PSCI 211 Spring 2021 (CRN 34161) Physical Science Welcome Letter: PSCI 211 Physical Science Astronomy Section Welcome Letters: Michelle Kaul's Portfolio

PSCI 211 Spring 2021 (CRN 34161) Physical Science Welcome Letter

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Cuesta College PSCI 211, CRN 34161

Physical Science: Astronomy Section (Weeks 1-8)

(Please see Geology Section for important details about the 2nd half of this course)

Online Spring 2021 Welcome Letter

*This course begins on Tuesday January 19^th and course syllabus, more course information/resources, and beginning orientations/modules will be posted on the course canvas site by Monday January 18^th. We will have an introductory Zoom class on January 20th from 11-12 to introduce the course, go over some important information about the course, and get you started on learning the cosmos!

Greetings Students!

Welcome to the spring online version of Physical Science: Astronomy and Geology sections, here at Cuesta College. I look forward to instructing you through the astronomy online section of this course and exploring the fascinating world of astronomy with you! Although originally intended to be a face to face class, this will be a fully online course this spring due to the COVID 19 pandemic. There is an "astronomical" amount of information about the cosmos online that we will adopt and make use of that will supplement our lectures and text for this class. This course will be very interactive online, and I will work with each of you through our Canvas course platform while providing an engaging and interesting online course which not only fulfills your GE/transfer requirements, but also provides you with a solid foundation in beginning concepts in the physical science of astronomy. There will be a focus on teaching astronomy principles for future K-12 educators, in addition to providing fundamental "astronomical" concepts I hope you continue to explore beyond this course! Please read the important information below concerning this class and be sure to read through the syllabus, which will be available on our Canvas course site the first day of spring classes, our online learning platform for this Cuesta class, at the start of our spring session!

Instructor Information

Instructor: Michelle Kaul

Email: mkaul@cuesta.edu Website: www.kaulspace.comLinks to an external site.

Contact Information: The way to contact me is through email. On weekdays, I typically respond back within 24 hours. On occasion or on weekends, it may take longer depending on the volume I need to respond to. If I do not respond immediately and it is urgent, please send another email to be sure I know it is pressing or that your information did not get lost in the black hole of emails. Email is set up in Canvas so you can easily contact me through our course site. Please use your Cuesta email since this is your online identity for this course. In an emergency, you can also contact our division assistant by phone, 805 546 . Please do not contact me through the campus phone system since I do use the office phone. Since this is an online course during a pandemic, there will be no face to face meets/office hours. We will hold office hours through Zoom (ConferZoom on Canvas menu), which will have meet times set up each week.

Course Meets

Interactive Class Zoom Time: Wednesdays 11-12 (Go over class material for the week, presentations with live interaction for the week's material, group work time on problems, and more! I will record some of these supplementary sessions all can access.

Zoom Office Hours: Fridays 11-12 and by appointment using Zoom (ConferZoom tab in Canvas). If I see a need for more time slots, I will add more regular times.

Online Course Access/ Personal Website: Cuesta Course Canvas Site and www.kaulspace.com

Prerequisite

Math 122 or 123 or equivalent with a grade C or better. Transfer CSU/UC

Required Materials/Course Requirements

Textbook: Conceptual Physical Science, Pearson Publishing, 6th. Ed. - Hewitt, Suchocki, Hewitt

Note: ebooks are permissible and textbooks can also be rented instead on Amazon or Chegg for lower prices. You do not need any software or access codes.

$25 Lab fee to sign up with SLOOH (student account discount) for online telescope use for a year! ) More information will be forthcoming.
Calculator: A scientific calculator is required (online versions will suffice).
Computer and Web Access: Please visit the Cuesta distance education website (link below) to review all computer requirements for online classes.
Canvas: Access required and provided by Cuesta when registered with this class.
Access to a Printer: Please be sure you are able to access a printer to print materials that may be needed for astronomy lab projects (starcharts, rulers, protractors, etc.)

