Geography 101-L---- The Natural Environment Lab
01
Th: 1:30–4:00pm
(CRN: 62103)
INSTRUCTOR: Toshi Ikagawa, Ph.D.
OFFICE: Na’auao 116
OFFICE
HOURS: MTWR: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
TELEPHONE: 236-9216; ikagawa@hawaii.edu
EFFECTIVE DATE: Fall 2009
Windward Community College is
committed to excellence in the liberal arts and career development;
we support and challenge individuals to develop skills, fulfill their
potential, enrich their lives, and become contributing, culturally aware
members of our community.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Survey of the global
environment lab. Analysis of the natural environment through field and laboratory observations/experiments.
Emphasis on Hawai‘i and on human modification of the environment.
Activities
Required at Scheduled Times Other Than Class Times
None
At the
completion of the course, the student should learn to:
1. Apply the scientific method to study a physical environment: Define a
problem for a study, gather and record data, analyze the data, arrive at
appropriate conclusions, and report the findings in written form.
2. Use various instruments, such as a compass, GPS unit and thermometer, to gather
environmental data.
3. Use the metric system, scientific
notation, graphs, and geographic and basic statistical measurements.
4. Write a lab report using the standard scientific format.
REQUIREMENTS
COURSE SATISFIES
At
WCC: Meets
natural science laboratory course requirement
Bio-Resources Development & Management
Certificate
At
UH Manoa: Meets
DY requirement
PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES
GEOG 101 (The
Natural Environment)
RECOMMENDED
BASIC SKILLS LEVEL
Ability
to read and write at a college level
Required Lab manual:
The Natural Environment: A Laboratory Manual
by Ikagawa.
Recommended Textbook:
Geography 101 Book (Online Textbook) by Dennis Nullet.
This
textbook can be accessed at: http://www2.hawaii.edu/%7Edennis/book/
User ID: geog101
Password: panda
COURSE
TASKS
Dear Geography Students:
Welcome to the Geography 101-L course,
The Natural Environment Lab. This lab class examines the Earth's Natural
Environment. The structure and processes of major environments will be examined.
Assignments:
It is assumed that you read and understand all the
assigned part of the textbook before each class period (see the class
schedule attached) and ready for lab exercise.
Attendance:
Attendance is mandatory, and presence/absence will be
evaluated by lab exercises you turn in at the end of each class. It is assumed that you know and understand all the
materials covered in all lectures and lab exercises (part of which
may not be covered in the textbook). Also, any changes in the content, material, schedule, procedure
related to the class, announced during any class period will stand, even if you
are not there. It is your responsibility to obtain such information from your
classmate or any other sources, if you miss any lectures.
ASSESSMENT
TASKS AND GRADING
Student Evaluation:
There
will be 12 lab exercises (60% of the total grades). The rest (40%
of the total grades) will be assessed by attendance and participation.
NOTE: The Research Project (Lab 12) is mandatory. Without successfully completing
and presenting it in class, you will NOT receive a passing grade (See Schedule
below).
Grading uses the standard scale:
A: 90.0-100.0%,
B: 80.0-89.9%; C: 70.0-79.9%, D: 60.0-69.9%, F: 0-59.9%.
For Cr/NC options, Incomplete (“I”
grade), and “W” grade, see the WCC College Catalog.
There is
no “N” grade in this class.
NOTE: There is NO extra credit work.
COURSE CONTENT
Week Subject
1. Introduction
2. Geographic
grid system: Latitude/longitude
& time zones*
3. Field
mapping: Compass/pacing (Map the campus)
4. Map
projections: Great circles, conformality, and equivalency*
5. Microclimate
(Temperature): Comparing Albedo & temperature
6. Seasons:
Sun’s altitude, analemma*
7. Atmospheric moisture: Relative
humidity, dew point
8. Topographic
map reading *
9. Soil and water: Water penetration (Coffee can experiment)
10. Rocks:
Identification and comparison*
11. Vegetation
ecology: Weed transects survey
12. Climate classification: Köppen climate classification/Big Island climate *
13. Scientific method: Research project proposal
14. In
class presentation of “Research project”*
*: Indoor labs.
15. GPS
16. GIS*
NOTE: Depending on the weather, this schedule may
change without prior notice.
Disabilities
Accommodation Statement
If
you have a physical, sensory, health, cognitive, or mental health disability
that could limit your ability to fully participate in this class, you are encouraged
to contact the Disability Specialist Counselor to discuss reasonable
accommodations that will help you succeed in this class. Ann Lemke
can be reached at 235-7448, lemke@hawaii.edu,
or you may stop by
Hale ‘Akoakoa 213 for more information.
Supplies: Color pencils, ruler,
protractor, etc.
Legal assumptions:
It is hereby assumed that you will strictly
follow all and any reasonable procedures/ethics, etc. that are enforced in this
academic institution.
Last revised: August 4, 2009