Welcome to Earth Science Lab Class!

Welcome to this introductory earth science lab course! I will assume everyone has a desire to know things about earth science because you chose this course to fulfill the general education requirement. A background in earth science is not required for success, just a willingness to listen and learn. Although you may not think the course is directly related to your major field of study, it will provide a general knowledge of your physical surroundings. The course covers a broad range of topics including rocks and minerals, maps and land structures, and astronomy.

I hope you are an eager participant in the acquisition of knowledge. A university degree provides a broad knowledge base in the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics, social science, fine arts, and more. It is good to be an active learner, not a passive recipient of information, and this course will give you a chance to do just that. This hands-on lab is designed to introduce you to the principles behind earth science. If you stay in my class, I will expect 100% of your time and talent for 2 hours a week plus a few hours outside class when you are preparing for the tests. This is a one credit class that meets for 2 hours a week, if you have scheduled another class during this two hour time block, you need to drop the class.

I encourage you to form study groups, not only for lab class but for the lecture that accompanies this lab. You may work together to solve the lab exercises each week, but when test time comes you are on your own. Believe in yourself! You can do this! My role as your teacher will be to mentor and collaborate, and your role as student will be to find the relevant data and information, blend that in with what you already know about the world. Use your time wisely, think about your thinking, and if you do not understand something, ask for help. I have no grand illusions that I can turn you all into earth science majors or minors, although I will try. Whether you are one who is scared of science or interested in science, there is something for everyone in this ES 111 Introduction to Earth Science Lab class.

A research study concluded that 20% of the students in a lecture based classroom retain the information they hear. She went on to discover after 8 minutes only 15% of the group is paying attention. Therefore, the main concepts will be summarized at the beginning of each lecture! Past final grades for this course have averaged: 26% A, 36% B, 30% C, 6% D, 2% F.

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For more information, contact S.W. Aber, abersusa@emporia.edu. You are currently the 00540th person to access this page since January 12, 1998. Thanks for visiting!

Last update: 18 January, 2003