NATS 101 Introduction to Global Change Section 40 T & TR 11:00 – 12:15 Instructor: Dr. Paul Brooks TA: Michelle Lemmon Website

Course Objectives Gain an appreciation of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that allow life as we know it to exist on this planet. Gain an appreciation of the scientific method - how science “works” and what it can “tell” us about our world Formulate and test hypotheses, make observations, record data, analyze and interpret results, and present findings Be able to critically evaluate scientific and pseudo-scientific reports, articles and political statements

Policies, Requirements, etc. 1)Respect your classmates - turn off cell phones, etc. - actively participate in class and group activities - no food or drinks in class 2) account and web access are required 3)Loose-leaf notebook with graph paper required; Calculator recommended 4)Text: The Earth System by Kump, Kasting, & Crane (1999) 5)An enquiring mind 6)Honors section available – contact me after class

Collaborative Learning 1) class time is valuable and should be a time of active, hands-on, and engaged learning, 2) students learn best when they come to class prepared with sufficient background knowledge to which new material can be added, 3) a group working together cooperatively can solve complex problems more easily and at a higher level than an individual working alone 4) to achieve success in group activities, each individual has to be perceived as someone with something to offer, and each individual is responsible for preparing and contributing his or her own individual knowledge.

Grades ActivityNumberPercent of Grade Quizzes 615 Group Activities 1030 Homework 410 Midterms 330 Final 115

About your instructors…. Dr. Brooks is a hydrobiogeochemist with research interests related to acid precipitation, climate change, mine waste, water quality, amphibian decline, UV radiation, land use change

Class Survey/ Data Collection Major Home state Science classes taken (e.g.) Chemistry Physics Physiology Ecology Reason for taking this class (e.g.) Love of science Curiosity about climate change Best time fit into your schedule Name a famous scientist or scientific achievement