This is an archived copy of the Fall 2014 Catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.jccc.edu/.

Astronomy (ASTR)

Courses

ASTR 120   Fundamentals of Astronomy (3 Hours)

This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical Web sites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

ASTR 122   Astronomy (4 Hours)

This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon, and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical Web sites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk., 5 nighttime telescope sessions are required.

ASTR 122H   HON: Astronomy (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: Honors department approval

One-credit hour honors contract is available to qualified students who have an interest in a more thorough investigation of a topic related to this subject. An honors contract may incorporate research, a paper, or project and includes individual meetings with a faculty mentor. Student must be currently enrolled in the regular section of the courses or have completed it the previous semester. Contact the Honors Program Office, COM 201, for more information.

ASTR 214   Introduction to Teaching Math and Science I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites: MATH 171 with a grade of "C" or higher OR appropriate score on the math placement test OR department approval

This course allows math and science students to explore and develop an appreciation for teaching as a career. To support their learning, students will be introduced to the theory and practice that is necessary to design and deliver quality instruction. They will plan and implement lessons of an inquiry-based curriculum in an elementary classroom during the semester. ASTR 214, MATH 214, BIOL 214, CHEM 214, GEOS 214, PHYS 214 and PSCI 214 are the same course; enroll in only one. 1.25 hrs. lecture/wk.

ASTR 291   Independent Study* (1-7 Hour)

Prerequisites: 2.0 GPA minimum and department approval

Independent study is a directed, structured learning experience offered as an extension of the regular curriculum. It is intended to allow individual students to broaden their comprehension of the principles of and competencies associated with the discipline or program. Its purpose is to supplement existing courses with individualized, in-depth learning experiences. Such learning experiences may be undertaken independent of the traditional classroom setting, but will be appropriately directed and supervised by regular instructional staff. Total contact hours vary based on the learning experience.

ASTR 120

  • Title: Fundamentals of Astronomy
  • Number: ASTR 120
  • Effective Term: Fall 2014
  • Credit Hours: 3
  • Contact Hours: 3
  • Lecture Hours: 3

Description:

This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical Web sites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Identify specific celestial objects in the night sky.
  2. Discuss the contributions to Astronomy made by Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton.
  3. Describe the general characteristics of each planet in our solar system and the spacecraft missions to each.
  4. Distinguish between planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and meteors in our solar system.
  5. Describe the basic functions of a telescope and its auxiliary instrumentation.
  6. Explain the process of star formation and a star’s ability to produce light and energy.
  7. Trace the evolutionary phases of various stars.
  8. Recognize the size and content of the various regions of our galaxy.
  9. Construct a general scenario of events in the Big Bang at the origin of the universe.
  10. Indicate the basic factors necessary for life to develop on other planets.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Observing the Universe Through the Sky Around Us
  A. Use celestial coordinates for positions of objects in the sky.
  B. Recognize constellations in the sky.
  C. Compare the motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars in our sky.
  D. Explain how seasons on Earth are determined.
  E. Recognize the various phases of the moon.
  F. Explain the conditions necessary for a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse.

II. History of Astronomy
  A. Give examples of ancient astronomical observations.
  B. Contrast the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the universe.
  C. Summarize the contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus, 
Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
  D. Describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
  E. Identify the main characteristics of the elliptical 
motion of planets.
  F. Describe the effects of Galileo’s telescopic 
observations on the existing view of the universe.
  G. Describe Newton’s laws of motion and his law of gravitation.

III. The Solar System
  A. Name the various types of celestial bodies in our solar system.
  B. Distinguish between terrestrial and Jovian planets.
  C. Identify the major spacecraft involved in the exploration of each planet.
  D. Explain the causes of tides on Earth.
  E. Compare the orbital properties and physical properties of 
the moon and Mercury.
  F. Differentiate between the formation processes of craters and 
of seas on the moon.
  G. Explain the currently accepted theory of the origin of our moon.
  H. List the distinguishing features of each of the planets.
  I. Summarize the discoveries of the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
  J. Compare the satellite systems of each planet.
  K. Describe the various types of asteroids in our solar system.
  L. Explain what a comet is and compare its orbital motion to 
that of the planets.
  M. Differentiate between meteors, meteorites and meteoroids.
  N. Explain the currently accepted theory of planetary system formation.
  O. List the minimum criteria believed to be required for 
extraterrestrial life.

