INSTRUCTOR: / Dr. Daniel Sturmer / E-MAIL: /
OFFICE: / S-254 / PHONE: / 281-756-5670
OFFICE HOURS: / TBD
WEBSITE: / or web address for individual discipline/program, if applicable

WELCOME TO:

Course Title: Meteorology

Course Number: GEOL 1447-SSIN

Credit Hours: 4

Lecture Hours: 3

Lab Hours: 3

Total Contact Hours: 96

Term and Year: Fall 2017 Second Start (12 weeks)

Class Days & Times: WWW

Classroom Location: WWW

A.COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR INSTRUCTOR by Blackboard course messages is preferred. In the event more immediate responses are required, then communicate by email.

B.COURSE DESCRIPTION: Survey of meteorology and related sciences.

C.STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will…

●develop an awareness of the different methods of monitoring the atmosphere

●discuss the atmosphere's layered structure, composition, and method by which it is heated

●demonstrate the relationship between humidity, cloud formation, and precipitation.

●explain weather systems of the middle latitudes

●describe conditions related to tropical weather systems

D.PRE-REQUISITE COURSES:

  1. DIRW-0310 (READ 0310) and MATH 0312

E.REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS

The current Weather Studies Student ePackage is required and is expected to be uploaded on your computer by the first day of class.

Weather Studies Student ePackage 2017 – 2018 ISBN 978-1-9444970-06-2$144

Includes:

●etext 6th ed.

●eInvestigations Manual 2017-2018

●RealTime Weather Portal Access

●eGlossary

The access card for this package is available through the ACCCollege Bookstore.

For more information about theaccess code for the e textbook and e-investigation manual, including details about how to order your book online and have it delivered to you, visit the ACC College Store at

The course material is developed by the American Meteorological Society. AMS Weather Studies examines the dynamic state of the atmosphere by studying fundamental scientific principles as they apply to everyday weather. It focuses on how weather is monitored, the structure and composition of the atmosphere, as well as employing information to understand weather patterns and understanding air motions.

In the event the ACC Bookstore does not have any more access cards for the Student ePackage, then contact AMS directly:

The books to order are:

Weather Studies Student ePackage 2017-2018 - Rental

F.CORE REQUIREMENTS

As part of the Texas and ACC Core Curriculum, students in this course will gain a foundation of knowledge in human cultures and the physical and natural world, develop principles of personal and social responsibility for living in a diverse work, and advance intellectual and practical skills that are essential for all learning. The chart below details the core requirements that are applicable to this course, the activities in which students will participate to develop skills in the required areas, a determination of how students’ mastery of those areas will be assessed, and the level of expertise students are expected to demonstrate. Please note that these requirements are already included in the computation of the course grade and not a separate grade.

* / Core Objective / Activities / Assessments
Critical Thinking Skills: to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation and synthesis of information. / Lab Work: applying skills learned by interpreting meteorological data / Empirical, quantitative, and critical thinking assessment relating to orographic lifting.
Communication-Written: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Read meteorology papers and report on its main ideas. / 5-page written report
Communication-Oral: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Communicate, vocally, with other group members on group projects and with instructor / Required group assessment on group project, with one category being assessed on effective oral communication on ideas and organization.
Communication-Visual: effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas / Create wiki pages and reports with visual aides to illustrate key concepts. / Creation of wiki page with group project
Empirical and Quantitative Skills: to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or observable facts resulting in informed conclusions. / Lab work and assignment involving analysis of numerical data. / Empirical, quantitative, and critical thinking core assessment with meteorological numerical analysis
Teamwork: to include the ability to consider different point of view and to work effectively with others to support a shared goal. / Group project involving cooperation to create a wiki / Wiki creation on problems from the text from a chosen chapter
Social Responsibility: to include intercultural competency, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities. / NA / NA
Personal Responsibility: to include the ability to connect choices, actions, and consequences to ethical decision-making. / NA / NA

*Indicates core areas required for this course

G.COURSE OUTLINE

Important information to consider as you start this course: The big benefit of an online course as opposed to an on campus course is that you can work on your class work at any time day or night. This benefit comes with a greater degree of responsibility. You must be disciplined to stay on schedule with your studies and assignments. This course is not suited for people who wait until the last minute to submit their work. You must be disciplined to stay on schedule with your studies and assignments.

The course is somewhat of a self-study format with an instructor to help you, but the course is not self-paced.

