In the process of actually building a working robot, students will focus on the application of electromechanical mechanisms, learn about electronic circuits, how to read wiring diagrams and schematics, and how to handle a soldering iron without getting burned. The opportunity to develop and fine tune writing skills will be made through a concentration on the use of precise language, figures of speech and imagery. Emphasis will be put on setting, plot, characterization, dialogue, and the need for careful proofreading and revision. Students will be presented with some of the thoughts and belief systems of civilization s foremost philosophers and they will see how those traditions have been woven into our American society. This course will again utilize the live computer link-up with the Dig at Cana in Israel under the directorship of Dr. Edwards of the University of Puget Sound and Dr. Oakman of Pacific Lutheran University.
All societies share seven cultural universals.
The societies being unearthed at Cana will be scrutinized according to those universals and then compared to one or more contemporary societies. The students will plan for the colonization and terraforming of the planet Mars. This interdisciplinary course melds strong strands of science, mathematics, political science, and social studies as well as a fascinating science fiction writing component. The students will spend a day at the Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education. This nicely paced and entertaining course is designed to take the mystery, but not the usefulness, out of the study of algebra.