IV. Light and Telescopes
  A. Identify and describe the particle and wave characteristics of 
light.
  B. Explain the Doppler effect on light.
  C. Describe the processes by which an atom absorbs and emits light.
  D. Describe Max Plank’s theory of blackbody radiation.
  E. Differentiate between the two major types of optical telescopes.
  F. Identify the focal length, objective and magnification power of a telescope.
  G. Explain how CCD Cameras, Adaptive Optics, Space Telescopes and 
Radio Astronomy are used to study the universe today.

V. The Sun and the Stars
  A. Compare the size and mass of the sun with the rest of the solar system.
  B. Identify the different regions of the sun.
  C. Explain the sunspot cycle on the surface of the sun.
  D. Describe the phenomenon of solar energy production.
  E. Distinguish the two methods of finding distances to stars.
  F. Explain the two methods of measuring starlight--absolute 
magnitude and apparent magnitude.
  G. List the spectral classes of stars and the dominant color of each class.
  H. Construct an HR Diagram and describe its use.
  I. Compute the stellar masses of stars in binary systems.
  J. Indicate the relation between a star’s lifetime 
and its location on the main sequence.
  K. Compare open clusters and globular clusters of stars.
  L. Analyze the role of interstellar materials in the formation of stars.
  M. Describe the formation and evolution of stars.
  N. Distinguish between evolutionary outcomes of high mass stars 
and low mass stars.
  O. Describe the composition of a white dwarf, a neutron star and a 
black hole.
  P. List the factors that cause nova and supernova explosions. 

VI. Galaxies and Beyond
  A. Discuss the process of discovering the size and shape of our galaxy.
  B. Name the various regions of our galaxy and locate the sun’s position in it.
  C. Estimate the amount of matter in our galaxy.
  D. Describe the content and shape of the four types of galaxies: 
spirals, barred spirals, ellipticals and irregulars.
  E. Explain Hubble’s Law in connection with the galaxies in the universe.
  F. Discuss dark matter and dark energy and their role in the universe.
  G. Explain what a quasar is.
  H. List the assumptions contained in the cosmological principle.
  I. Discuss the factors to be considered in determining the age 
of the universe.
  J. Explain the concepts of bound universe and an unbound universe.
  K. Compare the Big Bang Theory to the Ekpyrotic Theory of the 
origin of the universe.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

The Astronomy course grade will be based on a minimum of 650 points.
Graded work for the course will include 4 tests, quizzes, written
assignments, and a cumulative final exam.

Grade Work                       Percentage of Course Grade
4 Tests                               35 - 50%
Chatroom/Discussion Participation      5 - 15%
Quizzes, Paper(s) and/or Project(s)    10 - 25%
Final Exam                            15 - 20%   
  Total                                 100%

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

  1. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects. 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.

ASTR 122

  • Title: Astronomy
  • Number: ASTR 122
  • Effective Term: Fall 2014
  • Credit Hours: 4
  • Contact Hours: 6
  • Lecture Hours: 3
  • Lab Hours: 3

Description:

This course is a study of the universe from the earth, moon, and planets to the stars and the most distant galaxies. Topics include black holes, quasars, and the origin of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. Current astronomical discoveries are discussed in class as they occur. Access to astronomical Web sites is available to students in this course. 3 hrs. lecture, 3 hrs. lab/wk., 5 nighttime telescope sessions are required.