Go to MyBlackboard, on Geol. 1447 homepage, click on Content to take chapter quizzes and submit lab investigations answers. You will click on Assessments for the lecture tests.
Be sure to keep track of the calendar and update it to keep up to date with all deadlines for quizzes, tests, labs and when announced add the deadlines for discussions, core assessments, and extra credit. Organization is a key element for completing this course with a passing grade.
Week…. / Description of lecture quiz, labs, and deadlines
Chapter1-4 quizzes and labs 1-4 open 8am September 18 / Textbook Chapter
Monitoring the Weather- Quiz 1, deadline September 21
Investigations 1A and 1B; deadline September 22 / Chapter 1
Atmosphere: Origin, Composition, and Structure- Quiz 2 deadline September 25
Investigations 2A and 2B; deadline September 26
Discussion 1; deadlineSeptember 25 / Chapter 2
Solar and Terrestrial Radiation – Quiz 3,deadline September 28
Investigations. 3A and 3B; deadline September 29 / Chapter 3
Heat, Temperature, and Atmospheric Circulation – Quiz 4,deadline October 2
Investigations 4A and 4B; deadline October 3 / Chapter 4
Test 1 –available: 8am October 4 - 11:59pm October 6
Chapter 5- 8 quizzes & labs 5-8 open 8am October 5 / Test 1 – covers chapters 1,2,3, and 4
Air Pressure- Quiz 5,deadline October 9
Investigations 5A and 5B; deadline October11
Discussion 2; deadline October 11 / Chapter 5
Humidity, Saturation, and Stability – Quiz 6;deadline October 13
Investigations 6A and 6B; deadline October 16 / Chapter 6
Clouds, Precipitation, and Weather Radar –Quiz 7; deadline October 18
Investigations 7A and 7B; deadline October 20 / Chapter 7
Wind and Weather – Quiz 8,deadline October 23
Investigations 8A and 8B; deadline October 25
**Team Assignment due; deadline October27 / Chapter 8
Proctored Test 2 available: 9am October 30 – last start 6:30pm October 31
Chapter 9 – 12 quizzes and labs 9-12 open 8am October 31 / Test 2 – covers chapters 5,6,7, and 8
Atmosphere’s Planetary Circulation- Quiz 9; deadline November 2
Investigations 9 A and 9B; deadline November 3 / Chapter 9
Weather Systems of Middle Latitudes –Quiz 10; deadline November 6
Investigations 10 A and 10 B; deadline November 7
Written Assignment due; deadline November 8
Discussion 3; deadline November 10 / Chapter 10
Thunderstorms and Tornadoes –Quiz 11, deadline November 13
Investigations 11A and 11B; deadline November 15 / Chapter 11
Tropical Weather Systems – Quiz 12,deadline November 17
Investigations 12A and 12B;deadline November 20
EQCT Assignment due; deadline November 20 / Chapter 12
Test 3 –available: 8am November 27 – 11:59pm November 29
Discussion 4; deadlineDecember 1 / Test 3 – covers chapters 9,10,11,12
Proctored Test 4/final exam – comprehensive (chapters 1-12); available: 8am December 4 – last start 6:30 pm December 7
* look at study guide for Test 4 on bottom of CONTENT page and make sure you answered all questions at the end of each chapter during the semester. / Final Exam/Test 4

H.EXAMS AND MAJOR ASSIGNMENTS

Lecture Quizzes & Exams:

Quizzes and tests are given according to the course schedule. The quizzesand test will be given in MyBlackboard covering the material assigned in the text book. All of the quizzes and tests are open and available only on the days assigned. Once a quiz or test is closed, it will not be reopened. There are no make ups for quizzes or tests; if you miss a quiz or test, you will receive a “0” for that quiz or test.

There will be 12 Chapter Quizzes consisting of 10 multiple choice questions each, one every few days.

The exam policy is that four lecture tests will be given during this course. Only Test #4, the Final Exam, is comprehensive. Tests 1, 2, and 3 are not comprehensive. No makeup tests will be given – a missed test results in a zero for that test. All tests are timed. Should someone miss test 1,2,or 3 or do badly on one of these tests, the final exam (test 4) score, if higher than any one of the test 1, 2 or 3 scores, can serve to replace the low test grade [thus in effect the final exam can count twice].

Tests are usually allotted 80 minutes. All tests are worth 100 points each.

Please note, of the four exams planned for the semester, Test 1 and Test 3 are taken online whileTest 2 and Test 4 (final exam) are taken online but MUST BE TAKEN IN A PROCTORED SETTINGin the ACC Testing Center or on a personal computer through. ACCTestingCenter proctor services are free. ProctorU requires an additional fee of $25 for a two-hour test. If you opt to take the two required proctored exams using ProctorU, then you will be required to show registration to your Instructor with Proctor U 2 weeks prior to Test 2 and/or Test 4.

The AMS requires that we provide limited access to tests. You will only see your test grades (not the actual questions and your responses) after the availability period expires, usually within a day or two afterwards. If you want to see your test, the questions and your response, you will need to make an appointment with Mrs. Dora Devery,

and come on campus to see the test in her office. If you cannot come on campus, you can ask your Instructor to send you an overview of what information you got wrong on any given test.

