MIRA COSTA High School

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS for

Astrophysics 2016-17
Mr. Bartlett
Conference- 6th Period
GOAL: To explore the universe as seen beyond our foothold on earth. This class is study of the
cosmos from which only your mind and eyes can reach. Once the course is completed your
understanding of our earths position and how we tie into the timeless vastness of space be
somewhat comprehended. What you learn will prepare you for an introductory college level
course in Astrophysics, fulfills UC/CSU category d laboratory science requirement, and
qualifies as two semesters of a MCHS physical science.
DESCRIPTION: Astrophysics is the study of our place past our skyOur home beyond our physical reach
of which stars, dust, gas and the unidentifiable-timelessly spin Forever drifting, spinning in a grand
emptiness we call the Universe. This vastness has spread those, just right conditions to earth, your
planet, to harbor life. We live and exist in empty coldness of space drifting around a star that warms us, to
keep us alive. It is rare that we ever pause - pause to notice or feel our existence beyond the hours of a
day or to travel above the air we breathe. This class will attempt to move you past the comfort of
everyday routines to see whats beyond, to see your place in Universe, with your mind.
OBJECTIVE: Astrophysics applies the accepted rules and laws of physics and chemistry to explain the
nature of our solar system, galaxy, interstellar medium and macro features of our universe and the objects
contained within. Emphasis will center on the use of investigative physics tools including the role of
gravity, electromagnetism, particle/nuclear interactions and einsteinium relativity and their foundations
throughout the cosmos. Astronomical material included will focus on our earth as a planet, conditions and
mechanics of our solar system, measurement systems to stretch our understanding throughout the
familiar areas of the Milky way galaxy and move outward to our present day understanding of the large
scale features and theories of cosmology.
This is a lab-centered class where you will explore your own observational telescopic data as well as the
latest research from professional sources to unravel the latest theories on how the universe works. Orbital
simulations and astronomical object positioning will be explored and researched through computer
simulations and planetary programs. Optical fabrication of Newtonian reflecting telescopes will be
constructed in small groups/individuals by the end of the year.
Prerequisites for this course: Successful completion of Biology and Astrophysics or Chemistry. Geometry
and Algebra 2 CP with a B- or better or Algebra 2 w/Trig CP with a B- or better or B- or better in all prior
math classes.
Mastering Astrophysics - Expectations:
1. Students must participate in a final observing session at a remote location to verify
concepts learned.
2. Students participate in class & out-of-class activities (Actively learning as opposed to
sleeping).
3. Students prove their Astrophysics proficiency in authentic assessments and/or
nonstandard tests.
4. Students apply the basics in laboratory exercises and research programs.
5. Proof of mastery through a semester long science notebook.
I. ATTENDANCE (See student handbook for rules)
1. Although this class meets regularly during normal class hours, we will need to meet when
special astronomical events occur.
2. These Night classes are conducive in studing Astrophysics since most of what we discover
is revealed when the sun is below the earths horizon (and often your own personal
astronomical data needs to be observed and collected).
a. Students will be compensated, class time wise, for time met in the field when
proper procedures are followed.

b. Extra credit of 10 pts will be given for time-on-task for every night class.
c. Missing, or not following dedicated instructions for a, night class will require you to
attend normal class hours (MCHS school attendance procedure).
3. In addition to local night class hours, Mira Costa is situated in a city like environment. Our
night skies arent as dark (light polluted) as desired, for truly good views of the heavens,
students are required to attend the one graded scheduled observation field trip to be held at
a dark sky location.
II. PUNCTUALITY (See student handbook)
III. ACADEMIC GRADING
A. SEMESTER GRADE
Your semester grade is entered into your permanent records. These records will be recorded
you for life!!
1. Your Semester grade will be calculated based upon points earned for all graded activities.
2. The final exam or final exam activity is worth 20% of the semester grade while class
assignments are
worth 80% of the semester grade. Think of the final grade as equal to
half of a quarter grade.
3. Reported grades will be based on school policy rounded to two significant figures.
B. QUARTER GRADES
1. Your quarter grade will be the culmination of all graded assignment such as knowledge tests,
quizzes, in-class graded activities, field trips and lab experiments for that quarter. These points will
be compared to a student matrix of your class to achieve your quarter grade. A typical quarter will
usually have graded assignments totaling between 800 and 1200 points.
Your quarter grade is an indicator of your progress and is not permanent.
2. Knowledge tests and most lab experiments are worth 100 points. Laboratory experiments may
be performed with a partner or small teams; however each individual student must submit their
own lab report.
Partners and teams as specified in class are optional and of your choosing.
3. Homework will add or subtract percentage points (see section C Homework below) for the
Knowledge Test which that homework supports.
4. Biweekly constellation quizzes, worth 25 points will be administered with a seasonal compilation
worth 100 points.
5. Final 2nd semester project - optical fabrication and constructing tube assembly of a Newtonian
Reflecting telescope (completed telescope) is worth 200 points.
C. HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are infrequent!
1. Homework grades are based on effort, correctness and level of completion.
2. If your homework has been finished satisfactorily, you will receive a 'ok' equal to 0% points
added to your Unit test.
3. If your homework is exceptional compared to the rest of the class (i.e. completed beyond what I
expected or with a high level of competency and insight) you may receive participation points
added to the Knowledge test. These extra points will be announced in class.

