1. Preparing Students for the Sciences in College Dr. Paul J. Croft Kean University Jeffrey Tongue Suffolk County Community College

2. Skills Lacking for an Introductory Natural Sciences Course No (limited) working knowledge of the Metric System Mathematically Challenged Current Events – Limited Interest Student “Quality” has decreased in the last 5 years. Computer Skills Have Improved.

3. The Metric System What is the approximate temperature outside in Celsius? (currently) ? A. 72 B. 20 C. 123 D. -21 How high is your desk? A. 1 m B. 1 km C. 10 ft D. 10 cm

4. Elementary Math Relative Humidity = _(actual) mixing ratio_____ Saturation mixing ratio Compute the relative humidity using the table. The air (ambient) temperature = 14 o C. The dew point temperature = 4 o C a. 19.8%c. 25% b. 29% d. 50%

5. What’s Happening in the World ?

6. 1 st Class – We’ll End By View a Passage of the Space Shuttle and International Space Station ! What Percentage of Students Followed Me Outside?? – 10 – 25 – 50 – 75 – 100

7. A View from the “Far Side” What’s at the next level? Majoring in a four-year physical/other science program Dr. Paul J. Croft, Meteorologist

8. Systems Science Perspective - Issues Earth Systems Science (e.g., NASA; Sustainability) Systems thinking/modeling (multi-tasking) Everything is connected (trans-disciplinary) Techno-driven; software/hardware (awareness) Technical skills/abilities (instrumentation) Analytic/Interpretation (experiences) Depth besides breadth (interest) Student “readiness” (programs) Dr. Paul J. Croft, Meteorologist

9. How to “Get” these Experiences? Summer Programs (science/other) Intern Programs (exploratory) Science Fairs (inquiry-based) Competitions (end-goals) Clubs (scientific community) Organizations (connections) Outreach (outside influences) Dr. Paul J. Croft, Meteorologist

10. Curricular Preparation? Math, math, and more math coursework Physics, Chemistry, Earth Science, Biology Computer Science (programming), Statistics Writing, Communications, Speaking Tech-Writing, Political Science, Business, Law Design, Marketing, Policy, History, Public-Admin, Social Work, similar Often-Reinforcing-Expansive-Options for Success in Science! Dr. Paul J. Croft, Meteorologist

11. Meteorologists 24 Credits of meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: – 6 Credits - atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics – 6 Credits - weather analysis and prediction (synoptic/mesoscale) – 3 Credits - physical meteorology – 2+ Credits - remote sensing / instrumentation. 6 Credits – physics (calculus based) 3 Credits - ordinary differential equations 9+ Credits - appropriate physical sciences