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

  1. Identify specific celestial objects in the night sky.
  2. Discuss the contributions to Astronomy made by Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton.
  3. Describe the general characteristics of each planet in our solar system and the spacecraft missions to each.
  4. Distinguish between planets, satellites, asteroids, comets and meteors in our solar system.
  5. Describe the basic functions of a telescope and its auxiliary instrumentation.
  6. Explain the process of star formation and a star’s ability to produce light and energy.
  7. Trace the evolutionary phases of various stars.
  8. Recognize the size and content of the various regions of our galaxy.
  9. Construct a general scenario of events in the Big Bang at the origin of the universe.
  10. Indicate the basic factors necessary for life to develop on other planets.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Observing the Universe Through the Sky Around Us
  A. Use celestial coordinates for positions of objects in the sky.
  B. Recognize constellations in the sky.
  C. Compare the motions of the sun, moon, planets and stars in our sky.
  D. Explain how seasons on Earth are determined.
  E. Recognize the various phases of the moon.
  F. Explain the conditions necessary for a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse. 

II. History of Astronomy
  A. Give examples of ancient astronomical observations.
  B. Contrast the geocentric and the heliocentric views of the universe.
  C. Summarize the contributions made to astronomy by Copernicus,
Brahe, Kepler, Galileo and Newton in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
  D. Describe Kepler’s Three Laws of Planetary Motion.
  E. Identify the main characteristics of the elliptical motion of planets.
  F. Describe the effects of Galileo’s telescopic observations on the
existing view of the universe.
  G. Describe Newton’s laws of motion and his law of gravitation.
 
III. The Solar System
  A. Name the various types of celestial bodies in our solar system.
  B. Distinguish between terrestrial and Jovian planets.
  C. Identify the major spacecraft involved in the exploration of each
planet.
  D. Explain the causes of tides on Earth.
  E. Compare the orbital properties and physical properties of the moon
and Mercury.
  F. Differentiate between the formation processes of craters and of seas
on the moon.
  G. Explain the currently accepted theory of the origin of our moon.
  H. List the distinguishing features of each of the planets.
  I. Summarize the discoveries of the planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.
  J. Compare the satellite systems of each planet.
  K. Describe the various types of asteroids in our solar system.
  L. Explain what a comet is and compare its orbital motion to that
of the planets.
  M. Differentiate between meteors, meteorites and meteoroids.
  N. Explain the currently accepted theory of planetary system formation.
  O. List the minimum criteria believed to be required for extraterrestrial life.

IV. Light and Telescopes
  A. Identify and describe the particle and wave characteristics of light.
  B. Explain the Doppler effect on light.
  C. Describe the processes by which an atom absorbs and emits light.
  D. Describe Max Plank’s theory of blackbody radiation.
  E. Differentiate between the two major types of optical telescopes.
  F. Identify the focal length, objective and magnification power of a
telescope.
  G. Explain how CCD Cameras, Adaptive Optics, Space Telescopes and
Radio Astronomy are used to study the universe today.

V. The Sun and the Stars
  A. Compare the size and mass of the sun with the rest of the solar
system.
  B. Identify the different regions of the sun.
  C. Explain the sunspot cycle on the surface of the sun.
  D. Describe the phenomenon of solar energy production.
  E. Distinguish the two methods of finding distances to stars.
  F. Explain the two methods of measuring starlight--absolute
magnitude and apparent magnitude.
  G. List the spectral classes of stars and the dominant color of each class.
  H. Construct an HR Diagram and describe its use.
  I. Compute the stellar masses of stars in binary systems.
  J. Indicate the relation between a star’s lifetime and its
location on the main sequence.
  K. Compare open clusters and globular clusters of stars.
  L. Analyze the role of interstellar materials in the formation of stars.
  M. Describe the formation and evolution of stars.
  N. Distinguish between evolutionary outcomes of high mass stars
and low mass stars.
  O. Describe the composition of a white dwarf, a neutron star and a black
hole.
  P. List the factors that cause nova and supernova explosions.



VI. Galaxies and Beyond
  A. Discuss the process of discovering the size and shape of our galaxy.
  B. Name the various regions of our galaxy and locate the sun’s
position in it.
  C. Estimate the amount of matter in our galaxy.
  D. Describe the content and shape of the four types of galaxies:
spirals, barred spirals, ellipticals and irregulars.
  E. Explain Hubble’s Law in connection with the galaxies in the universe.
  F. Discuss dark matter and dark energy and their role in the universe.
  G. Explain what a quasar is.
  H. List the assumptions contained in the cosmological principle.
  I. Discuss the factors to be considered in determining the age
of the universe.
  J. Explain the concepts of bound universe and an unbound universe.
  K. Compare the Big Bang Theory to the Ekpyrotic Theory
of the origin of the universe.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Graded work for the course will include at least four unit tests, a
cumulative final exam, at least 12 weekly laboratory exercises, night-sky
observation, and a combination (determined by the individual instructor)
of homework, lecture quizzes, written article summaries, and an article
quiz. The percentage of the total grade allotted to each of the above
kinds of course work will be within the following ranges:

