Earth 10 - Energy and Earth's Climate
This is a sample syllabus.
This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Overview
This course presents the fundamentals of human energy use: where we get our energy from and why. Then we learn how our current energy sources affect the environment, motivating humans to find new, safer, more renewable energy sources in the future.
Objectives
When you successfully complete this course, you will be prepared to explain:
- why humans currently get most of their energy from fossil fuel sources
- the two main problems with continued reliance on fossil fuels for energy
- the evidence linking fossil fuel burning with climate change.
Required Materials
Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.
Prerequisites
None.
Expectations
We have worked hard to make this the most effective and convenient educational experience possible. How much and how well you learn is dependent on your attitude, diligence, and willingness to ask for clarifications or help when you need them. We are here to help you succeed. Please keep up with the class schedule and take advantage of opportunities to communicate with us and with your fellow students. You can expect to spend an average of 8 - 10 hours per week on class work.
Major Assignments
This course will rely on a variety of methods to assess and evaluate student learning, including:
- 5 multiple choice module quizzes (40% of total course grade)
- 5 module activities (30% of total course grade)
- A capstone project in which you will quantify your own energy usage and look for ways to become more efficient (30% of total course grade)
Course Schedule
| Module | Week | Topic | Assignment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1 | Orientation |
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| 1 | 2 | Why Energy Matters |
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| 1 | 3 | Why Energy Matters, continued |
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| 2 | 4 | What is Energy? |
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| 2 | 5 | What is Energy? |
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| 2 | 6 | What is Energy? |
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| 3 | 7 | Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas | Drilling, Fracking & Reserves |
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| 3 | 8 | Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas | Drilling, Fracking & Reserves, cont. |
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| 3 | 9 | Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas | Drilling, Fracking & Reserves, cont. |
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| 4 | 10 | Global Warming - Physics |
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| 4 | 11 | Global Warming - Physics, cont. |
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| 4 | 12 | Global Warming - Physics, cont. |
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| 5 | 13 | Global Warming - History |
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| 5 | 14 | Global Warming - History, cont. |
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| 5 | 15 | Global Warming - History, cont. |
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