Assignment #1 Familiarize yourself with the course by reading the Intro and Guide sections. Familiarize yourself with the course by reading the Intro and Guide sections. – Complete the pre-course survey. The pre-course survey is location in the Outline section, Week 1. Complete the pre-course survey. The pre-course survey is location in the Outline section, Week 1. Please submit the pre-course survey by Friday, March 15, 2002 at 5:00 p.m. Please submit the pre-course survey by Friday, March 15, 2002 at 5:00 p.m.

Changes to Course Structure Instead of completing Weeks A and B as designed, you will use that time to research your topic. At the end of that allotted time period, an open book exam will be administered online to test your knowledge of the topic. Instead of completing Weeks A and B as designed, you will use that time to research your topic. At the end of that allotted time period, an open book exam will be administered online to test your knowledge of the topic. In Week C, you will be required to submit a paper (no longer than two pages, single- spaced) that meets the specifications of the situation assignment. In Week C, you will be required to submit a paper (no longer than two pages, single- spaced) that meets the specifications of the situation assignment.

Weeks A and B Read the “Coral Reefs Scenario” under Outline section, Week 4, including the situation assignment. Read the “Coral Reefs Scenario” under Outline section, Week 4, including the situation assignment. Research the topic of coral reefs. Information can be found under “Web Sites” for Weeks 4 and 5 and in your course materials. Research the topic of coral reefs. Information can be found under “Web Sites” for Weeks 4 and 5 and in your course materials. The deadline for completing this assignment is Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. The deadline for completing this assignment is Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.

Research Information Your research should focus on understanding the following concepts: Your research should focus on understanding the following concepts: –What are coral reefs? –How and where do coral reefs form? –What environmental conditions are necessary for coral reefs to survive and flourish? –What factors are responsible for the destruction of coral reefs?

Exam #1 You will be given an exam on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. The exam will be posted on Blackboard under “Course Documents” at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, You are to complete the exam and return it to the instructor NO LATER than 9:15 p.m. on Monday, March 25, You will be given an exam on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. The exam will be posted on Blackboard under “Course Documents” at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 25, You are to complete the exam and return it to the instructor NO LATER than 9:15 p.m. on Monday, March 25, The exam format will include definitions, explanations, short answers, and short essays. You will have two hours to complete each exam. The exam format will include definitions, explanations, short answers, and short essays. You will have two hours to complete each exam.

Week C Submit a paper that addresses the situation assignment described in Week #4. Submit a paper that addresses the situation assignment described in Week #4. The deadline for completing this assignment is Monday, April 1, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. The deadline for completing this assignment is Monday, April 1, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.

Assignment ICRI and NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) have approached your team of Earth Systems scientists for a thorough evaluation of all the factors affecting coral reef survival. ESE and ICRI are interested particularly in your team’s recommendations regarding how to deal with the situation. ICRI and NASA’s Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) have approached your team of Earth Systems scientists for a thorough evaluation of all the factors affecting coral reef survival. ESE and ICRI are interested particularly in your team’s recommendations regarding how to deal with the situation. Submit a document (no longer that two pages, double-spaced) (1) describing the factors affecting coral reef survival and (2) that provides recommendations on how to remedy the problem of deteriorating coral reefs. Submit a document (no longer that two pages, double-spaced) (1) describing the factors affecting coral reef survival and (2) that provides recommendations on how to remedy the problem of deteriorating coral reefs.

In a Nutshell… Read through the Intro and Guide sections Read through the Intro and Guide sections Complete the pre-course survey Complete the pre-course survey Weeks A & B – research coral reefs Weeks A & B – research coral reefs Exam 1 on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Exam 1 on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Week C – submit paper by April 1, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Week C – submit paper by April 1, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.