Astronomy and Computer Course Description

Astronomy and Computer Science




Description:
This course examines scientific exploration of the universe and the technology that surrounds us. During this two-semester course students will study the earth, the planets of our solar system, stars, quasars and deep space. While studying, students will be exposed to Darwinian/Evolutionist and Christian/Creationist views on the origin of our universe and the celestial bodies and learn to marvel at the creation God has made.
Also during this course students will learn the science behind the technology they encounter daily. Understanding computers is necessary for any 21st century student. They will discover the development and use of computers: computing history from
the abacus to the supercomputer, from Babbage to Gates, from IBM to the iPhone, from spam to Trojan horses and from the ARPANET to telecommuting.


Students taking this course will explore:

•   Social media safety
  
•   Computer security, ethics and privacy
  
•   Databases and spreadsheets
  
•   Operating Systems and Utility Programs
  
•   Internet basics including email, IM, HTML, HTTP, browsing and surfing
  
•   Netiquette
  
•   Components of a computer including hardware, storage and software
  
•   History of Astronomy
  
•   Gravitation and relativity
  
•   The Solar System and its contents, form and motions
  
•   Sun and stars
  
•   Our galaxy and its contents and structure
  
•   Origin debates
  
•   Astronomical Instruments
  
•   And much more
  The study of Astronomy and Computing will not require mathematics.
  Upon completion of this two-semester course, motivated students should be able to take the college credit earning DSST Astronomy and DSST Introduction to Computing.
  

Objectives 


•   Prepare students for further study of technology by presenting the history,
  development, components, use, and future implications of the computer
  
•   Prepare students to research and identify key figures and developments of
  computing with an understanding of historical and cultural impact
  
•   Prepare students for further study of Astronomy by presenting the history,
  developments, components, theories, and terms of Astronomy
  
•   Prepare students to research key figures, facts and terms in an effective way
  
•   Prepare students to research and analyze opposing viewpoints in the scientific
  field
  
•   Prepare students to utilize mind mapping, graphical organizers and organized note
  taking 

  
•   Prepare students to maximize effective personal study skills 

  
•   Prepare students to recognize weak areas and improve subject mastery 

  
  
  Class work (1 hour per week)

  Students will be introduced to topics, terms, facts, trends, individuals, dates, research methods, innovations and issues through 

  

•   Instructor presentations
  
•   Student presentations

  
•   Video and audio
  
•   Games, quizzes and drills
  
•   Class discussions

  
•   Review

  
•   Testing 

  
•   Hands-on computer activities
  
  
  Homework (allow 2-4 hours per week)
  

•   Read and outline assigned selections
  
•   Read or listen to selected online resources
  
•   Complete online quizzes
  
•   Research and prepare class presentations
  
•   Practice online flashcards and memorize key terms
  
•   Complete at-home projects
  
  
  Grading Policy
  Grades will be calculated and reported to parents to be used as a tool for measuring progress, motivating, and determining mastery and understanding. Class presentations will be used to stimulate group discussion and learning. These student presentations will be graded.
  

•   Notebook, Notes and Homework (Each student will be responsible for research, note taking from textbooks and homework. Notebooks will be turned in and graded.)
  
•   Online flashcards, research and quizzes (some online assignments are turned in via email; some by printing and returning to class)
  
•   Tests (administered both at home and in class)
  
•   Class Participation (includes student presentations, discussions and behavior)
  Required materials
  Astronomy (Cliffs Quick Review)
  Astronomy (SparkChart)
  Discovering Computers – please purchase the 2010 version (or newer)
  For the Computer section of this course, students who have access should bring a laptop to class each week.
  All students will be expected to have at-home access to a computer with Microsoft Software Suite and an iTunes account.
  Optional material for those interested in taking the CLEP Information System and Computer Application Exam
  

•   REA Information System and Computer Applications
  
•   CLEP Official 2012 or CLEP Official 2011
  Note: Some of the materials for this class are also used for other High School Plus courses. Only one copy is required for each student no matter how many courses in which they are enrolled. If more than one student from a family is enrolled in this class some materials will only be needed once. Please contact instructor before purchasing.
  
  
  Course Requirements:
  

•   Email account (parent or student; checked regularly)
  
•   Internet access (for research and checking assignments on the class blog)
  
•   Basic computer skills
  

o These include some typing, sending email, attaching documents, formatting Word or Power Point documents (not advanced)

•   Word processing software (for turning in assignments, outlines and reports)
  
•   3-ring binder with paper and tab dividers