Other Lecture Assignments:

  • Discussions: There will be four discussion items. Topics and instructions will be announced during the semester. A missed discussion deadline results in a zero for that discussion

`

  • Communication/Writing Core Assessment: Each student will prepare and submit a paper on a weather-related topic. Students will receive the parameters of the assignment in class.
  • Teamwork Core Assessment: Students will work in groups to research and present the pros and cons of a weather-related topic. The members of each team must demonstrate shared decision making and personal responsibility in ensuring that the final product is completed.
  • Empirical/Quantitative Core Assessment: Each student will work and submit a set of problems that assesses his or her ability to formulate a scientific inquiry, generate data utilizing mathematical formula(s), measurements, maps, and graphs. The student will provide a reasonable conclusion based on the analysis and synthesis of the data.

Lab Assignments:

There will be twelve weekly lab investigations; approximately one every 4-8 days. A missed lab results in a zero for that lab. Lab investigations require the current lab investigations manual. If you work ahead, you can always contact your instructor if you need help with any of the lab questions.

I.POLICIES ABOUT COURSEWORK AND DEADLINES

-Students are expected to obtain the e- textbook and investigations lab manual in time for the first day of class.

-Students are to send the instructor an e-mail stating that they have read the syllabus and schedule and they understand what is expected of them within the first week of class. Include your first and last name and student ID number in the e-mail.

-Students are expected to allocate a minimum of 10 hours per week on textbook readings, interacting with course materials, participating in class discussions and completing assignments, quizzes and exams.

-Students are expected to have a workable home computer with access to highspeed Internet and the course website/MyBlackboard or they can access the Internet through any of the computers in the ACC computer labs. A technical problem such as a slow or no Internet connection off-campus is NOT an acceptable excuse for late work.

- This course is conducted through Blackboard. The student is expected to log into this course at least every other day as completing assignments and exams on time will be counted as attendance. You will follow a self-study format but the due dates for each assignment and assessment apply. At a minimum check announcements and course messages each log-in. This informs you of what you need to do and any current information for the class. Always check for announcements and course messages.

-Remember: THIS IS NOT A SELF-PACED COURSE; THERE IS NO LATE WORK ALLOWED. *Should a one-time, extraordinary scheduling problem arise, notify your instructor in advance of the deadline to ask to reschedule the deadline. Falling behind more than a couple of assignments will make catching up extremely difficult.

- Extra Credit: A maximum of 20 extra credit points may be earned. The nature of these assignments and their due dates will be announced in class.

STUDY SUGGESTIONS FOR LECTURE & LAB

  1. Get a hard copy of a calendar and post the semester deadlines for all quizzes, labs, tests, core assessments, and discussions assigned during the semester. Organization is critical to successfully completing the assigned work in this class. This method seems old fashioned – but it works!
  1. You should get in the habit of working in advance of deadlines. This approach is beneficial for two reasons: a) if you need help you have plenty of time to ask for clarification and get it, and b) if there is a computer glitch you can alert the Instructor and get help.
  1. Read the assigned chapter to find out what is covered in that chapter. Re-read the chapter a second time and write an outline for that chapter. The outline is a record of the main information as well as key terms (words written in bold or italicized type) and concepts. Look at the review questions and critical thinking questions at the end of the chapter. Read the chapter a third time to find the answers to each of these questions. Write out each question and then write the answer. Once you have a good understanding of what information is in the chapter, only then should you take the chapter quiz and do the corresponding numbered lab. Chapter quizzes are located on the left side of the homepage screen in the section entitled: Content.
  1. Read the appropriate lab investigations A and B. Write down your answer choices. When you feel you are ready, go to Content in Blackboard and click on the appropriate lab investigations (remember you will do A and B) to submit your answers online. Read the related textbook chapter before doing each week's lab.
  1. All tests will be available for a few days within which time you are to take the test. See the syllabus or the lecture schedule for the dates. Look under Assessments (left side of our home page) for the tests. Tests are visible only during the availability period. Remember test 2 and 4 must be taken at the ACC Learning Lab or by subscribing at least 2 weeks prior to test 2 and paying $25 /test to Proctor U and meeting their requirements for proctoring your test while you are online.

The AMS requires that we provide limited access to tests. You will only see your test grades (not the actual questions and your responses) after the availability period expires, usually within a day or two afterwards. If you want to see your test, the questions and your response, you will need to make an appointment with Mrs. Devery and come on campus to see the test in her office. If you cannot come on campus, you can ask your Instructor to send you an overview of what information you got wrong on any given test.

Please note – if you have test anxieties but are conscientious and persevering – the tests cannot cause you to fail the course. You must be doing poorly in several of the course requirements to fail.

  1. Discussions are not difficult but they require you make an effort and put in some time. Don't be foolish and miss out on points that can be earned by doing these. To do the Discussions – go to Discussions on the left side of the screen on our home page.
  1. Grades for the various assignments, quizzes and tests will only appear after the availability (deadline) expires for that assessment – often the next day or two unless otherwise notified. Please note – during the semester you will see your grades for the various assessments on MyBlackboard – click on Tools to see MyGrades. At the end of the semester you will look at WebAccess for your final course grade.

J.GRADING SUMMARY