This Page Course Information Course Objectives Methods of Instruction In-Class Assignments Textbook and    Lab Materials Preparation Evaluation Office Hours

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(NOTE:  Rita Haberlin Will Not Be Teaching The Lab This Semester.)
Elena Givental, Instructor, Room 323
Tuesday,  01:15 p.m. - 04:00 p.m. (Course Code 42868)

COURSE INFORMATION
In this course, you reinforce your understanding of the basic concepts of physical geography using the World Wide Web, field trips, and geographic information systems (GIS). You examine practical examples of physical phenomena. Many of these examples are taken from California. You study earth-sun relationships, weather, climate, geologic processes, and landforms using topographic maps, weather charts, statistical data, and field observations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
In this course you learn to:

• Use the World Wide Web as a geographic resource
• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills using geographic data in a computerized geographic information system (GIS)
• Identify rocks and landforms in the field and draw and interpret contours on U.S. Geological Survey topographic maps
• Recognize weather conditions, interpret and predict weather from meteorological charts, and plot graphs depicting climate data
• Assess the potential for damage presented by geologic and climatic hazards, and suggest solutions to environmental problems

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

• Preparation using computer-assisted instruction or Web resources
• Practical laboratory exercises using World Wide Web, geographic information systems (GIS), maps, charts, instruments, and statistical data.
• Video case studies and field trips to observe and analyze landforms and geological phenomena

IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS:   3 hours per Lab
You will work on written lab exercises that require problem-solving, construction of graphs, interpretation of topographic maps and weather charts, field observation, and analysis of data using geographic information systems (GIS).

TEXTBOOK AND LAB MATERIALS
You will have printed exercises for each lab topic. Bring your physical geography textbook as a resource for the lab.

Important:  You need colored pencils, a No. 2 pencil, an eraser, a ruler, and a clipboard.

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PREPARATION
You should be prepared for the lab by having a good understanding of the subject matter. Complete the assigned readings and computer tutorials before the lab even if that topic has not yet been discussed in your regular physical geography class. Preparation is particularly important for students who are not currently enrolled in physical geography at Berkeley City College.

EVALUATION
You will be evaluated based upon satisfactory completion of the regular lab assignments, occasional exit quizzes, a lab midterm, and a final lab examination. The purpose of the lab is to understand the material that you are working with and to develop skills in reasoning from maps, graphs, data, and other information. You should also develop skills in presenting data in graphical or map form. It is important to read the instructions carefully. It is a good idea to use a highlighter to highlight the important steps in the assignment. Some labs are designed so that you can work with others and some labs are graded and should be completed on your own. You can ask the instructor to help you understand the lab assignment.

It is important that you arrive promptly for the lab (01:15 p.m.). At the beginning of each lab, instructions and explanations are given and videos may be shown in order for you to complete the assignment. Lab assignments must be completed in the lab. Do not copy answers to lab assignments. You must understand what you are doing or you will be wasting your time. The answers to the lab assignments should be expressed in your own words. From time to time, you will be given exit quizzes after you have completed the lab or review quizzes at the beginning of the next lab. There are no make-up labs. You may ask for a copy of the lab for your records.

Your grade in this lab class will be based upon the following:

1. Preparation and attitude. Come to class on time, with the materials that you need. Complete assigned reading and computer tutorials before the lab. Work cooperatively or independently depending upon the lab assignment.

2. Satisfactory completion of the graded and ungraded lab assignments

3. Exit and Review quizzes

4. Midterm and final examination. This is particularly important. You must demonstrate in these examinations that you understand the topics and skills from the lab class to receive credit for this course.

5. Completion of a lab project

OFFICE HOURS
A lab class is much more informal than a lecture class. You should have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss any problems during the lab. You may send an email to me at rhaberlin@aol.com.

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Created by Rita D. Haberlin, Geography Professor
rhaberlin@aol.com
Peralta Community College District
333 East Eighth Street
Oakland, CA 94606
www.Peralta.edu