FAYETTEVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

                                                                 Fayetteville, NC

                                            COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

                                         DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL SCIENCES

                                                          COURSE SYLLABUS

I. LOCATOR INFORMATION:

A. SEMESTER: Fall                                                                                        YEAR: 2004

B. COURSE NUMBER: ASTR 111                             COURSE NAME: Astronomy I

C. SEMESTER HOURS OF CREDIT: 4 hrs

D. CLASS TIME: MF  01:00 - 02:20 p.m.                                  ROOM/BLDG: LS 100

E. LAB TIMES: W  01:00 - 02:50 p.m.                                        ROOM/BLDG: LS 220

F. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Ronald A. Johnston           E-Mail: rjohnston@uncfsu.edu

G. OFFICE LOCATION: LS 125                              OFFICE TELEPHONE: 672-1650

H. OFFICE HOURS:

            M                      T                      W                      R                        F

     8:00-9:00       8:00-9:00        8:00-9:00        8:00-9:00        8:00-9:00

                2:30-4:00                                 3:00-4:00                                  2:30-3:30

                                                   Other Times by Appointment

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION:

            An introductory course in the science of astronomy, with emphasis on the investigation of nearby space – the Sun, Moon, and planets – and with laboratory exercises illustrating the scientific methods and techniques used in gathering information about the planets, moons, and other objects in the Solar System.

            This course will study the cycles and motions of the sky as observed from the Earth’s surface and the relationships to mapping the location of celestial objects, time-keeping, seasonal changes, lunar phases, and eclipses of the Sun and Moon; the history of astronomical thought and changing views of models of the universe; the physical laws of motion, gravity, and light; the Earth as an astronomical object; and the physical characteristics of the objects that comprise the Solar System – planets, moons, asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.  The unifying theme of this course will be to discover the nature of science.

III. TEXT:

Arny, Thomas T. Explorations: An Introduction to Astronomy, 3rd ed. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill, 2002.

LAB MANUAL

Hoff, Darrell B. and Jeffrey A. Wilkerson. Contemporary Activities in Astronomy. Dubuque, IA: Kendall-Hunt Publishing, 2000.

IV. SPECIFIC COURSE OBJECTIVES:

     This course is designed to enable students to:

A.     Demonstrate an understanding of the apparent and real motions of celestial objects.  

  1. Define rotation, revolution, and precession.

  2. Associate a description of the daily motion of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars with an  observer’s location at the equator, a mid-latitude, or the North Pole.

  3. Describe the long-term motion of the Sun, Moon, and planets relative to the zodiac including the retrograde motion of the planets.

  4. Identify the unique orientation that allows us to see the phases of the Moon and solar and lunar eclipses.

  5. Relate the altitude of the Sun on the celestial meridian to the seasons of the year.

  6. Explain through words and diagrams the difference between solar and sidereal days, sidereal and synodic months, and sidereal and tropical years.

 

B.   Understand how modern astronomy has grown from the accumulated knowledge of past civilizations.

  1. Explain in one or two sentences the contributions to astronomy by the Babylonians, Chinese, Hindi, Egyptians, Arabs, and Greeks.

2.   Sketch the geocentric and heliocentric models of the universe and explain how each accounts for the retrograde motions of the planets.

3.   Evaluate the impact Galileo’s telescopic observations had upon the controversy between proponents of the Ptolemaic and Copernican models of the universe.

4.   State the Laws of Planetary Motions derived by Kepler, and summarize their implications towards observations of planetary motions.

 

C.   Apply the laws of motion, energy, and light to the field of astronomy.

1.   Define mass, inertia, acceleration, kinetic energy, potential energy, luminosity, wavelength, frequency, center of mass, angular momentum, and escape velocity.

2.   State Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Law of Universal Gravitation, and use these laws to explain the orbits of planets, moons, and spacecraft.

3.   Explain what is meant by “tidal force” and describe how this force operates on a body in space.

4.   Compare and contrast the operation of optical, radio, infrared, and high energy telescopes in terms of their function, design, and usage.

