This course is designed to acquaint students with the earth sciences including geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy. It uses laboratory work in topics chosen from physics and chemistry to deal with science and scientific information. Two hours of lecture and one three-hour laboratory each week, plus one extended and several short field trips. This introductory course examines the physical properties of the atmosphere, radiation heating and cooling, precipitation, clouds, weather disturbance, climate controls, map reading, and aviation weather. An overview of the development of astronomy.
Material covers the earth, moon, planets, sun and other stars.
Opportunities for celestial and solar observations are provided. Photography will be used as an entrance into various areas of science. Laboratory, darkroom, and field experiences will explore how practical use is made of scientific knowledge. Mechanics and properties of matter, heat, wave motion and sound. Topics are directly related to applied technology.