Astronomy B3 Solar System Syllabus Spring 2024 (CRN 32256)

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About Professor Strobel (left or top) -- Syllabus Overview (right or bottom)

View the video orientation for the class (link on the class Canvas)

Office - Lecture locations Nick Strobel
Instructor:
Nick Strobel (he/him/his)
Email:
nstrobel "at" bakersfieldcollege "dot" edu
Physical Office:
Math-Science 101 (top floor, southwest corner), 395-4526 (leave a message if I'm not there). The map at right shows where it is.
Department office:
SE 124, 395-4824 (Another place to leave messages).
Lectures + in-class worksheets:
MW 9:35 AM in MS112 (Planetarium) for 85 minutes each.
Office Hrs:
MW 11:10 AM - 12:30 PM on campus in MS 101 and via Zoom --- choose the " Office Hours for Strobel" link in left-side navigation of Canvas. Other times by appointment. Get help with Canvas via the Renegade Online Hub.
Required Texts:
Astronomy B3 Solar System Student Guide from Professor Strobel (no cost). PDFs of sections of the Student Guide are posted for free in the class Canvas. You may use any computer desktop or laptop you want---you do NOT have to use the Chromebook sold by the bookstore.
"Opt-Req" Text:
Astronomy Notes (2019/2020 edition) at the campus bookstore (about $73 new at bookstore or $55 from publisher/Amazon). See the "Opt-Req" link for what that means before purchasing the hardcopy. There is A LOT of money available to help you pay for the hardcopy and food and housing needs. Talk with a live person about free money to pay for all of this at the Student Information Desk.
Prerequisites:
This is a reading intensive course. You will not pass if you cannot read with college-level skill and comprehension. The registration system now assumes all students meet the prerequisite Reading Level 1 level before transfer (college-level comprehension = Banner Reading Level 06).
Recommended:
Writing Level 1 level prior to transfer (college-level = Banner Writing Level 06) and Math Level 2 levels prior to transfer (= Banner Level 02).
Class Canvas website:
https://insidebc.kccd.edu and choose the ASTR B3 link for the current semester. Class lectures, homework, worksheets, announcements, exam review sheets, quizzes, other class materials, and links to the Astronomy Notes reading are on the class Canvas site. If InsideBC is down, use: https://kccd.instructure.com and sign-in with your campus username/password.
Other resources:

Course Overview

A college-level survey of the solar system, from the everyday observations we make of the sky (and what they mean) to our ideas about the inner workings (physics) of the planets and exoplanets. Equivalent to a university course except:
  1. slower pace
  2. the instructor wants you to succeed and is much more available for questions
  3. cost

Throughout the course we will examine the process and philosophy of science from the astronomical perspective. We will use several examples from current research problems. Modern astronomy deals with some very mind-expanding stuff requiring sophisticated abstract and logical thinking so you will need to give your brain TIME to mull over and digest the concepts. If you take a look at any college astronomy textbook (not just mine) and any course outline for a college astronomy class, you will see that modern astronomy is mostly a "physics of the cosmos"—how things work and how we know. Astronomy is a visually beautiful and intellectually stimulating subject. We live in a beautiful universe on a gorgeous planet. Understanding how it became the way it is and how the parts interact with each other enriches and deepens our appreciation for the artistry around us. It is my hope that you will take the time and spend the effort to learn how our universe works.

Education pays link (link appears in new window)

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the Solar System (Astr B3) course, the successful student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a correct understanding of the cause of a given phenomenon, the physical nature of a given object, and the properties and processes of a habitable world [this is the "what we know" SLO].
  2. Describe the scientific method, give the evidence for an explanation and describe the technique(s) used in determining either the property of something, how it interacts with its environment, or its origin and history [this is the "how we know" SLO].
  3. Solve word problems and apply concepts to new situations not given in the book or in lecture using logical, deductive reasoning.

Time Commitment and Advice for Success

Though this class is a challenging one, requiring at least 9 hours of study/learning time per week, you won't be alone---a lot of the work can be done with a partner or partners and I'm here to help as well. Modern astronomy deals with some very mind-expanding stuff requiring sophisticated abstract and logical thinking so you will need to give your brain TIME to mull over and digest the concepts. Modern astronomy is mostly a "physics of the cosmos"—how things work and how we know.

Given this time commitment and the time crunch you have with other education/work/family responsibilities, I encourage you to use one or more of the study tips in the Helpful Hints for Success to make the precious study time more efficient and effective. The study tips also include how to "study-read" the Astronomy Notes textbook, so you don't have to re-read it several times to comprehend the material, how to prepare for and succeed in the multiple-choice monthly exams, and why writing is better than typing (or copy-pasting) for your lecture notes.