 

D.   Comprehend the general physical properties of the Earth and the Moon.

1.   Describe how seismic waves are used to determine the internal structure of the Earth and Moon.

2.   Sketch the interior structure of the Earth and Moon, labeling each zone, and describe the composition predicted for each zone.

3.   Discuss the relationship between plate tectonics and the geological processes that occur at divergent, convergent, and translational boundaries.

4.   Characterize the layers of the Earth’s atmosphere as to composition, temperature, pressure, and special features.

5.   Explain what is meant by “magnetic field,” how the Earth’s magnetic field is produced, and how it affects particles entering it.

6.  Compare the Earth and Moon with regard to mass, size, density, surface features, temperature, atmosphere, magnetism, rotational rate, and erosional processes.

 

E.  State the distinguishing characteristics of each of the planets, the asteroids, comets, and meteoroids.

1.   List the nine planets in order of their increasing or decreasing distance from the Sun and/or their equatorial diameters.

2.   Discuss each planet’s orbital peculiarities, telescopic appearance, spacecraft appearance, periods of rotation and revolution, general surface features, general atmospheric composition and features, interior structure, number of satellites, and composition and surface modification processes.

3.   Describe the structure and composition of comets, and the effect the solar wind has on them as the pass through the Solar System.

4.   Distinguish between meteors, meteoroids, meteorites, sporadic meteors, and meteor showers.

V. COURSE COMPETENCIES:

Students should demonstrate competence and understanding in their ability to investigate: (NC Department of Public Instruction competencies for science teachers) 

Chemistry

13.    The properties of matter including the law of conservation of matter and how the properties are interrelated.

Earth Science

            21. The theory of plate tectonics to explain earthquakes, mountain building, volcanism, and paleogeography.

22.     Model events in the evolution of the Earth.

25.       Study the Earth-Moon-Sun system, the Solar System, and the other celestial phenomena throughout the universe.

VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA:

     Final grades will be determined by a compilation of grades earned on the final examination, open-ended assignments, the portfolio, and class participation with weights assigned according to the table that follows.

                                           Final Examination                                          30%    

                                           Open-ended Group Assignment                  30%

                                           Portfolio                                                           30%

                                           Class Participation                                        10%

     The final grade that a student earns reflects the quality of work that has been exhibited and the proficiency level at which course objectives and competencies have been met for the semester.  Letter grades are used by the University to express the above values to outside agencies.  Therefore, the letter grade assigned to each student will be based upon the following numerical equivalencies as stated in the University Catalog and the Student Handbook.

A  =  92 - 100

B  =  83 -   91

C  =  73 -   82

D  =  64 -   72

                                                                        F  =  Below 64 

VII. COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS:

Aug. 16                               Class Administrative Concerns

                                              Introduction to Astronomy I

 

Weeks 1 through 3           Patterns and Cycles of the Heavens                                    pp.    2 -   53

                                              Celestial Angles and Measurements

                                              Early Observations and Models

 

                                                Lab Activities:

                                                        Exercise 1 - Visual Astronomy

                                                        Exercise 2 - Observing With Simple Tools

                                                        Exercise 14 - Length of the Sidereal Day

No Class  September 6     Labor Day

Weeks 4 through 7           Motions and Interactions in the Heavens                             pp.  53 -  93

                                               Laws of Motion and Universal Gravitation

 

                                                Lab Activities:

                                                        Exercise 17 - The Moon's Sidereal Period

                                                        Handout       - Retrograde Motion and Synodic and Sidereal Periods

                                                        Handout       - Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion

                                                        Exercise 15 - Determining the Mass of the Moon

                                                        Handout       - Masses of the Planets - Jupiter

Mid-Term Exam  October 4
Fall Break  October 11and 12

Weeks 8 through 11          Earth-Moon Processes and Features                              pp. 145 – 211

                                                Space Exploration

 

                                                 Lab Activities:

                                                        Exercise 16 - Lunar Features and Mountain Heights

                                                        Exercise 19 - Collecting Micrometeorites

                                                        Exercise 20 - Height of a Meteor

Weeks 12 through 15        Characteristics of Solar System Bodies                          pp. 213 – 321

                                                Lab Activities:

                                                        Exercise 22 - Measuring the Diameters of Pluto and Charon

                                                        Exercise 23 - Determining the Velocity of a Comet

                                                        Handout       - Interplanetary Travel

                                                Open-Ended Research Group Presentations

No Class November 24 through 27    Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 1 - Last Day of Class

December 8    1:00 PM   Final Examination

NOTE: One session will be scheduled for the observatory  sometime during the semester.  This session will be solely dependent upon the vagaries of the weather.  The session may be postponed because of the weather conditions on the date scheduled.

VIII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

ASSIGNMENTS:

     The student's progress toward achieving the goals and objectives of this course will be assessed by three primary means. 

1              There will be two examinations given during the semester.  One of these will be given at Mid-term and the other will be the Final Examination.  The Final Examination will be comprehensive in nature.

2              An open-ended, group research assignment will be started before mid-term and will be culminated during the last week or so of the semester. This assignment will involve completing a series of activities that will require the group to research a specific topic and analyze and synthesize this new knowledge in light of understandings acquired during the class.

A series of Internet activities will also be made during the semester. These activities will include reading assignments, lab activities, and data collection and reduction. The culminating activity for each of these assignments will be a written report of two to four pages in length.

3              The student will produce a portfolio.  Each student's portfolio will contain examples of the work they have completed and will be presented by them for the specific purpose of being evaluated.  The following are items that are expected to be included in each portfolio.

a.  Copies of written reports related to hands-on exercises that will be performed during the class. The expected format for these reports is included at the end of this syllabus as Appendix A. Three-fourths of the exercises assigned must have write-ups in the portfolio when these are taken for review.

b.  Journal entries that document your thoughts about specific activities or discussions that have helped you gain insights into the subject, or have been a hindrance to your understanding of the subject.  Specific information concerning these entries will be found in Appendix B under the headings “Dialog-Style Note Taking,” “Reading Responses,” and “Astronomy Scrapbook.”

c.  A comprehensive self-analysis of progress must be included each time the portfolios will be taken for review.  Select independent concepts that you have learned and deduce how they have changed your understanding about similar situations or relationships.  Compose a more generalized concept utilizing the newly learned and the old understanding.

d.  Any additional items that the student wishes to include which he/she feels indicates the understanding he/she has acquired.  A specific statement must accompany each inclusion explaining why the student has chosen to include these items.

The portfolios will be collected a minimum of two times during the semester - before mid-term break and at the end of the semester.  Any additional times will be announced as far ahead of time as feasible.  It is recommended that a loose leaf binder be selected for your portfolio cover, however, any means that you choose which presents your work in an organized arrangement will be acceptable.  Alternatives to an actual binder include presenting your portfolio on a floppy disk or as a web page.  The instructor will provide assistance if you choose to use an electronic format.

ATTENDANCE:

     Class attendance is expected.  Two key ingredients to the learning process are sharing opinions and experiences with others, and interacting with others in the teaching-learning situation.   Regular attendance is critically important. Therefore, the instructor will enforce the University's Attendance Policy as stated in the University Catalog and the Student Handbook.  Administrative withdrawal will be requested when a student's absences exceed six (6) hours of classes.  (One lecture period equals 1.5 hours; one lab period equals 2 hours.)

TARDINESS:

     This class is being taught in the Planetarium where low light levels or no light may be expected from the beginning of the class.  Tardiness will be disruptive to the students present as well as the instructor when outside light enters the theater.  Latecomers will not only miss necessary background information and directions, but they will create a safety hazard to themselves and their classmates as they attempt to find seating in the darkness.  If the door to the Planetarium is closed when you arrive, DO NOT ENTER. The instructor will open the door at the end of the planetarium presentation. You will be allowed to enter and resume participation in class at that time.

