Welcome to SC300: Big Ideas in Science Introduction, Goals, and Policies Freddie Arocho-Perez Kaplan University SC300: Big Ideas in Science

Introduction to the Course Instructor: Freddie Arocho-Perez Kaplan Alternate This unique course is designed to introduce students to some of the most important concepts in Science, including inheritance, energy, environment, health, and technology. To put Science in perspective in order to understand the natural and human-made world.

Introduction to the Course In addition, the class will give students a chance to explore the human aspects of Science: – how people put Science into practice – how societies think about scientific findings – why Science depends on ethical practices Knowledge gained in the course will help inform further study in many disciplines and will help students better understand how Science affects their personal and professional lives.

Introduction to the Course You will be learning some of the basic concepts behind Science, but also real-life examples and applications: – Environmental Science- Climate Change – Forensic Science- Energy Sources – Health Science- Ethics – Nanotechnology- Mutations – Paranormal Activity- Life outside of Earth – Science and Religion Science is a very challenging subject, yet very rewarding. We will work together!!!

Introduction to the Course Seminar 1 will focus on course introduction and general course policies. Please, leave any questions you may have to the end. You can also me. Important points will be addressed today.

Important Documents/Information Course Syllabus Course/Term Calendar Course Announcements: – Updated weekly – Deadlines – Additional resources – Important recommendations – Writing Center

Important Documents/Information

Make sure you have my contact information. will be our primary form of communication. Make sure you check your regularly. I send s on a weekly basis to keep you posted on “what’s going on in the class”. In case of an emergency, you are welcome to contact me by phone. Let me know by first so that we can set up a time to talk.

Course Materials Main Text: “The Sciences: An Integrated Approach” (6 th Edition) – Chapters (in PDF format) can be accessed on each Unit. Documents in DocSharing – Writing Tips/Recommendations Web Resources Videos

Course Materials

Grading/Assignments Course Assignments and Grading are designed to help you out better. Grading will take place on Sundays, beginning with the Sunday followed after the end of Unit 1. By Monday morning, your gradebook will be updated. Kaplan’s Weekly Unit Format: SunMonTueWedThuFriSat XXXX XXX

Grading/Assignments Course Assignments/Activities: – Discussion – Projects – Seminars NOTE: There are no tests in this course.

Discussion Discussion questions provide a forum for students to ask questions and answer important questions about the course material. Creation of a learning community, discussing real-life problems and applications. Participation will be made throughout the unit’s week. Instructor will be participating as well, providing new information, answering questions, providing web links and documents, etc.

Discussion Timeline for Discussions: Students will be able to participate throughout the unit’s week, until the following Saturday after the unit’s end. SunMonTueWedThuFriSat XXXX XXXXXXX

Discussion Rule of “3”: Students should make a grand total of 3 posts: Your own response and 2 responses to your peers per discussion thread. Posts should be made throughout the week. Making ALL posts on the same day is NOT acceptable. Try to make them on different days (at least on 2 different days). Your first response should be made within the first 4 days of the unit (Wed – Sat).

Discussion Posts should be “meaningful” (making contributions). You should avoid the following: – “Great job, Mike!!!” – “What an awesome post, Sarah. It was sweet.” – “WOW, I am amazed.” General suggestions (ideas): – Make follow-up questions – Share any personal experience – Comment to Freddie’s posts – Provide new information or web links – Share information from a newspaper

Projects There are 5 Projects: – Project 1: Due after Unit 2, Virtual Laboratory – Project 2: Due after Unit 4, Nuclear Power – Project 3: Due after Unit 5, Earthquakes – Project 4: Due after Unit 6, Peptic Ulcers – Final Project: Due at the end of the course, Science and Your Life All Projects will be submitted in MS Word doc format.

Projects Resources and examples will be sent by e- mail and/or posted in DocSharing to assist you in the completion of these projects. We may use time during seminar to address the completion of these assignments. Deadlines will be announced by and in Course Announcements.

Seminar Seminars are OPTIONAL. It is encouraged that you attend them. Weekly Seminar chat will be used for: – Discussion of applications: Environment Forensics Health and Nutrition Energy Science and Religion Paranormal Activity Life outside of Earth

Seminar Weekly Seminar chat will be used for: – Answers to general questions – Explanations/Guidance on the Projects – Announcements All presentations (including this one) will be uploaded in DocSharing for your use. You can also access the Seminar Archives in case you missed it (see announcement in Course Home).

Calendar of Assignments See the “September 2010 Term (1004A) Calendar: Important Dates/Times” for more information on deadlines and assignments. Deadlines will be also announced by and during seminar throughout the term.

Calendar of Assignments

Important Recommendations Take advantage of the Discussion and the Projects. Do NOT underestimate their power in your grade. Use your time and resources wisely. Your instructor is another resource. Try to not fall behind. If you run into problems, do NOT hesitate to contact me.

Important Recommendations I know this class may be challenging as it requires a lot of time management and independent study, but don’t feel overwhelmed as you will have a lot of resources, plus I am very flexible. You will find this class an adventure of self- exploration, as well as establishing a firm science base for a well-rounded education and maturity.

Important Recommendations Learning is about reading, practicing, asking, etc. You will NOT learn everything about Science in 10 weeks. The main goal is to provide you with a good base and to reinforce skills such as research and writing. This class is not only about learning Science, but to become a competent, contributing citizen. If you run into troubles, contact me. Don’t let yourself to be discouraged. I DON’T like “quitters”!!!

My best wishes to you during this term. Thank you for coming tonight. Questions???