Scanning App: Students will be required to scan some documents, convert them to pdf format, and upload them into their Canvas assignments to be graded. There are many free scanning apps such as AdobeScan, Genius Scan, Cam Scanner, Pages, and more! I will list these and others on our course Canvas site.

Computer Access/Resources/Info

This online learning for this course will be facilitated using the “Web-based Learning Management System”, Canvas, which will be used to access class resources such as files, lectures, videos, assignments, homework/projects, web resources, simulations, class discussions, take quizzes/exams, submit assignments, check your grades, and chat with the instructor and other students. Additional information will be provided for you on the Canvas site for this course.
You must use your official Cuesta College email address, yourID@my.cuesta.edu, for online interactionswhich is given to you by the college when you register for this course.
Instructions for accessing Canvas courses and general online distance learning information can be found here: http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/index.htmlLinks to an external site.
Recommended browsers for this online course are Firefox or Chrome. Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications in the link provided above.
For any technical issues related to accessing Cuesta's Canvas Site, please email: support@my.cuesta.edu. Also, you can contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680 or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

Online Instruction Delivery

The instruction for this course will be a mix of zoom lectures/interactions, videos, power points presentations (some with audio lecture), online problem solving, interactive online astronomy exercises and lab work, and general discussion board topics, all of which can be accessed under modules (set up for each week) and pages for individual topics in Canvas Chapter homework from the text and corresponding worksheets will also be assigned to reinforce and practice course material, along with other reading/video projects, and lab work that includes doing some outdoor observational astronomy. Quiz/exam material will be based on homework assigned, all stemming from lecture/course content. Also, we will make use of the discussion board on Canvas to interact as a class and do some group work during zoom meets (TBA). This is great platforms to use for questions/answers pertaining to class material!

Course Description

This course will teach you the fundamentals of introductory astronomy and help you develop your skills in differentiating between various types of astronomical bodies, explore the laws that govern them, and develop some problem solving skills used in astronomy. For the official course description and course outline of record please go to:

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Develop foundational astronomy principles, learn to navigate the night sky, and solve problems utilizing general astronomy principles.
2. Perform laboratory experiments and explain the underlying science behind them.

Course Assignments/Grading for Astronomy Section:

Quizzes: 200 points

Homework/Assignments/Projects: 80 points

Participation/Discussions: 20 points

Labs: 200 points

= Course Total Points: 500 Astronomy + 500 Geology = 1000 points

Note: Assignment Descriptions will be discussed and available on the course syllabus first day of class and opportunities for extra credit will be presented during the course.

Grading Scheme: (based on percentage, for example, 425 points out of 500 = 85% = B)

A [90, $LaTeX: \infty$ ), B [80,90), C [70, 80), D [60, 70), F (- $LaTeX: \infty$ , 60)

Important Dates

Final Exam: TBA and please see Geology section for information (Cuesta Finals Schedule)

Important Online Course Expectations

Online classes require just as much work, if not more, than in person classes. It is important that you keep up with assignments, spend at least the recommended minimum time outside of class time, which for 4 credit hours in a week for spring with lab is 6 x 1.5 =9 hours.

As an online student you will be responsible for:

Checking your email regularly for any information regarding this class.
Checking and reading class announcements made through Canvas for important information/updates/changes.
Keeping up with the weekly modules.
Keeping up with online scheduled assignments and quizzes.
Keeping up with new lecture, course material, and class posts (new material will be posted on a regular basis). It is important you do not fall behind on the material in a quick paced college course!
Making sure you upload and submit assignments that are accessible/legible to me (pdf format for most).
Turn in assignments in a timely manner and prepare to have enough time to upload/download material.
Communicate – contact me with any questions/concerns about the course with me!

Drop and Withdraw Policy:

Since participation is important in this course, students must continually participate in order to stay in the class. Students who continually turn in assignments late, or who miss a significant number of assignments will be dropped if this occurs before the "W" date. If you decide to withdraw, use the link below to follow the college protocol:

https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.htmlLinks to an external site.

