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Welcome - please see if your question is answered below.
If not, then
* bring your question to Academic
Fair on 7.March.2001
* or email your question to Dr.
Zita. First, be sure you are logged in as
yourself so my Reply will reach you. If you are logged in anonymously,
you will not get my response! Put ASTRO in the Subject line.
Q: How can I get into the program?
A: Study the web
pages about the program, take the survey
and pretest, then come to Academic
Fair for a signature.
Q: When do we meet?
A: Check the Syllabus
for updates.
Q: Why is so much of the program via
the web instead of in class?
A: Tribal colleges have asked Zita to offer
A&C as a distance-learning program to their reservation-based students.
This program is the first step toward that goal.
Q: Will we study the particular phenomenon or
idea that I'm interested in?
A: Yes, you can do a research
project on it.
Q: What texts and equipment do I need?
A: See the lists
at the bottom of our home page.
Q: Do I need a computer at home, since much of
the program will be over the Internet?
A: No - you can use the computers at school.
You will be expected to meet your small team of classmates several times
per week, so you might plan on using the campus computers before or after
those meetings.
Q: What telescope should I buy?
A: Don't buy a telescope. Buy or borrow
a 10 x 50 binoculars and a tripod. They are much easier to use.
You can use the college's telescopes and try out different types;
test drive as many as you can before you decide to make a major investment
in a telescope.
Q: How much math and science do I have to know?
A: You should be comfortable with algebra and
willing to learn much more. We are not assuming that you have any
background at all in physics or astronomy.
Q: How hard is the program?
A: While we are not assuming much background
knowledge, you will be expected to do a lot of work and to learn a lot.
Be prepared for up to 300 pages of reading each week, one short paper per
week, quantitative homework every week, and observing every clear night.
You will do two research projects, write them up on a web page, and present
your work to the class. We will help you develop the skills you need to
do all this, if you are willing to work hard. This is a fine program
for beginners, but not for flakes. If you want a light and easy
spring quarter, take something else.
Q: What other prerequisites are there?
A: See the
program description for details. "Maturity" means you take responsibility
for your own learning and keep the commitments in the program covenant,
at a minimum.
Q: What about that field
trip to the Southwest?
A: Students are invited to organize a trip to
Chaco canyon or similar sites around week 6 or at the end of the quarter.
The trip will not happen if students do not take responsibility for most
of the organizational details. You might spend about 5 days
traveling and 5 days onsite. The field trip is not required, but
will be encouraged and supported for those who are interested. Do not take
this program just for the field trip! |
