Expected+Knowledge+110

Expected Knowledge for students starting Astro 110
There are a number of science concepts that are taught in elementary school and high school (in California) that I expect you to know, coming into this class. As it has been a long time since you were in elementary school, and for some of you high school as well, this list should serve as a refresher.

1. Definitions of diameter, radius, mass, weight (mass and weight are very different!), density and a plane.

2. Working knowledge of arithmetic: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division using both positive and negative numbers.

3. Working knowledge of basic algebra: Knowledge of how to solve for an unknown in equations such as F=ma and E=hc/lambda

4. Awareness that the amount of gravity is proportional to mass.

5. Basic knowledge of the Solar System, such as the fact that the Moon is sometimes visible during the day, and that there is only one star (the Sun) in the Solar System.

6. Colors of light: Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet (the rainbow). All of these colors together make white light.

7. Structure of an atom: Electrons "orbiting" the nucleus

8. Methods of heat transport: Conduction, Convection and Radiation.

9. Plate Tectonics: How the crustal plates of the Earth move and why.

10. The Greenhouse Effect: Gases that are transparent to visible light, but opaque to infrared light.