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Stars and Planets

“Do there exist many worlds, or is there but a single world? This is one of the most noble and exalted questions in the study of Nature.”
― Magnus Saint Albertus

Are we alone in the universe? The culminating question of this course can be examined after first covering topics including comparative planetology of the solar system, stellar evolution, and astrobiology. The goal of this course is to gain an understanding of the wide range of characteristics a planet needs to create an environment in which life can develop and thrive. Discussions will include the potential locations for life within the solar system and the feasibility for life to exist elsewhere.

This course is offered as a mixed H / ACP course. Honors students should expect to complete outside reading and online discussions as a primary component of the additional honors curriculum, in addition to extended lab analysis questions and project components. In addition to labs, all students will complete a number of projects to demonstrate their understanding of the content, many of which will require class presentations.  

This course will also focus on developing both student and science skills such as data analysis, scientific writing, experimentation, questioning and observation, presenting, collaboration, and tying in the nature of science to the content we learn.  Welcome to Stars and Planets! 

Contact:  Office room 358.  Email:  monizc@wellesleyps.org

Expectations:

1. Be on time.
2. Be ready to learn - have an engaged mind.
3. Bring all necessary materials with you to class (or your work station at home).  See below for details.
4. Be respectful of both your teacher and your peers.
5. Be patient and kind.  This is a new style of learning (and teaching!) for all of us.  It is bound to be challenging at times, and I’m sure I will make mistakes (I’m only human!).
6. Be respectful of any class equipment.  Use it only as it was designated to use.
7. Work collaboratively with your peers in a respectful and constructive manner during group work – we will be working with groups and partners A LOT in this class.  Make a good reputation for yourself, and give every person you work with a fresh opportunity to be a better partner. ** This year, partner and group work will be done remotely, with your Zoom buddy.
8. Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in any way. Procedures as outlined by the Student Handbook will be followed if anyone is caught copying others work or letting someone else copy their own work.  Penalties for cheating will be determined on a case by case basis.  Please be mindful of doing your own work on Google Docs.

Materials:

• Laptop and charger (or fully charged laptop…)
• Writing utensil
• Mask (in school only)
• Headphones

Quarter Grading Policy:

Labs, Projects and Discussion Posts (H only)– 90%

Class Participation – 10%

Students who are unhappy or concerned about their grade(s) should talk to me, I am always willing to discuss your grade and how you are doing in class.  My job is to make sure you succeed, so if there is a problem, we should discuss it.  However, this should be done by appointment NOT during class time. You are also encouraged to see me for extra help if you need it.  You can also email me if you need help.  Don’t wait until it is too late to change your grade! 

Class Policies

• When in doubt, stay out!  If you need to be out sick, even on your designated presentation day, please stay home.  If you feel well enough (and would like) to join class via zoom, email me and I will make sure you get the Zoom link for that day’s class.
• If you miss class and have an excused absence, please email me so we can discuss what you missed and the best way to catch you up.  If you know you will be out for an extended period, please let me know so we can work out a way to catch you up!
• No late work is accepted beyond the last day of the unit, unless extenuating circumstances exist.  If you have an extenuating circumstance please discuss it with me so we can work out the best way for you to stay up to date and successful in class!  Particularly this year, there are going to be a lot of extenuating circumstances.  Please make sure to take the initiative to reach out to me if you need an extension or extra help and I will be as flexible as possible to help you!
• No extra credit - be proactive, and not reactive about your grade!
• Masks and social distancing (6 feet) must be worn and maintained at all times.  If you have an extenuating circumstance with wearing a mask please see me.
• Bottled beverages only in the classroom (must have a lid).  No food (unless medically necessary).
• Stay seated as much as possible (in school).  I will try to give you standing movement breaks (in place) each class.  In order to maintain distancing we must stay at our assigned spaces.  Please minimize breaks to get a drink, go to the bathroom, use the trash, sharpen your pencil, etc. as much as possible.
• Wash your hands!  There are hand sanitizer stations around the room.  If you walk by one, hand sanitize!
• If you use any shared materials, please make sure to ask me for a wipe to sanitize it both BEFORE and AFTER use.

The books you sign out throughout the year (honors) must be returned at the end of the year, or your grade will be an incomplete until it is returned or reimbursed for, per school policy.  The cost of each book varies but are generally less than $40.  The cost of the textbook (if you sign one out) is $132.

Units:

1. The Solar System
2. Stars
3. Astrobiology
4. Women in STEM (if time)