Astronomy

Text:  Dynamic Astronomy, 1992, by Robert T. Dixon.

Reading Assignments are listed below.  Make sure you keep up!  Answering the questions and problems is optional but strongly suggested in order to prepare for the tests.  This syllabus may be changed at any time during the semester.  Bring your book and all materials to calss every day.  It would be helpful for you to keep a notebook or binder in which you can organize your notes, labs, and other materials.  Tests will focus mainly on the reading assignments from the book.  Class discussions, notes, and other materials are designed to elaborate on information presented in the textbook.  Be prepared and you will be successful!

8/22: Chapter 1 - The History of Astronomy (pp. 3-36, 40-42)

         Questions #10-12, 14-18, 21-24

         Problems #25-27

8/29: Chapter 2 - Methods of Astronomy (pp. 47-50, 61-72)

         Questions #7, 9-13, 15-19

         Problems #22, 23, 25

*** Test over Chapters 1 and 2.

9/10: Chapter 3 - The Earth (pp. 112-130)

         Questions #1-9, 13-22, 25, 28

         Problems #29-31

9/24: Chapter 4 - The Moon and Eclipses (pp. 135-165

         Questions #1-22

*** Test over Chapters 3 and 4.

10-3: Chapter 5 - The Terrestrial Planets (pp. 169-206)

         Questions #1-2, 5-12, 14-16, 19-20

         Problem #21

         Activity #22

10/10: Chapter 6 - The Jovian Planets and Pluto (pp. 209-249)

           Questions #1-10, 13-16

           Problem #18

           Activity #20

10/15: Chapter 7 - Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors (pp.253-259,   262-279)

           Questions #1-26

           Activity #27

*** Test over Chapters 5, 6, and 7.

10/22: Chapter 8 - The Sun (pp. 283-286, 299-309)

           Questions #1-22

           Problem #25

           Activity #27

11/5: Chapter 9 - Stars in General (pp. 313-316, 320-330, 333-336)

         Questions #1-3, 5, 8-12, 14, 16-23

         Problems #24, 27

*** Test over Chapters 8 and 9.

11/12: Chapter 10 - Multiple Star Systems (pp. 341-353)

           Questions #1-10

           Problems #13-14

           Activity #15 (use Appendix 9 and star charts)

11/19: Chapter 11 - Variable Stars (pp. 357-359, 383)

           Questions #1, 2, 6, 7

           Problem #14

11/28: Chapter 12 - The Interstellar Medium (pp. 731-383)

           Questions #1-12

           Problem #15

           Activity #16 (locate Orion Nebula in night sky)

*** Test over Chapters 10, 11, 12.

12/3: Chapter 13 - The Birth and Lifetime of Stars (pp. 387, 389-407)

         Questions #1-17

12/10: Chapter 14 - The Death of Stars (pp. 411-423)

           Questions #1-8

           Problem #9

*** Test over Chapters 13 and 14.

1/2: Chapter 15 - The Milky Way (pp. 427-433, 437-440)

       Questions #1-14

       Chapter 16 - The Realm of Galaxies (pp. 443-462)

*** Test over Chapters 15 and 16.

       Chapter 17 - Cosmology (pp. 469-474, 477-480)

Schedule is tentative depending on time spent doing research in Library, HOU labs, and other activities.

Field Trips: Cincinnati Observatory Center in Hyde Park - dates TBA;

                    2 night visits or 1 day visit plus 1 night visit.

                    Drake Planetarium at Norwood H.S. - dates TBA; 1 or 2

                    visits during school day; there is a nominal charge for

                    admission.

Parental permission is required to attend all field trips.

Research Assignment: You will write three (3) page (minimum) research paper on some aspect of