Space Studies
Recommended Level: 10th Grade or higher; good 9th Grade students will be considered.
Class Schedule: To be determined.
Prerequisite: Middle School Science, Middle School Mathematics.
Textbook: To be determined. The following books are very strong candidates:
(1) Sellers, J. - Understanding Space: An Introduction to Astronautics, McGraw Hill (1994).
(2) Graham, J. - Space Exploration, On-line book found at http://www.space.edu (1995).
Any textbooks used will be complemented with sections from the following:
(1) Arnett, W. - The Nine Planets: A multimedia Tour of the Solar System, On-line book (Feb. 2000).
(2) Joel, K., Kennedy, G. and Larkin, D. - The Space Shuttle Operators Manual, Ballantine Books (1995).
(3) Neal, V. - Spaceflight: A Smithsonian Guide, IDG Books Worldwide (1995).
(4) Doody, D. and George, S. - Basics of Space Flight, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (1995).
(5)At least 6 more NASA publications (that I already have).
General Goals: To provide a forum for the discussion and analysis of space related issues, and to allow the students to appreciate all the aspects that have be considered for the adequate exploration of space.
Course Description: This is a one-semester course (which may be extended to be a one-year course if required by the school) intended to provide students with the opportunity of learning about space. Some of the topics to be included are what is space, why are we interested in space, the evolution of the universe, our solar system, how are we exploring space at this moment, what are the future plans on space exploration in countries like the United Sates, Russia, Japan, India, and the European countries. A part of the course will deal specifically with the scientific, technical, political and legal impact of human exploration of space.
Course Content
Detailed instructional units will be given at the beginning of each quarter, clearly indicating the material that will be covered in the respective quarter. A tentative course outline (which may need some modification) follows.
1.- What is Space and Why Going There.
2.- The Universe, Its Structure, and Its Evolution.
3.- The Solar System.
4.- Space Exploration 1: The Early Stages.
5.- Space Exploration 2: Beginnings of Space Age.
6.- Space Exploration 3: Beyond the Apollo Project.
7.- Space Programs and Organizations Around the World.
8.- Basic Elements of Space Science (including Orbital Mechanics and Rocket Science).
9.- Effects of Space in Living Organisms.
10.- Space Flight Missions and Operations.
11.- Space Policy and Space Law.
12.- The Future of Space Exploration.
Evaluation
The grading system will be based on 100 points, distributed as follows:
30% Tests: Tests covering several sections of a chapter, or in many cases a full chapter will be given and scored on a percent basis. All tests will always be previously announced.
20% Book Reports: Students will have to read at two books on a related topic each quarter and write a report on it. Each report will be 10% of the quarter mark.
20% Homework and Other Assignments: Several times during each quarter, a specific homework or another type of assignment relevant to the course will be given. You will be asked to hand in your homework assignment or part of it to be graded. This will always be previously announced. Dishonesty will be severely penalized.
10% Performance: Anything between 1 and 10 points will be awarded at the end of each quarter to evaluate the student’s progress in the course. The way in which requirements are fulfilled, the ability to demonstrate that some skills are being acquired, and the efficiency with which tasks are accomplished will be taken into account. Other aspects to be considered will be participation, initiative, creativity, originality, reasoning ability in approaching and thinking through problems and arriving at logical conclusions.
15% Research Projects: Students will be asked to do some bibliographical research on a topic in which current scientific advances are being made, that is relevant to this course. They will be asked to submit a written report summarizing the research made. This will not be a book report, but a report based on articles published by scientific journals and relevant internet sites (approved by the instructor) related to events that are actually occurring and that are relevant to space studies. The reports will be orally presented in class for extra credit on a voluntary basis.
5% Portfolio: All students must keep a portfolio of everything related to each of their science courses. This document will be collected by the teacher on a specific date for its evaluation. All details related to the portfolio are given in a separate document that will be distributed and discussed in class.
Teacher Expectations
Students are expected to follow strictly all ISP rules related to behavior inside and outside the classroom, and during tests or exams. All students must read and follow the rules outlined in the ISP High School Handbook. Common sense is always expected.
Students are also expected to pay attention during classes, be respectful with teachers and classmates, participate actively in class and ask relevant questions, take class notes, work cooperatively in groups, and study on a daily basis. They must hand in their assignments and laboratory reports on time and following the guidelines specified by the instructor, and keep all their tests, exams, and homework together as part of Section 2 of their portfolios. Honesty in all activities is a must.
Even though there is at least a full day between classes, homework should be started the same day that it is assigned. Also keep in mind that, when a student is absent, he or she will still be responsible for finding out what was done in class, and for the homework assigned. Whenever you are absent, it is your responsibility to contact somebody from your class as soon as possible to find out what is taking place in class. It is your responsibility to contact me as soon as you come back to school to discuss about any special arrangements that could be necessary.
Since exams are announced with a lot of anticipation, to return from a short absence is not an excuse for not taking an exam on the day you come back. If you are absent the day of a test, it is your responsibility to come prepared to take it the day in which you return to school, unless a special arrangement have been previously made with your teacher. Please consult the policy for student attendance and the tardy policy on page 11 of the ISP High School Handbook, since we will strictly adhere to it.
The ISP Dress Code is very clearly specified in page 12 of the ISP High School Handbook, and it must be followed by all students at all times. The teacher reserves the right of not admitting to the physics classes any students incurring in uniform violations.
Only simple scientific calculators are needed for my class. Fancy and expensive calculators are not necessary and even dangerous because some students don't know how to use them properly and, if lost, they represent a big problem. Beyond this, it has been reported to me that some students store in the memory of their calculators information that should be stored in their brains, and use this in exams. This constitutes a violation to the Student Honor Code that I will not promote or tolerate.
Student-Teacher and Parent-Teacher Communication
My class schedule is posted at the door in Room 31 so students can find me whenever they need for questions. I am willing to receive students for consultations at all times, but it may be smart to make a previous appointment with me, because more than one person may be hoping to see me at the same time. If you are absent, check my web page for any new assignments. My web page contains information about due dates, exam dates, and homework. The address is https://www.angelfire.com/hi2/physmath. You can also contact me via e-mail at jgonz@isp.edu.pa. Sometimes, I can also be found in AOL Instant Messenger for chat, usually after 10:00PM. My screen name is MrG270860. Students and parents are welcome to look for me for questions, even though there is no warrantee that I will be on line every day.
It is recommended that parents also check my web page to know about exams, homework, and important dates. If parents want to make an appointment with me, they can contact the school secretary to make the necessary arrangements. They could also make arrangements directly with me via e-mail. If you send me an e-mail message and I did not answer within 48 hours, please send me a second message. If not answered, please send me a written message with your son or daughter or call me at school.
Final Comments
Any course that you take may be as easy as you want to make it. It all depends upon following the directions given by the instructors, in using common sense, and in exercising your good judgment. Believe it or not, over many years of teaching I have observed that the toughest problem that students must face to be successful is not actually related to the subject being studied, but to their own working habits. It is simply known as procrastination. This will make the difference at the end. I’ll remind you of these words in a couple of weeks, and you will be given the opportunity to judge on.
If you have any doubts about anything, talk to me. I believe that straight talk is very important to make things clear. I also believe that rules are made to follow them, not to break them, as some people think. I also agree in that, some times, bad rules are made. If you think that any of my rules are not right, I encourage you to propose to me adequate changes either in class or in private. If you are able to defend your position adequately, I assure you that changes will follow. If you have a special problem in which you think I can help you, or if you just need to talk to somebody, just find me.
This document must be attached to your folder or kept in your portfolio at all times.
Important Links
ISP Web Page
Science Department Web Page