General Cuesta Policies:

You are required to interact in this online course in a professional manner. We will adhere to college policy in all matters of conduct. Academic honesty is upheld and cheating/copying work from other students will not be tolerated and can result in a F. Please refer to the guidelines and policies listed in the college student handbook, http://academic.cuesta.edu/handbook/Links to an external site. .

Students with Disabilities:

If you have or believe you have a disability that could affect your learning or participation in this course, please contact me and contact DSPS at 805 546–3148 as soon as possible. They will provide any necessary accommodations and notify me of how best to work with your needs. This course is designed to be ADA compliant and any adjustments to better accommodate you can be made. DSPS information can be found at the DSPS websiteLinks to an external site.

Special Notes:

It is my goal to see that you succeed in this course. Please reach out to me regarding any questions/concerns you have about this course – communication is key in successfully completing online courses. Also, please take note of the final exam date and make sure that it does not conflict with any other classes you are taking. If there is an exam conflict or if for some extreme reason you cannot make this date, contact me within the first two weeks of class to make arrangements. Otherwise, the final exam date will not be changed and cannot be made-up.

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[{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<div id=\"page_content\" class=\"ui-sortable\">\n<div id=\"page_section_0\" class=\"section \">\n<div class=\"section_content\">\n<h2>Cuesta College PSCI 211, CRN 34161</h2>\n<h2>Physical Science: Astronomy Section (Weeks 1-8)</h2>\n(Please see Geology Section for important details about the 2nd half of this course)\nOnline Spring 2021 Welcome Letter\n*This course begins on Tuesday January 19th and course syllabus, more course information/resources, and beginning orientations/modules will be posted on the course canvas site by Monday January 18th. We will have an introductory Zoom class on January 20th from 11-12 to introduce the course, go over some important information about the course, and get you started on learning the cosmos!\nGreetings Students!\nWelcome to the spring online version of Physical Science:  Astronomy and Geology sections, here at Cuesta College. I look forward to instructing you through the astronomy online section of this course and exploring the fascinating world of astronomy with you!  Although originally intended to be a face to face class, this will be a fully online course this spring due to the COVID 19 pandemic.  There is an \"astronomical\" amount of  information about the cosmos online that we will adopt and make use of that will supplement our lectures and text for this class.  This course will be very interactive online, and I will work with each of you through our Canvas course platform while providing an engaging and interesting online course which not only fulfills your GE/transfer requirements, but also provides you with a solid foundation in beginning concepts in the physical science of astronomy.  There will be a focus on teaching astronomy principles for future K-12 educators, in addition to providing fundamental \"astronomical\" concepts I hope you continue to explore beyond this course!  Please read the important information below concerning this class and be sure to read through the syllabus, which will be available on our Canvas course site the first day of spring classes, our online learning platform for this Cuesta class, at the start of our spring session!\n<h3>Instructor Information </h3>\nInstructor:  Michelle Kaul    \nEmail:   <a href=\"mailto:mkaul@cuesta.edu\">mkaul@cuesta.edu</a>  Website:  <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.kaulspace.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.kaulspace.comLinks to an external site.</a>\nContact Information:  The way to contact me is through email.  On weekdays, I typically respond back within 24 hours.  On occasion or on weekends, it may take longer depending on the volume I need to respond to.  If I do not respond immediately and it is urgent, please send another email to be sure I know it is pressing or that your information did not get lost in the black hole of emails.  Email is set up in Canvas so you can easily contact me through our course site.  Please use your Cuesta email since this is your online identity for this course.   In an emergency, you can also contact our division assistant by phone, 805 546 .  Please do not contact me through the campus phone system since I do use the office phone.  Since this is an online course during a pandemic, there will be no face to face meets/office hours.  