4. Homework unsuccessfully completed (i.e. without appropriate headings, turned in past

deadline,
or below standards and completeness) will receive a '-' or 'missing?' or no or
incomplete, dependent on the grade program, equaling 5% points subtracted from the
Knowledge test.

D. Astrophysics Notebook
1. A semester long astrophysics notebook is required by each student.
Your notebook MUST INCLUDE:
Section 1. The class agenda, assigned homework completed dispatches and any
handwritten notes for that day. (This section is completely
handwritten)
Section 2. Telescope workshop Log of work you performed
Section 3. All Graded Assignments including Tests, quizzes, worksheets and
completed homework assignments.
2. Your Astrophysics Notebook must be your own work.
3 Photo copies, of any type will not be permitted as part of your Astrophysics notebook WHEN using
your notebook on the final semesters exam. Therefore, section 3 above will be removed.
4. If a students astrophysics notebook is not as specified in section D1. your SEMESTER
AVERAGE will have the following deductions:
-1% to -4% for an incomplete notebook
-5% for a missing notebook.
E. EXTRA CREDIT & Participation Points
1. Outside assignments are part of this curriculum and therefore extra credit
assignments/points will not be issued. Exceptions are noted throughout this
agreement.
2. I highly encourage classroom discussion and participation beyond the required graded
assignments. I frequently award participation points for attempting to answer
questions in class.
3. All extra credit, homework and participation points will be added to a knowledge test as
percentage points.
IV. CITIZENSHIP GRADING
You will receive an 'O' for citizenship at the start of each quarter. Unless...
A. BEHAVIOR VIOLATIONS:
1. If you violate any School wide, Field Trip or classroom standards (either those listed as
school policy or stated verbally)
2. For every class detention you earn you will be deducted one citizenship letter grade.
3. If I suspend you from class, i.e. a "Referral" to the Educational Advisor, your citizenship
will be a 'U'.

grade

B. TARDIES:
1. You are "Tardy to class" if you are not in your seat when class is scheduled to start, by
school time.
Detention

2. Three un-excused tar dies will result in your citizenship grade dropping to an 'S' and
given for this tardy and every un-excused tardy thereafter.

C. CLASS WORK:

materials you

will be

1. If you arrive to class unprepared, i.e. failing to bring that day's required science
will not receive a citizenship grade above an 'S'.
You must bring to class each day:
a. Your Astrophysics notebook.
b. Something to write with.
c. Specified class work or homework.
d. Scientific calculator
e. Your Astrophysics textbook
2. If you are not working on the assignment directed in class, at the appropriate time, you
deducted one citizenship letter grade for every infraction. (cellphones taken)

D. TRUANCY:
YOU WILL RECEIVE AN 'UNSATISFACTORY' CITIZENSHIP GRADE IF YOU ARE TRUANT FROM
MY CLASS!
I will try my best to inform you the moment your citizenship grade is in jeopardy of a reduction. However, I
consider this handout to be ample warning for any Citizenship Grade reductions.

V. MAKE-UP WORK
A. Classwork, Projects and Lab work.
If you are absent from class and you have a valid (i.e. MCHS certified) excuse, you have until tyour
next Astrophysical class period to complete and turn in your assignment- unless Ive instructed you to do
otherwise (i.e. give you more time). Remember to see a classmate or class notes to find out what the
assignment is.
.
B. TEST
Make-up tests will only be ADMINISTERED during office hours or compensation time for night class.
C. Field Trips -SEE ME-.
A SPECIAL NOTE: SINCE WE SPEND SOME CLASS PERIODS WORKING ON NIGHTLY PROJECTS AND MANY OF
THE PROJECTS REQUIRE SUPPORT FROM CLASS MEMBERS, MANY OF THESE MISSED PROJECTS ARE
DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE ON YOUR OWN.

I have read and understand these Classroom Expectations and as a student I PLEDGE TO
FOLLOW THE MCHS HONOR CODE.
Print Student Name________________________________
Student signature________________________________

Date____________

Parent signature_________________________________
Date____________
Both student and a parent please sign and date.

Maintain this Classroom Expectations handout in your Astrophysics notebook.