About the Instructor

I have taught introductory astronomy for 33 years now, 5 years at the University of Washington and 28 years at Bakersfield College. Astronomy is a subject that I am passionate about. I got hooked on astronomy when the Voyager spacecraft flew by Jupiter and its moons in 1979. "What were those worlds like?", "how can we explore them if we're stuck here on the Earth?", "what makes them appear the way they do?" are some the questions I had and still do.

I got two Bachelor of Science degrees, one in Physics and one in Astronomy, at the University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ) in 1987. I worked for a year to decompress from the rigors of studying and then went on to graduate school at the University of Washington (in the Astronomy Department). I got my Master of Science in Astronomy in 1990 and finished my PhD in Astronomy in 1995.

While at the University of Washington I taught the introductory astronomy course, the introductory planetary science course, and the introductory cosmology course. I found I enjoyed teaching much more than research. I came to Bakersfield College in 1996. I adapted my 10-week introductory astronomy course to the 16-week semester at BC.

To find out more about me, visit my homepage.

My Teaching Philosophy

I provide plenty of opportunities for students to improve their logical reasoning abilities in a safe, supportive environment. That skill can only be honed by continual practice, making mistakes and trying again---I’ve made plenty myself and I continue learning! Using logical reasoning, you will be able to make valid conclusions just like you’ll be asked to do in the real world in a professional-level job.

I want to make you feel safe in practicing the logical thinking by working with other students in a peer-teaching community. We are part of a diverse learning community. That diversity is an asset because you will not only learn from me but you will also learn from your classmates, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You will work together on the weekly quizzes, homework, and “lecture-tutorials” that force you to confront common misconceptions and develop a correct model through logical reasoning and empirical evidence.  I provide the opportunity for learning by creating the questions and scenarios and then you do the learning by figuring things out together.

Grading

Your grade will be based on your performance on three exams (about 20% of the course grade) + final (about 21% of the course grade), 22 homework assignments (about 24% of the course grade), 11 quizzes (about 16% of the course grade), & in-class projects - classroom participation (about 10% of the course grade), and Skywatch (about 8% of the course grade). All points will be added up and the sum divided by the maximum possible (excluding extra credit). The course grade will be determined by the following percentage scale:

90 - 100% = A, 80 - 89.9% = B, 65 - 79.9% = C, 50 - 64.9% = D, below 50% = F.

Unlike high school, it is possible in a college course to get an ``F'' if your performance on the required assignments is below the ``D'' threshold regardless of the effort you put into the course. However, you can work with other students on most of the assignments (except monthly exams and final Skywatch report) and I'll create groups in Canvas for students to help each other.

Assignments, lecture slides, and recorded video lectures will be posted on the class Canvas website. Check the class Canvas website several times a week.

The homework assignments will stress critical reasoning (and some computation). Homework assignments are due by the beginning of class (i.e., 9:35 AM) on Canvas. Note that the first homework assignment is due on Friday but the others will be due on a Monday or Wednesday. Exam questions are drawn partly from the required homework assignments. All of the homework assignments have been already posted on the class website before the start of the semester. No late (including tardy) homework assignments will be accepted BUT there is A LOT of extra credit offered to make up for a few missed assignments. Those who do all or a majority of the homework assignments score on average at least one whole letter grade higher on the exams than those who do less of the homework assignments---the homework assignments really do help!

Quizzes & exams are multiple-choice format. The quizzes will be online in the class Canvas website on Wednesdays except in exam weeks or Wednesday holiday and are due by the end of the class session and are timed for a maximum of 30 minutes. Quizzes (not exams) are open book/open neighbor. The exams are closed book---no live or electronic help, except a calculator, is allowed. Exams are timed for a maximum of 85 minutes and are on paper in the Planetarium. The exam material will be drawn from homework, quizzes, in-class projects, lectures, and the textbook review questions. Dates for exams are given at the end of the syllabus and also on class Canvas website. Quizzes and exams will be available only during the designated class time on the date of the given quiz or exam.

There are no make-up quizzes or exams without hardcopy documentation of a medical or legal emergency from an officially-recognized neutral third party. Any other reason, including work schedules, will not be accepted. You will need to do the quiz or exam make-up the week of your return. If you have another school activity or family event that prevents you from taking the exam or quiz on the given date, you will need to arrange with the instructor an alternate quiz/exam time that is before the given date. There is A LOT of extra credit offered to make up for a few missed assignments.