We will hold office hours through Zoom (ConferZoom on Canvas menu), which will have meet times set up each week. \n<a href=\"mailto:mkaul@cuesta.edu\"></a>\n<h3>Course Meets</h3>\nInteractive Class Zoom Time:  Wednesdays 11-12 (Go over class material for the week, presentations with live interaction for the week's material, group work time on problems, and more!  I will record some of these supplementary sessions all can access. \nZoom Office Hours:  Fridays 11-12 and  by appointment using Zoom (ConferZoom tab in Canvas).  If I see a need for more time slots, I will add more regular times.\nOnline Course Access/ Personal Website:  Cuesta Course Canvas Site and <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.kaulspace.com\" target=\"_blank\">www.kaulspace.com</a><a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.kaulspace.com/\" target=\"_blank\"></a>\n<h3>Prerequisite</h3>\nMath 122 or 123  or equivalent with a grade C or better.  Transfer CSU/UC\n<h3>Required Materials/Course Requirements</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\nTextbook:  Conceptual Physical Science, Pearson Publishing, 6th. Ed. - Hewitt, Suchocki, Hewitt \n</li>\n</ul>\n Note:  ebooks are permissible and textbooks can also be rented instead on Amazon or Chegg for lower prices.  You do not need any software or access codes.\n<ul>\n<li>\n$25 Lab fee to sign up with SLOOH (student account discount) for online telescope use for a year! ) More information will be forthcoming.</li>\n<li>\nCalculator:  A scientific calculator is required (online versions will suffice).</li>\n<li>\nComputer and Web Access:  Please visit the Cuesta distance education website (link below) to review all computer requirements for online classes.</li>\n<li>\nCanvas:  Access required and provided by Cuesta when registered with this class.</li>\n<li>\nAccess to a Printer:  Please be sure you are able to access a printer to print materials that may be needed for astronomy lab projects (starcharts, rulers, protractors, etc.)</li>\n</ul>\n Scanning App:  Students will be required to scan some documents, convert them to pdf format, and upload them into their Canvas assignments to be graded.  There are many free scanning apps such as AdobeScan, Genius Scan, Cam Scanner, Pages, and more!  I  will list these and others on our course Canvas site.\n<h3>Computer Access/Resources/Info</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>This online learning for this course will be facilitated using the “Web-based Learning Management System”, Canvas, which will be used to access class resources such as files, lectures, videos, assignments, homework/projects, web resources, simulations, class discussions, take quizzes/exams, submit assignments, check your grades, and chat with the instructor and other students.  Additional information will be provided for you on the Canvas site for this course.</li>\n<li>You must use your official Cuesta College email address, yourID@my.cuesta.edu, for online interactionswhich is given to you by the college when you register for this course.\n</li>\n<li>\nInstructions for accessing Canvas courses and general online distance learning information can be found here: <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/index.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n</li>\n<li>Recommended browsers for this online course are Firefox or Chrome. Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications in the link provided above.</li>\n<li>For any technical issues related to accessing Cuesta's Canvas Site, please email: <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>.  Also, you can contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680 or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem. \n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Online Instruction Delivery</h3>\n            The instruction for this course will be a mix of zoom lectures/interactions, videos, power points presentations (some with audio lecture), online problem solving, interactive online astronomy exercises and lab work, and general discussion board topics, all of which can be accessed under modules (set up for each week) and pages for individual topics in Canvas   Chapter homework from the text and corresponding worksheets will also be assigned to reinforce and practice course material, along with other reading/video projects, and lab work that includes doing some outdoor observational astronomy.  Quiz/exam material will be based on homework assigned, all stemming from lecture/course content.  Also, we will make use of the discussion board on Canvas to interact as a class and do some group work during zoom meets (TBA).  This is great platforms to use for questions/answers pertaining to class material! \n<h3>Course Description</h3>\nThis course will teach you the fundamentals of introductory astronomy and help you develop your skills in differentiating between various types of astronomical bodies, explore the laws that govern them, and develop some problem solving skills used in astronomy.  