material, special seating
needs, or any other special needs) please bring these to my attention.