SCI. 110-701 Introduction to Astronomy - Course of Study Course Description: An introduction to the study of the universe and how the scientific method and modern tools are used to study it. Particular emphasis will be placed on current theories of how the universe, galaxy and the solar system came to be in their present state. Instructor: TERRY WILLIS Home/Work Phone 410-778-3627 (Can usually be reached any weekday from 8:00 am through 9:00 am.) Email: Astro101.701@gmail.com, terrywillis@skipjack.chesapeake.edu. Usually on campus (appointment only) on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Objective of the Course This version of Introduction to Astronomy is a one semester internet course that introduces students to the science of astronomy through the use of online materials, simulation software, and a traditional textbook. The course is divided into three overall sections, each of which will require approximately 4.5 weeks for completion. Section 1: The Calendar In this section of the course, we consider the elements of the modern calendar and learn how they were derived from astronomical phenomena. This section also focuses on observational astronomy, and students learn how to navigate through the basic landmarks in the nighttime sky. Section 2: The Development of Astronomy as a Science examines how astronomy moved from a means of measuring the passage of time to a modern science that investigates our place in the Universe. We study the work of four men whose lives spanned the time period of the late 15 th through early 17 th centuries: Nicolas Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilee and Isaac Newton. Section 3: The Solar System This section of the course looks at the Solar System. We will briefly investigate the beginning of the Universe, an event called the big bang, then study previous generations of stars that have lived and died, creating the chemical elements that the Earth and Solar System formed from. This section concludes with an in depth look at the planets of the Solar System with an emphasis on finding similarities and differences between them, and coming to conclusions about why the similarities and differences exist, using the latest information collected by NASA and other sources. Learning Outcomes: The student will be expected to 1. Identify the terms (vocabulary) and use the techniques necessary to navigate through the nighttime sky and locate objects using the planetarium software Voyager. 2. Describe the elements of the modern calendar that are derived from readily observable astronomical phenomena. 3. Explain how the calendar evolved from large edifices like Stonehenge to the modern paper table version. 4. Outline the historical development of astronomy from the prehistoric to the modern era.
5. Summarize how each of four scientists were paramount in the beginnings of the science of astronomy. 6. Identify and briefly explain the physical laws that describe the formation and movements of astronomical objects. 7. Trace the origins of the solar system with emphasis on how it came to its present form, explaining similarities and differences among the major bodies. 8. Describe the elements of nuclear fusion and how it is an energy source for stars. 9. Comprehend the solar system is a part of the larger universe, and identify some of the components of the universe. 10. Competently use computer software to simulate celestial movements. 11. Apply information literacy skills on the Internet to obtain information about the space program and other astronomical information from sources such as NASA. Text The Essential Cosmic Perspective (Sixth Edition), Jeffrey Bennett, Megan Donahue, Nicholas Schneider, and Mark Voit. Addison Wesley. ISBN -13: 9780321715364 Note: You will need a NEW book for this course so that you will have access to the required software via a code that is packaged only with new books. Navigating the Course Each week of the semester I will present a Learning Module in the Course Materials section of our Canvas online course site. Each module serves as a road map for the week s activities. Learning Modules will include the following elements: 1. An introduction to the material that will be covered in the Learning Module. These will usually be delivered via a PowerPoint presentation with audio. If you do not have broadband access, you should call the online learning helpdesk at 1-866-789-3228 and they will mail you a CD that contains the presentations. 2. A reading assignment form the text, The Essential Cosmic Perspective, (henceforth known as TECP ). 3. Assigned Tutorials and other exercises at the website of the text. www.astronomyplace.com/ 4. Other online reading assignments as required. 5. An online astronomy vocabulary quiz. 6. Some modules will include online discussion topics. There will also be a lab project for each section of the course that will be given at the beginning of each of the three sections and that will be due at the end of the section. The project will also be the subject of a biweekly online discussion through Canvas. Grading There will be a test at the end of each section of the course (three total) that together will count for 40% of the course grade. Tests will be made available through Canvas. They will have a specific window of availability, during which you will be allowed to log on and take the test, which will be timed.
