Course Syllabus

Astronomy, Fall 2018     Disclosure Statement

Instructor: Ms. Childs                                                            UMA Phone: (801) 689-3013

Email: echilds@utahmilitaryacademy.org                           Canvas: umahf.instructure.com                

Curriculum

Since the earliest civilizations, and perhaps even the earliest humans, people have looked into the night sky and tried to make sense of the world and whatever lies beyond. In this class, we will explore the long history of astronomical study, from early mythologies surrounding constellations, to modern investigations of galaxies and the universe. We will discuss our place in the Solar System, the lives of stars, and the many galaxies in the universe.

Class Rules: STAR                   

     Sit smart.

     Track the speaker.

     Ask and answer questions.

     Respect all.

Materials Needed

Each cadet must bring the following items to class everyday

1. 3 Ring binder with loose leaf paper and dividers*
2. Pencil and eraser, pen with blue/black ink
3. Highlighter

*Each Cadet will be required to keep all class papers in a dedicated science binder. This binder will be used to monitor progress, track grades, study, and reflect on learning. Binders will be checked for completion and organization twice a month, and will count toward participation.

Academic Grade

All coursework will be weighted as follows:

30% Assessments: Includes all tests and quizzes

20% Term Project: One project per term, to be discussed separately

25% Labs: Includes lab participation, lab sheets, and lab reports

20% Assignments: Includes in-class work and homework

5% Participation: Cadets must be awake, engaged, and participating in class.

Power Standards

As part of the curriculum for each term, cadets will be required to pass a set of power standards. These standards consist of the most important concepts that should be understood in order to pass Earth Science. NO CADET WILL PASS ASTRONOMY WITHOUT PASSING ALL OF THE POWER STANDARDS. Until all of these standards are passed (70% or better), a cadet's grade will be listed as “I” for “incomplete.” Once they are passed, grades will revert to the credit earned according to the Academic Grade scale discussed above. If the Power Standard is not passed by the end of the quarter, the grade will become an “F”.

Flex Fridays

The objective of Flex Fridays is to help cadets who need extra time to review material and work towards passing the Power Standards. Cadets who have passed the standards, and are doing well in class, will have the opportunity to participate in enrichment experiences that apply what they have learned in fun, valuable activities. Flex Fridays are NOT to be used as study halls to make up missing assignments.

Absences and Late work:

All class materials will be available on Canvas, as well as in the classroom, if a cadet is absent. Work missed due to officially excused absences are the cadet’s responsibility and may be made up within one week of the cadet returning to school. Work missed during unexcused absences may/may not be available for make-up. Any assignment more than two school days late will receive a 25% penalty. Any assignment more than one week late will receive a 50% penalty. Any work submitted more than 2 weeks late will receive 0 credit, but must be completed to be eligible for extra credit. Exceptions to this policy will only be granted before the due date arrives.

DISHONESTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ANY CADET BEING DISHONEST, OR ASSISTING A CADET TO BE DISHONEST, ON ANY ASSIGNMENT, QUIZ, TEST, LAB, OR CLASS WORK WILL RECEIVE A ZERO ON THAT ASSIGNMENT AND POSSIBLE CLASS AND/OR SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION.

Grading Scale:

A 93-100%        A- 90-92%             B+ 87-89%

B 83-86%          B- 80-82%              C+ 77-79%

C 73-76%         C- 70-72%              D+ 67-69%

D 63-66%         D- 60-62%              F 00-59%

Lab Policy

Cadets must return a signed Lab Safety Agreement before participating in any lab. Lab Safety procedures will be followed at all times. Lab safety violations will result in an automatic zero on the lab and a U in the class. Depending on the severity of the violations, cadets may be banned from any or all future labs, and will need to do a research paper to make up the points.  Cadets may also be subject to school disciplinary action.

Canvas

The use of Canvas will be an integral part of this course. It will be used to provide notes and assignments, submitting assignments, etc. Current Events and some quizzes, in particular, MUST be completed using Canvas. If, for any reason, a cadet is unable to access Canvas, the instructor must be informed immediately so that accommodations can be made.

Extra Credit

Extra credit may be given at the instructor’s discretion, upon request by a cadet. Extra credit will apply ONLY to assignments or labs, depending on the project and effort involved. Cadets with missing assignments will not be eligible for extra credit.