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, randomness, and measurement.

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 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. Important points will be addressed today.

Important Documents/Information Course Syllabus Course/Term Calendar Course Announcements: – Updated weekly – Deadlines – Additional resources – Important recommendations – Math Center/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: “Real Science” – Transcripts for the first 3 units are available in DocSharing. Documents in DocSharing – Writing Tips/Recommendations Web Resources Videos

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.

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 See the “February 2010 Term (1001A) Calendar: Important Dates/Times” for more information. Deadlines will be also announced by and during seminar.

Seminar Seminars are OPTIONAL. It is encouraged that you attend them, but you ARE NOT required to do so. Weekly Seminar chat will be used for: – Discussion of real-life applications Environment Forensics Health and Nutrition Drug Development Energy Science, Religion, and 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).

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 other courses you will take for your program of study.

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 more educated person and 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???