Physical Science 107

Course Catalog Description

download poster

PHYSICAL SCIENCE 076 0107 - Current Public Issues in Physical Science
Interdisciplinary approach to physical sciences; current public issues serve as framework for course that covers earth sciences (conservation, pollution, space exploration) as well as other branches of science and social and humanistic aspects; integrates significant aspects of physical science with student's other studies as well as daily living. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course. 3 credit hours, 3 lecture hours per week based on sixteen weeks.

Instructor

Prof J. Walker
Department Chair, Physical Science and Engineering
jwalker@ccc.edu
Office: 3824/3826 (Main Office)
Phone: (773) 907-4698
Website: JustOnly.com

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday afternoons (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) by appointment. You may call (872) 216-1317 to leave messages.

I've been teaching at Truman College in Uptown, Chicago since 1982. Around the year 2000 I spent six years in administration, a valuable experience but ultimately not the path I wanted to follow. I have a master's degree in Chemistry from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne. I hold certificates in computer repair (A+), Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW), and Internet Security (CISSP). I have a variety of interests: Chemsitry, Web Development, Physical Sciences (all of them), Urban Gardening, and Education. I continue to explore a variety of techniques in the classroom in a blended: high tech - high touch approach. Technology is a great tool for teaching but it does not take the place of tactile, hands-on learning that occurs when we make something for ourselves. I use laboratory notebooks or journals in most of my classes. I love to do demonstrations in class. What I recommend for every student is to remember what it felt like to have the curiosity of a child - and find that curiosity again! The world is truly amazing.

Textbook

No textbook is required for this course but you are required to purchase a bound composition book (no spiral notebooks) to be used as a course journal.

Journal Instructions
Journal Checklist
Journal Rubric

Statement of Course Goal

The goal of this course is to inspire you and challenge you to learn about important issues based in the physical sciences such as anthropogenic climate change, soil chemistry and conservation, ocean chemistry and energy use and to gain a deeper understanding of the problems, solutions and controversies discussed in the news media.

Course Introduction

Notes from Introductory Powerpoint (9.4M)

Course Project

You will be expected to complete an original project in this course. More information can be found on the course project page.

Resources

• U.S. Energy Geography
• Global Energy Statistical Yearbook 2011
• Comparitive Map of the Atmosphere (originally from NASA 1962 data via Wikipedia: Earth's atmosphere)
• Geological Time Scale
• Climate Map
• Estimated U.S. Energy Use in 2010
• Energy Use, Google Public Data

International Websites

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

Government Organizations (.gov)

• Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy
• 21st Century Energy Challenges (video)
• United States Geological Survey
• National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration
• United States Environmental Protection Agency
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• Argonne National Laboratory
• Energy Flow
• NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies
• Online School for Weather

Organizations (.org)

• National Snow and Ice Date Center: Arctic Sea Ice News and Analysis
• American Museum of Natural History (Science)
• 350.org
• CO2now.org
• The Post Carbon Reader
• America's Power
• Chicago Climate Reaction

Educational Organizations (.edu)

• LEARN: Atmospheric Science Explorers - Cycles of the Atmosphere
• Drought Monitor
• Cameron Douglas Craig - Eastern Illinois University - video series

dot com websites (.com)

• Weather Underground

People

• David Archer
• Dr. Stephen Schneider
• Mark Lynas
• James Hansen
• Jon Foley

News

• USA Today
• The Wall Street Journal
• The New York Times
• The Washington Post
• Chicago Tribune
• Chicago Sun-Times
• Science Daily
• Le Monde
• The Independent
• National Geographic Daily News: Energy

Articles of Interest

• The Nine Plantary Boundaries
• Planatary Boundaries: Scientific Article
• Tragedy of the Commons

Simulations

• Sea Level Rise

Truman College Mission Statement

"Our Mission dedicates us to deliver high-quality, innovative, affordable and accessible educational opportunities and services that prepare students for a rapidly changing and diverse global economy."

FERPA

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records: http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html. Faculty cannot reveal information about students, or discuss student records over the phone or unsecure e-mail. CCC student e-mail meets FERPA requirements.

Student Services

The Student Services Department provides a broad range of services to assest students in achieving their academic and life goals.

Students with Disabilities

The Truman College Disability Access Center (DAC) verifies needs pursuant to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), determines student academic accommodations, and issues accomodation letters. Phone number: (773) 907-4725. Linda Ford is the director.

Tutoring Center

The tutoring center is located in room 162, Larry McKeon Administrative Building, (773) 907-4785.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO is for low-income students, first generation college students, or students with disabilities who need academic support: Larry McKeon Administrative Building Room 162, (773) 907-4797. Registration is required at the start of each semester.

Student Success and Leadership Institute (SSLI)

SSLI is for students who need various other support services to achieve their educatinal goals: Larry McKeon Student Services Building Suite 162, (773) 907-4714

Wellness Center

The Wellness Center provides a variety of services at no cost for students including counseling, crisis intervention, support groups and more. (773) 907-4045, Room 177, McKeon Admin. Bldg.