     To forestall habits of tardiness that disrupt learning by causing loss of attention, attendance will be taken promptly at the beginning of the class period.  Students coming in after the roll has been taken will have been marked absent.

COMPLETION OF ASSIGNMENTS:

     It is the student's responsibility to complete all work assigned and give the assignments to the instructor at the scheduled time.  If you must be absent unavoidably, send your completed assignments via a friend and ask that person to get any additional assignments, take notes for you, and pick up any hand-outs.  Late papers will NOT be accepted.

USE AND CARE OF EQUIPMENT:

     Some laboratory exercises will be completed during the semester which will require the use of specialized equipment and/or equipment that must be handled with special care for safety reasons.  The instructor will take time to explain the usage of these pieces of equipment before the student is allowed to begin the data-collection phase.  Once the student begins to work with the equipment any adjustments that may be needed must be made under the direct supervision of the instructor.

STUDENT-FURNISHED SUPPLIES:

     Much of the work that will be done in completing laboratory activities will require the student to complete graphs and make calculations.  For these reasons the student must bring the following items to each class session.

1.         A ruler with major divisions in centimeters and minor divisions in millimeters.

2.         A protractor.

3.         Graph paper that is divided into 1 cm by 1 cm major divisions with subdivisions of 1 or 2 mm.  This is commonly referred to as scientific graph paper.

4.         A calculator of any brand that has the capability of determining squares and square roots, inverse functions, expressing numbers in exponential (scientific) notation, and has trigonometric conversions.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY INFORMATION:

Computer Exercises

The instructor will assign activities that must be completed using a computer connected to the Internet, and he will provide students with information concerning sites that can be accessed via the Internet to gain understanding of concepts covered during class.  This will require the student to visit the Open-Use Computer Labs on campus, use the computers available for Internet access in the Chestnutt Library, or use your personal computer at home if you have it connected to an Internet provider.  The instructor also has several programs that can be distributed freely to students.  These are astronomy programs with valuable information that may be useful but not directly related to the course content.  These may be obtained by your providing four (4) formatted, high-density (1.4 Mb) disks with your name on them.

IX.  TEACHING STRATEGIES:

This course may be different from any science course you have experienced in the past.  The major difference will be in the instructional format.  Lecturing will be kept to a minimum.  Instead, laboratory exercises, classroom discussion, and small group discussions will take the place of lectures.  The instructor will pose many questions, but rarely will he answer any directly.  There will be positive feedback to indicate that the ideas presented by the students as answers to the questions are reasonable.  As often as possible there will be hands-on activities directly related to the topic.  Some of these may carry over into homework assignments.  As mentioned above, a certain amount of time using computers to get at information either through software made available to the student or the addresses to searchable, interactive sites on the Internet can be expected.

Such an instructional style is based on the truism that learning is an active process.  Techniques that you may have experienced in the past have opted for the students to be more passive in order to cover a larger body of content.  The above style is hoped to rekindle your natural curiosity, develop your skills for inquiry and design, and provide further means for enhancing critical thinking skills which will be important in future societal decision-making possibilities related to the sciences.

X.  REFERENCES:

     The textbook is the primary reference for this course.  However, information necessary for a clearer understanding of the concepts presented may be missing from this particular textbook.  Therefore, the student is encouraged to research each topic on his own with references available in the Chestnutt Library of FSU, the Cumberland County Library System, and the instructor's office.

SUGGESTED READINGS:

     A deeper appreciation for the essence of astronomy, as well as its beauty, may be gained by reading a wide range of books and periodicals.  Many bookstores sell volumes of astronomical photographs and numerous books written for the non-science reader.

     Periodicals particularly well-suited for students include Sky and Telescope, Mercury, and Astronomy.  Articles pertaining to astronomy often appear in National Geographic, Natural History, and Smithsonian, just to mention a few.  More technical articles can be found in Scientific American, Science, and Nature.

SPECIAL GUIDANCE FOR COMPLETING WORK

For information on the expected format for lab reports see appendix_a.htm

For information on note-taking skills, reading responses, and scrapbook format see appendix_b.htm