HEARTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EASC 122
INTRODUCTION TO EARTH SCIENCE LAB
COURSE SYLLABUS
FALL 2006
GENERAL INFORMATION
COURSE NUMBER/TITLE/CREDITS:
EASC 122
Introduction to Earth Science Lab, 1 Semester Credit Hour
INTRODUCTION:
This lab class is designed to exercise your analytical and problem solving skills using
scientific reasoning skills.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A beginning college-level laboratory science course that will present basic applications
with problem-solving challenges and discovery methods in the physical sciences.
LAB MANUAL:
Lab manual is available on-line at the Heartland Community College website. Web
address is http://www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/ms/easc/easc122labmanual/index.html. Each
student should download a copy of scheduled lab materials prior to class.
PREREQUISITE FOR THIS COURSE:
EASC 111 or 121 or concurrent enrollment.
STUDENTS FOR WHOM THIS COURSE IS INTENDED:
Non-science majors who have had little or no exposure to science in high school.
INSTRUCTOR:
Name: Steve Travers
Office: ICB 2402
Phone: (309) 310-9454
Email: stravers@heartland.edu
Office Hours:
Tuesday and Wednesday 6:00 to 7:00 PM
(Also be available by appointment)
COURSE PURPOSE
GENERAL COURSE GOALS:
1. Understanding of the scientific method by observing, gathering and evaluating
information.
2. Increasing analytical and reasoning skills.
3. Understanding basic physical science terms and concepts.
4. Aiding students in their ability to assess and make informed environmental
decisions.
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE TO STUDENT ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT:
EASC 122 provides a basic scientific laboratory foundation necessary for further collegelevel courses.
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE TO GENERAL EDUCATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS:
This class will fulfill lab science credit in the A.A. and A.S. degree requirements.
EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS
BELIEFS ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:
Students must take an active role in the learning process for it to take place. Desire,
effort and persistence are the key ingredients to your success.
BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHERS ROLE:
The teacher is responsible for creating an atmosphere conducive to the learning process.
Feel free to ask questions. I am very approachable; do not hesitate to do so. Ask
questions during the lab session, during my office hours or by appointment.
DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES AND RATIONALE:
Discussions, laboratory work and written assignments. Students will have the
opportunity to ask questions and contribute throughout.
DESCRIPTION OF LEARNING FORMAT:
Students will achieve success by:
1.
Attending lab sessions regularly
2.
Participating and contributing to class discussions and group work
3.
Ask questions when you do not understand or need something clarified
4.
Doing careful, thoughtful and thorough work
5.
Not giving up on themselves
FEEDBACK AND GRADING
GRADING SYSTEM/METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Scale: A  90%, B = 80-89%, C = 70-79%, D = 60-69%, F  60%. Three lab practical
exams are planned. The majority of your grade will be from your assigned work on labs.
You will be able to drop your one lowest lab score. No makeup labs or tests will be
given. If you miss a lab, that will be the one dropped from your score. You must take all
lab practical exams during their scheduled times.
POLICIES ON ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS/MAKEUPS:
No makeup for labs, tests or quizzes. One lowest lab score will be dropped. If you miss
a lab that will be the score that is dropped. Labs are due the following lab period.
POLICIES ON ATTENDENCE:
Regular class attendance is an important part of educational success and is expected of all
students. If you do not attend you will not be able to complete lab assignments. No
make up labs will be given. You are responsible for the information presented in each
lab for the practical exams. Exams may contain information presented during the lab
sessions that is not included in the laboratory assignments.
POLICIES OF CHEATING /PLAGIARISM:
Any student caught cheating on an exam will receive a score of “0” for that exam and a
final grade of “F” in the course. Any student plagiarizing any work in the completion of
an assignment, no matter what length of that assignment, will automatically receive an
“F” for the course and be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action
which may include expulsion from the college.
SUPPORT SERVICES
LIBRARY POLICIES:
Heartland Library
The library, located within the Academic Support Center (ASC) on the Normal campus,
provides Heartland students with a variety of on-campus resources that support both class
work and personal inquiry. Students may use the library here at Heartland and will be
informed by the instructor of the services available to them. For more information on the
Heartland Library services please call 268-8200.
Milner Library
Milner Library at Illinois State University is a public institution so you may use their
collection on site. If you want to request to check out materials, ask for a free
Community Borrowers card application at the Milner Library circulation desk. It is
important to have specific titles to request for check out when you apply for the card.
The card will give you access to their circulating collection for three months, with a four
week check out period. To qualify for this service you must live within 50 miles of
Milner Library, have a current state ID (driver’s license) with current address on ID, and
be over the age of 18.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE POLICIES:
If additional assistance is necessary outside of class, please contact me as soon as
possible. Tutoring can be arranged through Student Services.
CIRRCULAR AND TRANSFER STATUS
DEGREE/CERTIFICATE:
This course counts towards completion of the A.A. Degree or the A.S. Degree.
TRANSFERABILITY:
Check with an advisor to get specific transfer information related to the school you wish
to attend.
STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS AND PURPOSE
RELATIONSHIP OF COURSE GOALS TO ASSIGNMENTS:
Each assignment provides background needed to achieve course goals.
RATIONALE FOR COURSE CONTENT:
Course content covers science fundamentals and basic laboratory techniques necessary
for more advanced science courses. Topics in the class will increase earth-environment
awareness.
WHAT STUDENTS NEED TO BRING TO EACH LAB MEETING:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Pencil and pen
Calculator
Hammond Atlas
Weekly Lab Assignment
CALENDER AND LAB ASSIGNMENTS:
LAB ASSIGNMENTS
Metrics 1,2 & 3
Reaction Time Study
Soil & Water Differential Heating
Case of Contamination
Density
Oceanography
Practical Exam #1
Geography Worksheet
Topo Maps
Contours/Take a Hike
Earthquakes
Practical Exam #2
Minerals
Rocks
Mineral and Rock Review
Practical Exam #3
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16