The Skywatch assignment is due April 29 (Monday) and is worth 60 points. No late Skywatch reports will be accepted—mark your calendar and hand it in early if you will not be able to turn it in on the due date! Choose one of the Skywatch assignments described in chapters 4 and 5 of the Student Guide. The Skywatch requires a report that will be turned in via the appropriate link on the class Canvas website---no emailed Skywatch reports! The typed, complete data table, star chart, and/or photos must be turned in via the class Canvas website by April 3 (Wednesday) at the beginning of the class time (NOT emailed!). No late, untyped, or incomplete data records accepted; hand in early if necessary! You must turn in the complete, typed data record by the due date & time and it must be COMPLETE or you will receive zero credit for the final report (not just the data record)! Therefore, April 2 is the last possible date to complete your observations. See Video 7 of the video orientation for the class for more about the Skywatch assignment.

Teaching and Learning Pact

Education pays link (link appears in new window)

Understanding how the universe around us became the way it is and how the parts interact with each other enriches and deepens our appreciation for the artistry around us. However, it does mean that one has to confront and leave aside misconceptions and grapple with some complex (but manageable!) ideas. This class will be challenging but I hope you will find it rewarding and worth the time it takes to learn the subject so that at the end of the semester you will have that appreciation of our universe I spoke of above. Most of the assignments, except the monthly exams and the final Skywatch report, you can do with a partner or partners and I'll create groups every week for the students to help each other.

Instructor's role

  1. I will be actively present in the course. I will provide helpful nudges along the way to help you complete the course successfully.
  2. I will provide the framework for the course. This framework will guide you in doing your learning of the concepts and methods that make up the material of the course. All of the pieces are designed to help you learn and apply the concepts. All of the homework assignments for the semester are already posted on the class Canvas website and all of the reading assignments for Astronomy Notes are already stated in the Student Guide and in the class Canvas. Everything you need (instructions and materials) for the Skywatch is already provided in the Student Guide and the class Canvas website at the beginning of the semester. I will not assign "busy work"!
  3. I will provide feedback on your assignments within 48 hours during the regular work week. Usually the feedback will be much sooner than that! Although I may also respond during the weekend (Friday evening through Sunday night), weekends are when I'm preparing materials for the coming week and doing yard work (if the weather is good) or other items on the "honey-do" list, so I cannot guarantee feedback during the weekend.
  4. I will respond to your messages (questions/concerns) within 24 hours during the regular work week. I usually respond to student messages (email/Canvas Inbox) on the same day before 10 p.m. but if you send a message after 10 p.m., a response will probably be the next day. Although email and the Canvas Inbox are the best ways to contact me, I will also respond to phone messages within the 24 hour time period. Sometimes, a response can be better handled synchronously (simultaneous back-and-forth), so I'll suggest we handle those through Zoom or phone.
  5. I will post the lecture slides and lecture videos on the class Canvas website the weekend before the topics for the week.
  6. I will provide a positive and supportive learning environment. In addition to the helpful nudges and timely feedback mentioned already, I will put you into groups with other students in the class Canvas website to help each other with the homework, worksheets/tutorials, and weekly quizzes. You will turn in your own worksheet/weekly quiz/homework, etc. via Canvas. (The monthly exams, though, are an individual effort.) I also offer A LOT of extra credit throughout the semester to make up for a few missed assignments.

Your role

  1. Take responsibility for your own learning. The expectations for a college class are a definite jump up from what you had in high school! The standard for minimum acceptable work, the quality and amount of study time outside of class, and the pace the material is covered will be a significant jump up from high school. Unfortunately, it does take dedicated time and you will not learn if you fail to do the reading and homework and quiz assignments every week. Learning the material is your responsibility and it will require a great deal of self-discipline!
  2. You will need to devote at least 9 hours per week reviewing lecture material, reading the textbook, and doing the homework and Skywatch assignments. This 9 hours/week comes from Title 5 California Education Code Section 55002.5 that says that BC's 3-unit courses must have a semester total of 47 hours in-class time including Final exam + at least 97 hours outside of class = at least 144 hours total and see also CFR, Title 34, Part 600.2 for the federal definition of credit hour. You will not pass if you only view the lectures and do just the "tutorials" work.Your grade is determined only by your performance on the required assignments; not on ``how well I feel you did''. These expectations are very similar to what you'll need for success in a professional (white-color) job. However, you can work with other students on most of the assignments (except the monthly exams and final Skywatch report). The class Canvas website provides ways to collaborate.
  3. Take the initiative to seek clarification of the concepts. As a college student, you need to have the self-motivation to learn anything. I can only help you learn. I will present the material in as clear and logical way as I can and give assignments that require you to think critically about the concepts. Then it is up to you. Ask me questions when you do not understand something, either in office hours or via Canvas Inbox/email. Also, ask your classmates for help! Learning is a choice and requires a voluntary decision to spend extra effort and time. There are A LOT of free support services at Bakersfield College to help you succeed.
  4. Use the study tips in the Student Guide. They include how to more efficiently and effectively use your textbook to succeed in the class and tried-and-true techniques for taking multiple-choice exams.
  5. Use the keys posted on the class Canvas website. If you answered a question/problem on an assignment incorrectly, take the initiative to find out why your answer is incorrect. Use the keys in the class Canvas, ask a question in office hours or via Canvas Inbox/email.
  6. Give your brain TIME to mull over and digest the concepts. Modern astronomy deals with some very mind-expanding stuff requiring sophisticated abstract and logical thinking. Finding sufficient TIME to study the concepts and think and synthesize the concepts is the greatest stumbling block to students. Students who try to cram their studying in the day before an assignment is due get D's and F's. Modern astronomy is mostly a "physics of the cosmos"—how things work and how we know.

