Education 489C Earth System Science

n Developed at the Center for Educational Technologies, Wheeling Jesuit University n Offered by Louisiana Tech University through a grant with NASA n Can be taken for undergraduate or graduate credit n Taught exclusively in an online environment

Instructor n Maureen McCurdy, Ph.D. –Associate Professor, Geosciences n Telephone: (318) n n Web Address: – –

Earth System Science n Concept that the earth is composed of spheres: atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere n Spheres are related n Anything that affects one sphere affects all other spheres

Problem Based Learning (PBL) n To develop learners' natural predisposition to recognize and explore problems in subjects they study and in the world outside the classroom. n To enable learners in self-directed inquiry and decision-making in confronting and working through ill- structured problems.

Class Goals n To use Earth System Science and Problem Based Learning as tools for learning to access appropriate resources and develop competency in earth science, even if you are unfamiliar with the topic.

Grade n 50% based on three exams (100 points each) –exams are open book and will be administered online n 50% based on three assignments (100 points each)

Grade n Your grade will be determined as follows: 600 to 540 = A; 539 to 480 = B; 479 to 420 = C; 419 to 360 = D; <360 = F

Exams n Exams will be posted on Blackboard under “Course Documents” at 7:00 p.m. on the exam date. All exams must be returned to the instructor by 9:15 p.m. on the same day. If an exam arrives after 9:15 p.m. on the exam date, the student will be penalized 20 points for each half-hour the exam is late. If you cannot take an exam on the assigned day, you must make arrangements PRIOR TO the exam to take it at another time. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE UP A MISSED EXAM UNLESS ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE PRIOR TO THE EXAM.

Assignments n Assignments should be typed using MS Word or Word Perfect. Assignments should be sent to the instructor by the appropriate deadline as an attachment. If an assignment arrives after the deadline, the student will be penalized 20 points for each half-hour the assignment is late.