Earth Science 105 This course covers the basics of motion, chemistry, Earth history, and Earth surface processes. Physics—the study of motion—will be described mathematically. The structure of atoms, bonding, and reactions will be presented in the chemistry unit, and the final unit will tie both of these subjects to Earth processes: history, dating geology, fuel resources, and dynamic surface environments. The nature of science begins with collection of data. From there, we proceed into organization, prediction of patterns and trends, testing these predictions, and evaluating the results. Suggestions for the patterns of data are called hypotheses—educated guesses as to the reasons behind the patterns. In order for a hypothesis to be considered a scientific hypothesis, there must be tests of it which have possible negative outcomes. Well-supported hypotheses can be elevated to theories with rigorous testing. Although tests can never absolutely prove a theory, they can disprove a theory. Advances in science have progressed from the ancient Greek understanding of the physical world, to grasping the enormity of the universe and its parts, manufacturing materials for the success of societies, to realizing Earth is a regular part of the natural world. Scientific discoveries can lead to technological developments, that of themselves are not problems. Technology can lead to societal problems, with impacts of social interaction and human interaction with the natural world. Lab starts week 2 of classes. Your lab instructor will have information about your lab at the first meeting. Get your lab manual, bring it, your textbook, and a scientific calculator to lab class. You are registered for a specific class that you should attend on a regular basis. If you miss lab, it is possible to make up lab classes during the week of that lab, you most contact the instructor of the class you want to attend to see if there is room for you that day. Your lab instructor will have specific information about how to turn in the work done in another class. There will be no opportunity to make up the lab after the week it is assigned. If you need to regularly attend a different lab, please have the instructors transfer you from one roll to another, so one is not grading a student that is usually in another’s class. Read the syllabus carefully. It contains contact information for Karen Brown, your instructor, textbook and grading information, website address, useful resources, and policies for your Earth science class. The syllabus follows in this document, with certain parts highlighted to bring attention to what was stressed in lecture on 1-6-09.ES 105: Earth System Science II Winter 2009 SYLLABUS Instructor: Karen Brown Class Time: Tues./Thurs. 11am-12:20 pmEmail: [email protected] Class Time: Tues./Thurs. 2:00-3:20 pmPhone: (503) 838-8265 Class Location NS 101Website www.wou.edu/~brownk 5 Credit HoursOffice NS 213 Office Hours: M 11 am-12 noon, Tu/W 9:00-11:00 am Goal: Explore and investigate physical and chemical processes occurring at the surface of Earth with an emphasis on energy in the Earth system. Textbooks: Conceptual Physical Science: 4th ed. by Paul G Hewitt, John Suchocki, and Leslie A. Hewitt, 2008. Pearson Education, San Francisco, CA. ISBN: 13-978-0-321-51695-4 Earth System Science II Lab Manual by the Western Oregon University Earth Science Program Instructors, 2009 In addition, you are expected to check my web site as a resource for classes. I will post lecture slides, answers to in-class activities, midterm key, etc. for your use. Grading: Your grade will be based on exams, review questions, in-class activities and worksheets, and your lab score. Below is an itemized list of the weight of each component of your grade. Assessments Value In-Class Activities/worksheets 30 Points Review Questions 45 Points Mid Term Exam—January 22 50 Points Mid Term Exam—Feb 19 50 Points Final Exam—March 19 125 Points Laboratory Grade* 100 points Total 400 Points Letter Grade‡ Percent Points A (100-90%) 400-360 B (89-80%) 359-320 C (79-70%) 319-280 D (69-60%) 279-240 F (0 60%) 239-000 ‡ Plus and Minus Grades may be given at discretion of instructor *Laboratory Grade will be reported by your lab instructor. Your laboratory grade will be included as 25% of your lecture grade. A passing grade in lab (at least 60%) must be obtained to receive credit in ES 105.ES 105: Earth System Science II Winter 2009 SYLLABUS There will be at least 12 in-class activities and/or worksheets for homework. The in-class activities must be done IN CLASS to receive points. Worksheets for homework must be turned in at the next class meeting (or before, if you will be out of town) to count for credit. The lowest two scores will be dropped from your record, so if you miss a few, it will not affect your grade. However, if you miss many, it will be a factor. These are worth 3 points each, for a total of 30 points toward your lecture grade. The review questions will be due on exam days (January 22, February 19 and March 19), as noted in the schedule for this class. They must be turned in ON-TIME to receive credit. Please purchase a LARGE Blue Book to do those review questions as assigned on the schedule. The online syllabus has links to scanned copies of the review questions. I will be happy to discuss the answers to review questions any day before lecture begins. Do the questions each week, and turn in at the midterm, and final exams. Each review question set is worth 15 points toward your lecture grade. There are three exams for this class. Bring a scantron form, and expect to also complete problems similar to in-class activities, worksheets and review questions. The midterm exams are scheduled for January 22 and February 19, 2009. The final is listed in the Registrar’s schedule as March 19, 2009. Early final exams are only allowed with special permission. If you know ahead of time that you will not be in class for the mid-term exam, contact me ahead of time to make an arrangement for you to take a midterm assessment. If you miss an exam without prior notice, please have some written evidence of your emergency situation, or use the proper University channels to communicate. I am understanding, but need verification of each case. Incomplete status: You may have personal circumstances that do not allow you to finish this class on time. You may
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