Course Syllabus

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COURSE GUIDE

FOR

SCI 5267- Stars & Planets

MINI TERM FORMAT

2016 FALL TERM – December 4, 2016 – December 8, 2016

________________________________________________

Ibrahim Alharbi

Contact: ialharbi2015@my.fit.edu

Contents:

  • Course Description
  • Prerequisite Competencies
  • Expected Outcomes
  • Instructional Procedures
  • Course Content
  • Description of Content
  • Evaluation of Grades
  • Summary of Class Activities
  • University Policies and Procedures
  • List of Recommended Readings

 

Stars & Planets

INSTRUCTOR: Ibrahim Alharbi (ialharbi2015@my.fit.edu)

 

TERM DATES: December 4, 2016 – December 8, 2016

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This one week mini-course will explore prominent stars and planets in outer space. This course will allow students to see what else is out in space beyond our own Earth, and touch on major constellation groupings. Students will be able to identify star patterns and planets.

 

PREREQUISITE COMPETENCIES

Students taking this class should have a basic knowledge of astronomy, with the understanding of basic astrological vocabulary in order to identify patterns within star systems.

 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

By the end of this term the student will be expected to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the planets closest to us
  • Correctly use astrological vocabulary
  • Reflect on what makes a planet
  • Demonstrate an understanding of major constellations
  • Correctly identify planets

 

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

The instructional procedures for this course will be those of distance learning, collaboration, synchronous learning, and asynchronous learning communication including:

 

  • Reading of journal articles
  • Electronic class discussions/forum posting
  • Reading through selected websites and videos
  • Final Exam in Canvas

COURSE CONTENT

This course will encompass two main areas.

  • The History of Planets

            Current planets

            What makes a planet

  • Notable Constellations

            Identify prominent groupings

            Learn locations

 

DESCRIPTION OF CONTENT

 

The student is expected to complete all assignments in each of these categories:

 

  • Activity 1: Discussion (Canvas)

Each student is to read the information within these links, and post one question and one reply to forum postings based upon the readings of articles and blogs and other class discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

Planets

www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/kepler/nasa-s-kepler-confirms-100-exoplanets-during-its-k2-mission (Culler (ed.), 2016)

http://www.universetoday.com/13573/why-pluto-is-no-longer-a-planet/ (Cain, 2015)

 

  • Activity 2: Discussion (Canvas)

Each student is to read the information within these links, and post one question and one reply to forum postings based upon the readings of articles and blogs and other class discussions.

REQUIRED READING:

Constellations

http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/exactly-constellations/ (Temming, 2014)

https://stardate.org/nightsky/constellations (The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, 2016)

  • Activity 3: Final Exam

Each student is required to successfully complete a 10 question final exam that covers information covered in this course. All material from readings could be covered on the exam, please read the material.

 

EVALUATION OF GRADES

 

Discussions (2)—50 points total (15 points for each forum topic; 10 points for replies)

Final Exam -- 50 points total (5 points per question)                                              

 

DUE DATES

 

Discussion 1 Initial Post & Reply              December 5, 2016

 

Discussion 2 Initial Post & Reply              December 6, 2016

 

Final Exam                                               December 8 2016

 

References

Cain, F. (2015). Why pluto is no longer a planet. Universe Today. http://www.universetoday.com/13573/why-pluto-is-no-longer-a-planet/

Culler, J. (editor). (2016). NASA’s kepler confirms 100+ exoplanets during its k2 mission. Retrieved from www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/kepler/nasa-s-kepler-confirms-100-exoplanets-during-its-k2-mission

Temming, M. (2014). What are constellations? Sky and Telescope. Retrieved from http://www.skyandtelescope.com/astronomy-resources/exactly-constellations/

The University of Texas McDonald Observatory. (2016). Constellation guide. Retrieved from https://stardate.org/nightsky/constellations

 

 

 

 

 

Course Summary:

Course Summary
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