For each leaning module (except the first) there will be a review essay question. The answer will be submitted as a MSWord (or equivalent) file of approximately one to two paragraphs. These essays will count as 20% of your course grade. There are a number of Lab-Projects that are assigned with certain Learning Modules. There are 6 total throughout the semester. They will count for 15% of your grade. There will also be weekly assignments at the text website, www.masteringastronomy.com. These assignments will have varying point totals, and will in total count for 20% of your final grade. The final 5% of the grade will come from your participation in our online discussion topics, which will be ongoing. In these discussions, you must post your original response to my and at least one meaningful comment on a fellow student s posting. Participating in these discussions is an easy way to get ahead, as wrong anwers will not be held against you. Those who participate meaningfully in each discussion will receive up to five extra credit points at the discretion of the instructor. Your initial posting will have to be during the first three days of each module, to leave time for adequate responses. You must not wait until the last day to post. There will be ample opportunity to earn extra credit, both on each of the tests, in the masteringastronomy.com assignments, and through the discussion area. Late work will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor with a penalty 10% off per day. Without special permission, you may not submit late work after one week. Schedule Week Learning Modules Readingand Lab 1 LM-1: Introduction to Astronomy Complete the Course Introduction activities Read and print the Syllabus/Course of Study Online Discussion: Introduce yourself/stars Private Information Assignment TECP: Chapter 1 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 1 Online Tutorial: Scales of the Universe 2 LM-2: To Make a Calendar, part 1 3 LM-3: To Make a Calendar, part 2 4 LM-4: To Seek God in the Heavens TECP: Chapter 2, pages 26-40 and Chapter 3, pages 57-59 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 2 Online Tutorial: Seasons Lab Project 1: How fast are we moving? TECP: Chapter 2, pages 40-end Mastering Astronomy Assignment 3 Online Tutorial: Phases of the Moon Lab Project 2: Celestial Navigation TECP: Chapter 3. Mastering Astronomy Assignment 4 Online Tutorial: Orbits and Kepler s Laws Review Discussion Take Test 1.
5 LM-5: On the Shoulders of Giants TECP: Chapter 4. Mastering Astronomy Assignment 5 Online Tutorial: Motion and Gravity Lab project 3: The Moon and the Tides 6 LM-6: The Beginning of Time TECP: Chapter 17 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 6 Online Tutorial: Hubble s Law Discussion: Creationists and science 7 LM-7: The Stars are Born TECP: Chapter 10. Mastering Astronomy Assignment 7 Online Tutorial: The Sun Lab project 4: Light and Teleschopes 8 LM- 8: The Lives and Deaths of Stars 9 LM-9: Do not Go Gently into the Night 10 LM-10: Comparative Planetology: The Terrestrial Planet Surfaces and Interiors. 11 LM-11: Comparative Planetology: The Planets Themselves 12 LM-12: The Jovian Planets: Worlds Without Peer TECP: Chapter 12 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 8 Online Tutorial: Stellar Evolution Read and Discussion article from Sky & Telescope TECP: Chapter 6 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 9 Online Tutorial: Foundation of the Solar System Take Test 2. TECP: Chapter 7 to page 199 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 10 Shaping Planetary Surfaces Lab project: Voyage to Mars, Part 1 Discussion: Hazards TECP: Chapter 7, pages 199-end. Mastering Astronomy Assignment 11 Online Tutorial: Surface Temperature of Terrestrial Planets Lab project: Voyage to Mars, Part 2 TECP: Chapter 8 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 12 Online Tutorial: Formation of the Solar System Lab project: Voyage to Mars, Part 3 13 LM-13: Is Pluto a Planet TECP: Chapter 9 Mastering Astronomy Assignment 13 Online Tutorial: Formation of the Solar System 14 Review Review Take Test 3. The above are to be used as a general guide only. The dynamics of the class will determine the pace of coverage! Please note: Students are expected to do a minimum of two hours of work out-side of class for every hour in class. Some assignments may take more time.
Academic Emergency Plan In the event that Chesapeake College needs to close for an extended period of time due to a flu pandemic, severe weather event, or other emergency situation, consideration will be given to the timing and duration of the closure as follows: 1. Closure during the semester for up to one week-there will e an opportunity to make up work missed without significant alteration to the semester calendar. 2. Closure extending beyond one week (or in situations where classes are cancelled on the same days/evenings over multiple weeks)-the College may extend the length of the semester. Depending on the timing of the closure, scheduled breaks, end of semester dates, and/or the processing of final grades might be impacted. Students can acquire information about closures on the College website or by calling 410-822-5400 or 410-228-4360. Chesapeake College courses held at off campus sites will follow the protocol of the host facility.