Grade Work                     Percentage of Course Grade
Tests                                  35 - 50%
Observation, Quizzes, Homework         20 - 30%
Laboratory Exercises                   10 - 20%
Articles                                5 - 10%
Final Exam                             10 - 20%   
  Total                                  100%

Grade Criteria:

Caveats:

  1. There will be five evening observation sessions.
  2. Students will need basic word processing and Internet searching skills for the completion of some papers, exercises and projects. 

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.

ASTR 122H

No information found.

ASTR 214

  • Title: Introduction to Teaching Math and Science I*
  • Number: ASTR 214
  • Effective Term: Fall 2014
  • Credit Hours: 1
  • Contact Hours: 1.25
  • Lecture Hours: 1.25

Requirements:

Prerequisites: MATH 171 with a grade of "C" or higher OR appropriate score on the math placement test OR department approval

Description:

This course allows math and science students to explore and develop an appreciation for teaching as a career. To support their learning, students will be introduced to the theory and practice that is necessary to design and deliver quality instruction. They will plan and implement lessons of an inquiry-based curriculum in an elementary classroom during the semester. ASTR 214, MATH 214, BIOL 214, CHEM 214, GEOS 214, PHYS 214 and PSCI 214 are the same course; enroll in only one. 1.25 hrs. lecture/wk.

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu/

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Determine if teaching is a viable career path.
  2. Identify strategies for effective lesson planning and utilize these strategies to design and deliver inquiry-based lessons using the 5E Instructional Model.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of personality and learning differences and discuss the implications for both teaching and learning.
  4. Use probing questions to elicit feedback to determine students' acquisition of knowledge.
  5. Revise lesson plans to reflect the needs of learners based on field experience gained in cooperation with a practicing classroom teacher.
  6. Research  and identify relevant state and national teaching standards.
  7. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology for teaching, communicating, and collaborating.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Teaching as a Career

A. Determine suitability/interest in teaching as a career through thoughtful self-reflection.

B. Explore pathways to a career in teaching.

C. Identify personal learning styles and discuss their implications for classroom interactions.

II. Strategies for Practical Lesson Design

A. Design and deliver inquiry-based hands-on lessons.

B. Write performance objectives for each lesson, including mathematics and/or science connections, and appropriate assessments for those objectives.

C. Use technology and the Internet to enhance classroom lessons, collaborate, and communicate.

III. Concepts and Components of Teaching Theory

A. Identify instructional strategies that meet the needs of diverse learners.

B. Distinguish between learner-centered and teacher-centered instructional strategies.

C. Discuss state and national science and mathematics standards and their implications for curriculum decisions.

D. Identify current issues in the theory and practice of teaching.

IV. Components of a Field Experience

A. Observe a math-science lesson taught by a cooperating teacher.

B. Interact with a population of diverse student learners in a school setting while teaching a lesson in an elementary school classroom.

C. Receive and synthesize feedback from a cooperating teacher as a peer and mentoring colleague in order to improve techniques.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

This course uses non-standard grading criteria:
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
75-79% = C
70-74% = D
0-69% = F

10-20%     Active classroom participation
20-30%     Lesson planning and associated activities
30-40%     Completion of field experience and associated activities
20-25%     Related assignments/homework

Grade Criteria:

90 – 100% = A
80 – 89% = B
70 – 79% = C
60 – 69% = D
0 – 59 % = F

Caveats:

To successfully complete the prerequisite(s) for this course, a student must earn at least a "C" in the prerequisite course(s) or earn an appropriate score on a placement exam. If a student is found not to have successfully fulfilled the prerequisite(s) for this course, the student will be dropped from the course.

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.

ASTR 291

No information found.