Lynee Zajac Beck's List: Intro to Astronomy

Nature of Astronomy Discussion question

Some claim that science is infused with social and cultural values. That is, science reflects the social and political values, philosophical assumptions, and intellectual norms of the culture in which it is practiced. Others claim that science is universal. That is, science transcends national and cultural boundaries and is not affected by social, political, and philosophical values, and intellectual norms of the culture in which it is practiced.

If you believe that science reflects social and cultural values, explain why. Defend your answer with examples.

If you believe that science is universal, explain why. Defend your answer with examples.

In addition to my syllabus, I also hand out a "David Letterman Top Ten" list of how to do well in my class. Students have to read this and the syllabus and then fill out a "Study Plan" sheet for credit, that discusses where and when they will study astronomy each week, who their study buddy is and who their study group consists of, when they will buy the book, the quiz grading sheets, and the pencils, etc. Past students have confessed that they tend to put everything off, so having to fill out this study plan sheet really helped them.

The top ten list is below.

Andy Fraknoi

fraknoiandrew@fhda.edu

(Foothill College, etc.)

1. Come to class regularly, ready to listen and participate, and take good notes.

2. Read the textbook assignments as they are due -- don't put off the reading until the end.

3. Get a "study buddy" in the class -- someone whom you can call to get missed notes, assignments, announcements (on those extremely rare days you do have to miss class :-))

4. Join a study group. Get together regularly and go over the material, explaining difficult concepts, and quizzing each other. My experience is that students who are in a study group and meet regularly definitely tend to get better grades in the class.

5. Get a good night's sleep. It sounds like this has nothing to do with astronomy, but experts feel that the number one reason the average healthy person in the U.S. has trouble listening, concentrating, and performing well is that they don't get enough sleep.

6. Don't sit with your friends in class if they're going to distract you. If you are in a row where students are talking, move. Tell me if you are bothered by the same group of talkers again.

7. Review your notes after EVERY class. At home, or in a place where you can study, go over your class notes and the book, and make sure the concepts discussed in each class period are clear to you. If not, use the index of the textbook and look up the concept, or call someone in your study group until it is clear.

8. Since I give surprise quizzes, come to class prepared for them. Review the material and have a Scantron Sheet and #2 pencil with you at all times.

9. I let students bring a 3x5" card of notes (both sides) to the midterm and the final. Take advantage of this; you'll be calmer and more confident if you have notes with you. Take time to make a useful card for each exam.

10. Be open to new ideas. Astronomy is full of weird, awesome, overwhelming ideas -- including some that may really surprise you. Leave your prejudices, cynicism, and "I'm too cool for this" attitude at home, and come ready to learn some things you never knew.