West Valley College
Astronomy 010L Lab, 55563, Fall 2007
Wednesday 6:00PM to 9:10PM, Room SM47
Dr. Eric R. Nelson
Course Handouts
Making Star a Chart
Preq: May be taken concurrently with ASTRO 001, 010, or 011 or upon completion of ASTRO 001, 010, or 011. Rec preparation: Math 902. Experimentation and observation basis for scientific knowledge. Hands-on approach to data collecting methods.
| Section | 39387 |
| Department | ASTRO |
| Number | 010L |
| Course | Astronomy Lab |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Time | 06:50-10:00 PM |
| Room | SM47 |
| Units | 1 |
| Dates | 8/31 - 12/7 |
| Final Exam | Wednesday December 14, 6:50-8:50 PM |
There are a number of class related materials you will need for this course. With the exception of the star wheel, all of these items are available at the Campus Book Store, Longs Drugs, Wallgreens, K-Mart, etc. Basic scientific calculators are less than $20. You do not need a graphing calculator for this class. It just needs to be able to handle scientific notation and calculate logs.
These are REQUIRED MATERIALS! Having these materials on hand insures that you can complete the lab assignments within the allotted time period. You may also find a clipboard and flashlight with a red filter useful in this class, but these last two items are not mandatory.
Handouts will distributed in class, and are available on-line in pdf format.
I am only here one evening a week. I am available immediately after class or by appointment. Here is my contact information:
| http://raycrete.com/wvc/ | web site for this class |
| nelsone95033@hotmail.com | |
| (408) 741-2045 x3730 | West Valley College Voice Mail |
Performance evaluations are based on the labs which are graded on a straight scale of 90-100:A 80-90:B 70-80:C 60-70:D 0-60:F. There are no tests in this class with the exception of the day of the final. All lab data will be collected in class . Lab reports are to be turned in either that same night or the following class period, depending on the lab (and yes, neatness and clarity will count). Late lab assignments will not be accepted.
Showing up for class on-time is worth one point per class period. If you are late, then you will be docked one of those points for each occurrence.
If you miss a class it is still your responsibility to get any labs that are due that day to me on time. You are also responsible for completing the lab from that day (if possible) and turning it in the following week. If the lab requires special equipment, then you cannot do that lab. I drop the lowest lab score, and you can make up one missed lab assignment. See the class web site for information if you miss a class. You should contact me as soon as you know you are going to miss the class so I can give you the appropriate direction.
If you have questions or issues on your lab grades, you will have one week after the lab is returned to you to bring the issue to my attention and negotiate for a change in your score. After that one week time period is up, no further changes to the lab scores will be considered.
All phones and pagers must be in silent mode during the class. If you must take a call during class time, please take it outside. If you disrupt with the class period with a ringing phone or pager, then you will be docked one point for each occurrence.
There will be a 10 minute break every hour. The following list of labs are just some of the things we can do this semester. We are working to bring you even more interesting and exciting learning opportunities, so be prepared...
If you decide to drop the course, it is your responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork with the college. If you do not do so and simply stop attending class you will receive an "F" in the course. I will not automatically drop you for non-attendance.
Cheating on any exam or project is grounds for a failing grade in the class and a permanent note is made to a students file. Cheating is defined (in this course) to be an effort by a student to obtain a grade by any means other than demonstration of that student's individual achievement in mastering the class material and/or fulfilling terms of a project.
Also grounds for expulsion from the course include interference with other's ability to benefit from the course (such as chronic distracting behavior) or violation of the Planetarium's Rules for Astronomy Students.
Safety procedures will be specified in the lab and are always a concern. Be sure you know where to wash off a spill and to find a fire extinguisher. In the event of an earthquake or other emergency, I will tell you when and where to evacuate. Crouch down under your seat until told to move out. We need to leave and stay together; we will move when told to a predesignated assembly area. Later when it is safe, you will be released.
