Astronomy Syllabus
In Astronomy, students conduct classroom and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Astronomy study a variety of topics that include: discovering the night sky, gravitation and the motion of the planets, light and telescopes, formation of our solar system, planets, our Sun, stars and stellar evolution, the Milky Way, galaxies, cosmology and astrobiology.
Instructor
Bob Murphy
[email protected]
512.732.9260 ext. 34218
Conference Period
8th per (3:25pm - 4:15pm)
Textbook
Discovering the Universe © 2012, ninth edition
W. H. Freeman and Company
Online access to textbook: http://my.hrw.com/
Course Materials
Google Classroom
This is an electronic educational tool offered by Eanes ISD where all notes, learning targets, and course handouts will be stored. Make sure that the Google Classroom app is downloaded.
Grading
0% Practice
10% Daily
15% Quizzes
25% Lab
50% Tests and Projects
Learning Targets
This is a very important document that will be given to each student at the beginning of each unit. This document will also serve as a review sheet for the unit and should be used to prepare for the unit quizzes and tests. All assessments are designed from the content on the learning targets.
Makeup Policy
For every one day a student is absent, the student will have one school day to make up assignments. The student is responsible for getting the assignments that were missed. School related activities are known in advance and the assignment will be due before the absence occurs, if possible. Students must fill out an Excused Late Work slip and attach it to the assignment upon submission.
Late Work Policy
Late work (due to not turning an assignment in on time) will be accepted one school day after its original due date for a maximum grade of a 70. Assignments turned in after one day will be accepted for a maximum grade of a 50. Assignments turned in after the unit assessment will not be accepted.
Tutorials
I am available before school from 8:00AM to 8:35AM on most mornings for Drop-In Tutorials (where students can ask quick questions about assignments, his/her grades, etc.) and by appointment for longer tutoring sessions, if necessary.
Test Access Policy
Unit tests are reviewed in class 1-2 days after taking the test. Tests are not to be taken out of the classroom. Parents wishing to view the test after student completion of the test may schedule an appointment with the instructor to view the test.
Retest Policy
Any student may retest up to an 80 on a unit assessment. The student may keep the higher of the two test grades. In order to be eligible to retest, the student must
In Astronomy, unit quizzes can be replaced by a higher unit test grade. A retest grade may also be used to replace quiz grades.
Class Discipline
Star Parties
Star Parties will normally take place at West Ridge Middle School on the practice field. These will be announced in advance and posted in Google Classroom. Students are encouraged to attend but they are not mandatory. Family members and other Westlake students may attend these events.
Field Trips
Field trips will be announced in advance and posted in Google Classroom. Students are encouraged to attend but they are not mandatory. We have visited the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis in each of the past two years. Students are required to cover their expenses for this trip (usually around $200) or consult with Mr. Murphy in advance if unable to afford that amount. Other overnight events may be scheduled such as campouts and star parties that are located in dark sky locations.
Honor Code
Please familiarize yourself with the Honor Code as outlined in the WHS Student Handbook.
In Astronomy, students conduct classroom and field investigations, use scientific methods during investigations, and make informed decisions using critical thinking and scientific problem solving. Students in Astronomy study a variety of topics that include: discovering the night sky, gravitation and the motion of the planets, light and telescopes, formation of our solar system, planets, our Sun, stars and stellar evolution, the Milky Way, galaxies, cosmology and astrobiology.
Instructor
Bob Murphy
[email protected]
512.732.9260 ext. 34218
Conference Period
8th per (3:25pm - 4:15pm)
Textbook
Discovering the Universe © 2012, ninth edition
W. H. Freeman and Company
Online access to textbook: http://my.hrw.com/
Course Materials
- Charged iPad
- Binder or folder with loose-leaf paper
- Pens/pencils
- Scissors, glue, colored pencils (needed occasionally, but can mostly be left at home - students will be informed when to bring to class)
Google Classroom
This is an electronic educational tool offered by Eanes ISD where all notes, learning targets, and course handouts will be stored. Make sure that the Google Classroom app is downloaded.
Grading
0% Practice
10% Daily
15% Quizzes
25% Lab
50% Tests and Projects
Learning Targets
This is a very important document that will be given to each student at the beginning of each unit. This document will also serve as a review sheet for the unit and should be used to prepare for the unit quizzes and tests. All assessments are designed from the content on the learning targets.
Makeup Policy
For every one day a student is absent, the student will have one school day to make up assignments. The student is responsible for getting the assignments that were missed. School related activities are known in advance and the assignment will be due before the absence occurs, if possible. Students must fill out an Excused Late Work slip and attach it to the assignment upon submission.
Late Work Policy
Late work (due to not turning an assignment in on time) will be accepted one school day after its original due date for a maximum grade of a 70. Assignments turned in after one day will be accepted for a maximum grade of a 50. Assignments turned in after the unit assessment will not be accepted.
Tutorials
I am available before school from 8:00AM to 8:35AM on most mornings for Drop-In Tutorials (where students can ask quick questions about assignments, his/her grades, etc.) and by appointment for longer tutoring sessions, if necessary.
Test Access Policy
Unit tests are reviewed in class 1-2 days after taking the test. Tests are not to be taken out of the classroom. Parents wishing to view the test after student completion of the test may schedule an appointment with the instructor to view the test.
Retest Policy
Any student may retest up to an 80 on a unit assessment. The student may keep the higher of the two test grades. In order to be eligible to retest, the student must
- have ALL unit assignments (Daily, Practice and Lab) turned in
- complete an item analysis of the unit test
- complete the teacher-assigned review activity
In Astronomy, unit quizzes can be replaced by a higher unit test grade. A retest grade may also be used to replace quiz grades.
Class Discipline
- Cell phones must be used responsibly in class. They may not be used when Mr. Murphy is addressing the class as a whole. Failure to comply will result in confiscation of cell phone. A cell phone is not to be used as a regular replacement for your iPad.
- Inappropriate iPad use (non-academic or not related to assignments.) will result in the student losing iPad privileges for that class period. If necessary, further disciplinary action will be taken.
- Earbuds/headphones may not be worn during class, except during independent work time.
Star Parties
Star Parties will normally take place at West Ridge Middle School on the practice field. These will be announced in advance and posted in Google Classroom. Students are encouraged to attend but they are not mandatory. Family members and other Westlake students may attend these events.
Field Trips
Field trips will be announced in advance and posted in Google Classroom. Students are encouraged to attend but they are not mandatory. We have visited the McDonald Observatory near Fort Davis in each of the past two years. Students are required to cover their expenses for this trip (usually around $200) or consult with Mr. Murphy in advance if unable to afford that amount. Other overnight events may be scheduled such as campouts and star parties that are located in dark sky locations.
Honor Code
Please familiarize yourself with the Honor Code as outlined in the WHS Student Handbook.