Moravian Academy
Dr. Lawlis
This is an elective course that provides an introduction to the history of astronomy, the introduction of telescopes and spectroscopic techniques, the formation of the solar system, properties of terrestrial and Jovian planets, stellar evolution, properties of black holes and neutron stars, and formation of galaxies within the universe. It will involve some minor calculations, so bring your calculators to class. Homework assignments will generally contain 6–8 questions and will be based on textbook reading. There will be a 20 minute quiz after every chapter, and a test every two chapters.
Scoring rubric
| Homework | 15% |
| Participation | 5% |
| Projects/Labs | 20% |
| Quizzes | 15% |
| Tests | 25% |
| Semester Exam | 20% |
Homework Policy
Written assignments and/or data analysis will be turned in through Google Classroom. Any homework not turned in by the deadline will receive a late penalty. Homework that has not been turned in after one week will receive no credit. Exception: Students may receive additional time if they have an excused absence (e.g. medical appointment or illness).
Textbook reading assignments
Reading assignments will average about 6 pages a night.
Cell phone policy
I will be collecting cell phones for the duration of class. Phones may not be used as a calculator, to take pictures, or for any of the other activities you are accustomed to. Please be sure to take your phone at the end of class. I will have a digital camera that can be used to take pictures for projects or for reports.
Food policy
No food or drink is allowed in the classroom, except for water bottles. You may ask permission to finish your food outside or in the back of the classroom if you are coming late from lunch.
Absences
If you are absent from class, you are still responsible for finding out what material you may have missed in class. It is up to you to make up any work you might have missed.
Academic Integrity Policy
Moravian Academy has implemented a new academic integrity policy, which covers incidents of cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized sources such as artificial intelligence or answer keys, etc. In Astronomy, such infractions may include sharing Excel workbooks, homework assignments, worksheets, project work or test answers. Examples may also include consulting or using labs or tests from previous years, looking up homework answers online, or storing information on your calculator. A link to Moravian Academy's Academic Integrity Policy can be found here.