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Late Assignments

Absence for an exam or quiz will result in zero credit. In the event of an unavoidable and documented medical or legal emergency that prevents you from taking a quiz or exam, I will consider a make-up quiz or exam on an individual basis. Work schedules are not valid excuses. The documentation must be from an officially-recognized neutral third party. You must take the exam or quiz the week of your return. Abuse of this policy will void your privilege of a make-up exam or quiz. It is possible to take the exam or quiz early in the case of medical, legal, or job conflicts. Exam and quiz dates are given on the class Canvas website. The Final Exam will be comprehensive and will be on the date given in the printed class schedule. It is always possible to take an exam or quiz early but usually only within a couple of days early. There is A LOT of extra credit offered to make up for a few missed assignments.

Homework and Quiz Due Times

Skywatch assignments and homework are due at the beginning of class on the given due date. No late homework (including tardy!) will be accepted. No late Skywatch reports and no late, incomplete, or untyped data records accepted at all. The Skywatch report & data record canNOT be emailed---they must be turned in via the appropriate link on the class Canvas website. Assignments, including quizzes, exams, homework, worksheets, and Skywatch projects, can always be turned in early. There is A LOT of extra credit to give cushion for missed required assignments.

Homework assignments on the class Canvas are due by the beginning of class time of the due day and not a minute later (9:35 AM sharp---not 9:36 or later!!). Tardy homework assignments will get zero credit on the system. If you do not do the homework, it is 99% likely that you will fail the course. All of the homework assignments and class worksheets for the entire semester are available at the start of the semester, so you can do them well before the 9:35 AM deadline of the given due day. Many of the homework assignments have one or more extra credit questions to build up the cushion mentioned above---do the extra credit since it can only help you, not hurt you.

Absence of an in-class project (NOT mini-reports, online worksheets, homework, or Skywatch) will result in half credit provided the work is made up within one week of the day when the project is given. Make-up of an in-class projects requiring me to set something up will have to be done at a time that is convenient for me, the instructor. I will be lenient in the case of unavoidable and documented medical or legal reasons. Other miscellaneous (and missed) in-class activities that may contribute to your participation grade will be dealt with on an individual basis.

Cheating

Cheating is defined as not doing your own work on the Skywatch final report or on exams. You will be helping each other on the other assignments but not the Skywatch final report and monthly exams. By cheating, you are being unfair to yourself and your classmates. There is a distinction between being helped by someone via the listserv, discussion forum, or email and copying someone's work. State your answers to the Skywatch in your own words. Do NOT show your written (or electronic) copy of your Skywatch final report or exam to other classmates. If you help someone out, be sure that they can articulate their response in their own words. NO group solutions! If copying is noticed by me, each person will get a fraction of the total group's solutions grade. Cheating on an exam will result in zero credit with no make-up possible. Permitting someone to copy from you is just as bad. It takes less effort to play fair than to devise clever ways of deceiving your instructor and classmates.

Exam Dates:


Many have marked the speed with which Muad'Dib learned the necessities of Arrakis. The Bene Gesserit, of course, know the basis of this speed. For the others, we can say Muad'Dib learned rapidly because his first training was in how to learn. And the first lesson of all was the basic trust that he could learn. It is shocking to find how many people do not believe they can learn, and how many more believe learning to be difficult. Muad'Dib knew that every experience carries its lesson. (From the "Humanity of Muad'Dib" by the Princess Irulan)
--Frank Herbert in Dune


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last updated: December 20, 2023


Contact: Nick Strobel