This will be an interactive class, prepare to participate!!!

Are we alone?

Before beginning… Something to think about…

Astrobiology: the study of life in the Universe NASA’s Astrobiology Institute: nai.nasa.gov

K-8 Recovery Sequence:  November 19, 2005: Signal intercepted  NASA Deep Space Network - Canberra

K-8 Recovery Sequence:  November 19, 2005: Signal intercepted  NASA Deep Space Network - Canberra  November 21, 2005: Impact and recovery

Play K-8 Recovery Sequence

Think about what you just saw … We will discuss it later in the semester.

Class mechanics: an overview

Class web page: Homework assignments, announcements, reading assignments, etc. Consult this site on a regular basis. Website associated with textbook:

Instructor: Dr. Tom Steiman-Cameron Phone: / (AST Dept. office) Office: Swain West, Room 414 Office Hours: 12:30 - 1:30 am Mondays 9: :30 pm Wednesdays or by appointment (a.k.a., Dr. Dash)

Associate Instructor: Angie Parker Phone: Office: Swain West, Room 417 Office Hours: 10: 30 – 11:30 am Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:00 pm Thursdays or by appointment

FEEDBACK Critical for class! Colored sheets of paper, please keep!

Each class session will include: 1) multiple mini-lectures 2) peer instruction activities. The class will be divided into numerous groups that will participate in collaborative learning exercises tied to the mini-lectures.

Text Book Life in the Universe 2nd Edition Bennett & Shostak

If you are having difficulty, please use scheduled office hours or make an appointment with myself or the A.I. It is important that you read the assigned work prior to attending class and participate in group activities.

Grades

Grades are based upon points earned: Exams 300 pts Homework 150 pts Activity points 150 pts Total 600 points

Exams: Exam 1: September 30 Exam 2: November 3 Exam 3: December 2 The exam with the lowest score is worth 60 points, while the other two are each worth 120 points, for a total of 300 points. Mostly multiple choice questions, although questions of other formats may be included.

Exams: Final Exam discussion

Homework  Eleven short homework assignments.  Each is worth 15 points.  Lowest homework grade dropped (150 points max)

Activity Points There will be a number of in-class and out-of-class exercises for which you can earn “activity points”. The purpose is to encourage active participation in the learning process. Up to 150 activity points can be counted towards the final grade (more than 200 points available throughout the semester)

Images and Concepts:  Fundamental connection between the two.  Use pictures and images often.  Will be stressed in class!

Thinking, not memorizing!  A primary goal of class  Science is a process, not a set of facts!

Some rules (I hate rules!!)

Classroom etiquette (common courtesy)  Move conversations out of classroom  Cell phones off  Ipods off  Headphones off  No-surfing Also, no sitting on the floor in the back of the classroom or on the steps.

Academic Honesty  Except when told otherwise, be solely responsible for your work. No exceptions!

Most important issue - HAVE FUN!! ENJOY THE PROCESS!!!

GOALS  understand how science works  develop and refine critical thinking and problem solving skills  understand current ideas of how life develops and the physical conditions under which life may exist  explore the physical processes involved in the formation and evolution of structures (e.g., stars, planets, …) in the Universe  explore the different physical environments that exist throughout the solar system and beyond  develop a fundamental framework in which to understand how and where life may exist outside of the earth

Assignment for next class:  Read Chapters 1 & 2  Visit class webpage  Read the syllabus  Attach (glue/paste/tape/weld) a white sheet of paper to the back of each colored sheet of paper  Imagine that you are an alien that just arrived on Earth. Write a maximum 125 word description of what you find.