NATS 101 Introduction to Global ChangeSection 40
T & TR 11:00 – 12:15
Instructor: Dr. Paul Brooks([email protected])
TA: Michelle Lemmon ([email protected])
Websitehttp://academic.engr.arizona.edu/HWR/Brooks/NATS101sec48/NATSHome.htm
Course Objectives
Gain an appreciation of the physical, chemical, and biologicalprocesses that allow life as we know it to exist on this planet.
Gain an appreciation of the scientific method - how science“works” and what it can “tell” us about our world
Formulate and test hypotheses, make observations, record data, analyze and interpret results, and present findings
Be able to critically evaluate scientific and pseudo-scientificreports, articles and political statements
Policies, Requirements, etc.
1) Respect your classmates - turn off cell phones, etc.- actively participate in class and group activities- no food or drinks in class
2) E-mail account and web access are required
3) Loose-leaf notebook with graph paper required;Calculator recommended
4) Text: The Earth System by Kump, Kasting, & Crane (1999)
5) An enquiring mind
6) Honors section available – contact me after class
Collaborative Learning
1) class time is valuable and should be a time of active,hands-on, and engaged learning,
2) students learn best when they come to class prepared withsufficient background knowledge to which new material can be added,
3) a group working together cooperatively can solve complex problems more easily and at a higher level than an individual working alone
4) to achieve success in group activities, each individual has to be perceived as someone with something to offer, and each individual is responsible for preparing and contributing his or her own individual knowledge.
Grades
Activity Number Percent of Grade
Quizzes 6 15
Group Activities 10 30
Homework 4 10
Midterms 3 30
Final 1 15
About your instructors….
Dr. Brooks is a hydrobiogeochemist with research interests related to acidprecipitation, climate change, minewaste, water quality, amphibian decline, UV radiation, land use change
Class Survey/ Data Collection
Major
Home state
Science classes taken (e.g.)ChemistryPhysicsPhysiologyEcology
Reason for taking this class (e.g.)Love of scienceCuriosity about climate changeBest time fit into your schedule
Name a famous scientist or scientific achievement
