1. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 1 Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math ASTR/PHYS 109 Dr. David Toback Lecture 1

2. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Before we start… 2 Get comfortable… we will be using the full lecture time today Studies show that the students who sit up front get the best grades –They also tell you WHY –http://people.physics.tamu.edu/toback/TeachingArticle/PerkinsWieman_PT.pdf

3. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 3 Overview 1.What this course is really about and why I’m teaching it 2.How the course is organized 3.Stuff you’ll need for the course and the next lecture

4. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 4 Big Picture This course is really designed to teach the wonder and excitement of the universe around us I want it to be understandable By the end of the course, I want you to be able to communicate the understanding AND the excitement to others

5. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 5 The Story I think in terms of stories as well as questions and their answers The story of how the Universe came to be the way is now We have a good degree of confidence in this story

6. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Some of the Questions How did the Universe come to exist? A Big Bang occurred… then what? How did we get from a Big Bang ~14 billion years ago to the Universe we have today? What are black holes REALLY? Is the Universe REALLY expanding? Will it contract again and we’ll all die? Should I be worried? 6

7. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Questions and Evidence These are important questions for all for humankind Everyone should know about (some of) these questions and what we know about the answers You should also know something about the evidence 7

8. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 8 Aside before we continue I will admit I have a bone to pick… I think there is WAY too much ignorance about science and too much science phobia –I prefer a world where there is evidence- based decision making Some of the many problems: 1.Physics taught for people to USE rather than enjoy (physicists/engineers in training) 2.Learning to DO physics requires math, and lots of it, which makes it un-fun for many people 3.Often taught by people who have forgotten what it was like to not understand

9. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 9 Communicating the Excitement A great deal of the understanding can be had WITHOUT the math –You can enjoy music without being a musician or a composer As future leaders I want you to be able to go out into the world and effectively teach your senators, friends, co-workers, etc. why this stuff is exciting and important

10. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 10 Back to the Course This course is designed to teach you about the Big Bang, Black Holes and other stuff, and to do it without the Math Next talk about HOW we’ll do it…

11. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Being a Detective Want you to use evidence to make decisions like a detective (Sherlock, Elementary, Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS, Bones, House, Law & Order, others…) –Don’t need you know HOW to do DNA tests –Do need you to understand that DNA tests (using blood from the scene of the crime) can tell us whose blood it is Can we put together evidence that would convince a jury? 11

12. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math What’s the Evidence? What is the evidence that the Big Bang actually occurred? What is the evidence that supports our understanding of the “history” of the Universe? What is the EVIDENCE for little things we can’t see directly with our own eyes? –Atoms, protons, electrons, Dark Matter –Black Holes 12

13. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 13 Course Content These are REALLY big questions We want to know what we observe in the universe –Big and Small To do this we need to understand some of the most important ideas in science –Quantum Mechanics –General Relativity –Others

14. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 14 Don’t worry Don’t worry… we aren’t going to do ALL of physics in a semester We aren’t going to ask you to calculate anything What we want is for you to understand, and re-tell, the story and explain some of the evidence

15. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 15 How the course is organized Next few slides are on course organization, grades etc…

16. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Class Time We meet from 4:10PM to 5:25PM Will use the full time period I expect you to be on time and prepared for class 16

17. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 17 Coming to Class Need you to be proactive DURING class!! Get into it and have fun If you need sugar or caffeine go for it… just do it quietly –Machine at the top of the steps Happy to let you use laptops, but I’m not going to tolerate abuse (like using Facebook instead of taking notes)

18. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 18 Class Time Lecture will be a time where you and I interact, asking lots of questions You will need prepare BEFORE lecture –Do the reading assignments –Write down, and turn in online, questions on the reading “Pre-Lecture Reading Questions” –Be ready to be answer questions in class If you don’t understand something, ask a question in class!

19. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 19 Course Work You will: Read about the Big Bang and Black Holes in the books Ask questions before class Discuss these topics in class with me and among yourselves Write about it in various contexts

20. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 20 Course Home Page faculty.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109 Most things can be found there… if you can’t find it, send me email at toback@tamu.edu Course WebSite Syllabus is also on Howdy

21. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 21 Textbooks Required Textbook Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math (Toback) Extra credit for students who email me corrections which make it better eBook or paper is fine. Can order now at bigbang.physics.tamu.edu Recommended books Briefer History of Time (Hawking) Theory of Everything (Hawking) Stephen Hawking’s Universe (Filkin) The First Three Minutes (Weinberg) Other readings on the Web Make sure you get the most up-to-date versions of each (see webpage) –Not “Brief History”, Briefer History –I find purchasing them online is much cheaper –Paperbacks available for most

22. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 22 Grades I like for my students to do well and I like giving lots of good grades It will be a lot of work, so if you don’t want to keep up with the class every day, work hard and stretch your mind, you should drop now I’ll expect you to keep at it until you get it right Do all the work and I’ll make it worth your while, both in terms of fun and your grade –If you blow off the easy stuff or don’t ask for help when you need it, then I’m unlikely to have much sympathy when you ask for a grade change at the end of the semester

23. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 23 Grades The course grade will be: 1.Short Papers: 90% 2.In-class quizzes and Pre- Lecture Reading Questions Assignments: 5% 3.End-of-Chapter, and other online quizzes: 5% No in-class exams or final

24. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Requirements to Pass the Course 24 Some things need to be turned in to pass the course –All the stages for each paper –All the End-Of-Chapter quizzes –Pre-Lecture Reading Question Assignment for Unit 1 Some things MUST get a passing grade to pass the course –All End-Of-Chapter quizzes and Pre-Lecture Reading Questions for Unit 1 Some things in the course are pass/fail the first time, but are for a grade after that –Unit 1 PLRQ Note: you are allowed (but not encouraged) to get a zero on the later PLRQ assignments

25. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Papers Will talk more about the papers as we get closer to doing them If you want to learn more about them now, go to the FAQ page 25

26. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Regular and Honors Sections Regular sections –ASTR 109-501 –PHYS 109-501 Honors sections –ASTR 109-200 –PHYS 109-200 There is no difference between the Physics and Astronomy sections (All meet together) Students in the honors section will have an extra research paper – See Course WebPage

27. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 27 Recitation No recitation for this course However, there are assistants who are here for you to ask questions, get help with your eCampus work and give you feedback on your paper drafts –Steven Clark and Tathagata Ghosh

28. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Lab – ASTR/PHYS 119 You are not required to take the Lab for this course Useful if you want to use this course as a Tier 2 science course, or just want to learn more/get more in-depth Two different sections, pick one –Tuesday: 12:45PM-2:45PM –Wednesday: 12:40PM-2:40PM Will meet this week You need to read the lab Manual and do the prep work BEFORE lab 28

29. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Order of Things to Do! 29 Read Chapters 1-4 (Unit 1) Write Questions for Unit 1 (PLRQ) Submit PLRQ to CPR (Stage 1) Go to Lecture and take in- class quizzes and ask questions After we finish a chapter in Lecture, do the End-of-Chapter Quiz Do Stage 2 of CPR for PLRQ

30. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Pre-Lecture Reading Questions To help focus your reading before class you will be asked to write down 4 questions you have about the reading in a special format –Call these the Pre-Lecture Reading Questions (PLRQ) Will be turned in online –Will be doing a full Unit at a time –Each assignment has 2 stages (more on this later) –Will us the Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) system (more on this later also) There is a set of guidelines on what we are looking for on the websites. You need to read them –You will be responsible for reading it before next class –First set is Pass/Revise, you have to keep redoing them until you get a passing score 30

31. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math In-Class Quizzes There will frequently be in-class quizzes Most will be done with an iClicker –Can buy the old ones –Register with your UIN at http://www.iclicker.com/support/regis teryourclicker/ (we will be using eCampus) http://www.iclicker.com/support/regis teryourclicker/ We will some times do written answers –Bring a sheet of lined paper and a pen everyday 31

32. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math End-of-Chapter Quizzes in eCampus There are End-of-Chapter quizzes for each chapter –Helps ensure you have a good knowledge of some of the important FACTS for each chapter –Will be done online, using eCampus –Are assigned AFTER we finish the chapter in lecture, and due before the next lecture 32

33. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math End-of-Chapter Quizzes Cont. Bad news: To pass the course you need to get a perfect score on all of them Good news: You can take as many attempts as you want until you get a perfect score I will only count your best score I REALLY want you to learn and get good grades! 33

34. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math More on eCampus Quizzes There are two free warm-up quizzes before the End-of- Chapter quizzes –Need a 100% on this There will be a course pre-test called AMS (Astronomy Misconception Survey) AFTER you finish the warm up –Please do your best. Won’t count as part of your grade. We just want to know what you know coming into the course After this is done you will be able to get to the End-of- Chapter Quizzes –First one is Chapter 2 (no chapter 1 quiz) –There is also be a quiz for Pre-Lecture Reading Questions (more on this later) 34

35. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Review: Plan for Each Chapter Example for Next Time Before Lecture: –Read Chapters 1-4 in BBBHNM (Unit 1) –Write down FOUR questions (will give more instructions on how to submit CPR next time) for Unit 1 During Lecture –Listen & Ask Questions –Take clicker and other quizzes After Lecture –If we finish Chapter 2, then take End-of- Chapter quiz 2 in eCampus –Finish CPR for PLRQ for Unit 1 35

36. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Just for Fun… We have created a “just for fun” Facebook account for students (past, present and future) who want to stay in touch with the course Learning about the Big Bang and Black Holes Without the Math It’s not part of the course, but I try to post fun, related things there periodically –If you send me something fun (and appropriate) I’ll post it for everyone –If you send me something fun, but inappropriate, I’ll say thank you and just enjoy privately Also, lots of fun stuff on http://people.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109/Video/ http://people.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109/Video/ 36

37. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Frequently Asked Question Page Can be found on the main course page http://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109/1 09FAQ.shtmlhttp://faculty.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109/1 09FAQ.shtml In general, you should check there if you have a question about the course or assignments before emailing –Don’t want to highlight to your professor you haven’t done the reading when you email 37

38. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 38 Next Time… Start with in-class written quiz and in-class iClicker quiz Talk more about eCampus and CPR stuff –End-of-Chapter Quizzes –PLRQ Assignments Lecture is on Chapter 2 The Very Big

39. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Prep for Lecture 2 Pop Quiz The in-class quiz at the beginning of the next class on will contain at least two of the following questions: Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to know about? –Be prepared to answer these two honestly (there are no right answers, and don’t tell me what you think I want to hear) Are you taking ASTR/PHYS 119? Why/Why not? 39

40. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Prep for Next Time – L1 Reading: –Required: BBBHNM: Chapter 1-4 –Recommended Reading: BHOT: Chap. 1-3 SHU: Chap. 1-2 TOE: Chap. 1 –Pre-Lecture Reading Questions Read Instructions on what kinds of questions we are looking for at http://people.physics.tamu.edu/toback/109/Question_Guideline_109_CPR.pdf Write down 4 questions on paper from Unit 1 (Chapters 1-4) or the recommended reading –Instructions on what to do with them next time eCampus: –Read eCampus Instructions on the main course page –Complete Warm-up quizzes and AMS in eCampus Other Prep: –Make sure you are receiving email using the Official A&M email (neo), will use it for class announcements –Bring lined paper and your iClicker to the next class 40

41. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math Full Set of Readings So Far Required: BBBHNM: Chap 1-4 Recommended: –BHOT: Chap. 1-3 –SHU: Chap. 1-2 –TOE: Chap. 1 41

42. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 42

43. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 43 Prep for Lecture 2 Pop Quiz The in-class quiz at the beginning of the next class on will contain at least two of the following questions: Why are you taking this class? What do you most want to know about? –Be prepared to answer these two honestly (there are no right answers, and don’t tell me what you think I want to hear) How many pages are there in the “Pre-Lecture Reading Question Grading Guidelines”? What is the webpage for the “physics department eCampus instructions?” What is the website for the BBBHNM book? Are you taking ASTR/PHYS 119? Why/Why not?

44. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math End-of-Chapter Quizzes in eCampus There will be End-of-Chapter quizzes for each chapter –Will help ensure you understood each chapter –Are assigned AFTER we finish the chapter in lecture, and due before the next lecture Will be done online, using eCampus Before we start on them, we will do some practice in eCampus

45. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 45 NetID Account You will need a netID account You are responsible for checking it periodically for email Will use it for eCampus stuff and turning in your papers

46. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 46 Books continued… Again, the goal of this course isn’t to understand Everything about the Universe (that would mean understanding ALL of physics) but to be able to understand enough of it to be able to tell the story If you don’t understand something, ask a question in class!

47. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 47 The Big Questions What do we really know about the universe? How do we know it? Where did the universe come from? Where is it going? Did the universe have a beginning? If so, what happened before then? What is the nature of time? Will it come to an end? Can we go backward in time?

48. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 48 Just getting started… It’s tough to be energetic this time of the day!! I like enjoying class, so I’ll work hard for this to be fun for all of us I’ll try to take one break per class for humor, and often show short video clips at the beginning (please be on time) –You guys will need to send me good videos and jokes, I don’t have enough!

49. Introduction Topic 1: Introduction Big Bang, Black Holes, No Math 49 Stuff You’ll Need for the Course 1.In general 2.For the next lecture and the weeks after that