For the official course description and course outline of record please go to:\nStudent Learning Outcomes:\nUpon completion of this course the student should be able to:\n<ol>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ol>\n<li>Develop foundational astronomy principles, learn to navigate the night sky, and solve problems utilizing general astronomy principles.</li>\n<li>Perform laboratory experiments and explain the underlying science behind them.</li>\n</ol>\n</li>\n</ol>\n<h3>\nCourse Assignments/Grading for Astronomy Section: \n</h3>\n            Quizzes:  200 points \n            Homework/Assignments/Projects:  80 points\n            Participation/Discussions:  20 points\n            Labs:  200 points\n   = Course Total Points:  500 Astronomy + 500 Geology = 1000  points\nNote:  Assignment Descriptions will be discussed and available on the course syllabus first day of class and opportunities for extra credit will be presented during the course. \nGrading Scheme: (based on percentage, for example, 425 points out of 500 = 85% = B)\n                        A [90, <img class=\"equation_image\" title=\"\\infty\" src=\"/equation_images/%255Cinfty\" alt=\"LaTeX: \\infty\" data-equation-content=\"\\infty\">), B [80,90), C [70, 80), D [60, 70), F (-<img class=\"equation_image\" title=\"\\infty\" src=\"/equation_images/%255Cinfty\" alt=\"LaTeX: \\infty\" data-equation-content=\"\\infty\">, 60) \n<h3>Important Dates</h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n  Final Exam:  TBA and please see Geology section for information (Cuesta Finals Schedule) \n</li>\n</ul>\n<h3>Important Online Course Expectations</h3>\n Online classes require just as much work, if not more, than in person classes.  It is important that you keep up with assignments, spend at least the recommended minimum time outside of class time, which for 4 credit hours in a week for spring with lab is 6 x 1.5 =9 hours.\nAs an online student you will be responsible for:\n<ul>\n<li>Checking your email regularly for any information regarding this class.</li>\n<li>Checking and reading class announcements made through Canvas for important information/updates/changes.</li>\n<li>Keeping up with the weekly modules.</li>\n<li>Keeping up with online scheduled assignments and quizzes.</li>\n<li>Keeping up with new lecture, course material, and class posts (new material will be posted on a regular basis). It is important you do not fall behind on the material in a quick paced college course!</li>\n<li>Making sure you upload and submit assignments that are accessible/legible to me (pdf format for most).</li>\n<li>Turn in assignments in a timely manner and prepare to have enough time to upload/download material.</li>\n<li>Communicate – contact me with any questions/concerns about the course with me!</li>\n</ul>\nDrop and Withdraw Policy:\nSince participation is important in this course, students must continually participate in order to stay in the class.  Students who continually turn in assignments late, or who miss a significant number of assignments will be dropped if this occurs before the \"W\" date. If you decide to withdraw, use the link below to follow the college protocol:\n<a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.htmlLinks to an external site.</a>\n General Cuesta Policies:\nYou are required to interact in this online course in a professional manner.  We will adhere to college policy in all matters of conduct.  Academic honesty is upheld and cheating/copying work from other students will not be tolerated and can result in a F.  Please refer to the guidelines and policies listed in the college student handbook, <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://academic.cuesta.edu/handbook/\" target=\"_blank\">http://academic.cuesta.edu/handbook/Links to an external site.</a> .\n Students with Disabilities:\n<h4>\nIf you have or believe you have a disability that could affect your learning or participation in this course, please contact me and contact DSPS at 805 546–3148 as soon as possible. They will provide any necessary accommodations and notify me of how best to work with your needs.  This course is designed to be ADA compliant and any adjustments to better accommodate you can be made.  DSPS information can be found at the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/dsps_services.html\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS websiteLinks to an external site.</a>\n</h4>\n Special Notes:\n<h4>It is my goal to see that you succeed in this course.  Please reach out to me regarding any questions/concerns you have about this course – communication is key in successfully completing online courses.   Also, please take note of the final exam date and make sure that it does not conflict with any other classes you are taking.  If there is an exam conflict or if for some extreme reason you cannot make this date, contact me within the first two weeks of class to make arrangements.  Otherwise, the final exam date will not be changed and cannot be made-up.</h4>\n \n  \n</div>\n</div>\n</div>"}]

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Michelle Kaul's Portfolio