EARTH 106 (Black Holes MW 8:00 - 9:35 am)

DAILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

8/24 Mon
  • Go over syllabus and class expectations.
  • Handy handout on the Scientific Method. List of Historical Characters.
  • Discuss essay different topics and books that the class will focus on..
  • Begin thinking of topics for your Class Essay Project.
  • Be prepared to select a topic sometime in a few weeks (after we finish with Ch 1).
  • Read Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".
  • Chapter 1 "tidbits" to think about:
    The big questions, the mind of "God", tortoises "all the way down", flat Earth vs round Earth, geocentric vs heliocentric, Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicas, Galileo, Newton, Einstein, static universe, gravitational collapse of universe, 1st cause, biblical beginnings 5000 yrs BC (Genesis), time before the existence of the universe, Olber's Paradox, Hubble expansion of universe, theories (proof vs disproof), theory "survival of the fittest", General Theory of Relativity (up to 10^24 mi) and Quantum Mechanics (down to 10^12 inch), need for a Quantum Theory of Gravity (your homework for tonight is to come up with this theory), determinism should determine if deterministic theory can be found (or not) or if it's right or wrong, Grand Unification Theory, how does this benefit us (or does science knowledge "doom us all".
8/26 Wed
  • Begin thinking of topics for your Class Essay Project.
  • Be prepared to select a topic sometime in a few weeks (after we finish with Ch 1).
  • Finish reading Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".
  • Chapter 1 "tidbits" to think about given above - will discuss in class.
  • Quiz on Ch 1 to be given in class next Mon.  Will often give quizzes right when class starts.
  • Join our school club (fun people, events, activities, discounts) - Search on Facebook for "SBCC Astronomy Club"
8/31 Mon
  • Quiz today on Ch1 material of Stephen Hawking's book.
  • Be prepared for a quiz at the start of every class.
  • Skip Ch 2 (for now), and continue reading with Ch 3 of the Hawking book.
9/2 Wed
  • Finish Ch 3 and then read Ch 8 on the "Origin & Fate of the Universe".
  • Will continue our discussion on the "Big Bang" Inflationary Model of the Universe.
  • Next Monday is a holiday - see you all on Wed!
9/9 Wed
  • Finish Ch 3 and Ch 8 on the "Origin & Fate of the Universe".
  • Will pass out selected readings from "The First Three Minutes".
  • Will have another quiz on the reading Ch 3 and Ch 8.
  • Will continue our discussion on the "Big Bang" Inflationary Model of the Universe.
  • Did you see the Space Station and Shuttle fly-overs on Sunday and Tuesday evenings?  Those who joined the SBCC Astronomy Club received email announcements on this.
  • Check out these 13 great mysteries of science (thanks Raphael):
    http://www.newscientist.com/special/13-more-things
  • If you come across "cool stuff", post it on the "Cool Science Stuff" message board on Pipeline.  Enter the "Black Holes & the Universe" class section of Pipeline, then select "Message Board".  Get involved and post any science related items that you think our class would find interesting.  We will check the list during class from time to time.  This is a great way for you to get involved and direct class discussion to topics that interest you.  I have already posted Raphael's link above.
9/14 Mon
  • Finish with Ch 8 on the "Origin & Fate of the Universe".  Read Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".
  • Will have our next quiz on Wed (not today).
  • Will continue our discussion on the "Big Bang" Inflationary Model of the Universe by going through the timeline presented in the readings passed out in class last week.
  • Will then start our discussion of Quantum Mechanics and the Uncertainty Principle.
  • Dr. Quantum can help you understand the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle:
    Dr Quantum - Double Slit Experiment
  • If you come across "cool stuff", post it on the "Cool Science Stuff" message board on Pipeline.  See the instructions given last week.
9/16 Wed
  • Read Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".
  • Quiz today on Cosmology (stuff we talked about on Monday).
  • Will start our discussion of Quantum Mechanics and the Uncertainty Principle.
  • Dr. Quantum can help you understand the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle:
    Dr Quantum - Double Slit Experiment
  • There have been activity on our "Cool Stuff" message board on Pipeline.  Check it out.
9/21 Mon
  • Tomorrow will be the Automnal Equinox (Tue 9/22 at 2:19 pm).  Yippeee!
  • Finish Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".  Read the handout on Feynman's QED.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will continue our discussion of Quantum Mechanics and the Uncertainty Principle (determinism, principle of "least time" or "sum over histories", understanding quantum mechanics - or can you).
  • Will give some short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
9/23 Wed
  • Yesterday was the Automnal Equinox (Tue 9/22 at 2:19 pm).  Yippeee!  First day of Fall!
  • Finish Ch 4 on the "Uncertainty Principle".  Finish reading the handout on Feynman's QED.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizes will be given at the start of class.
  • Will continue our discussion of Quantum Mechanics and the Uncertainty Principle (mathematics of Uncertainty Principle, will apply to typical objects and discuss implications).
  • You are invited to a talk on "The Geology of the Santa Barbara Channel" hosted by our department Fri Oct 2 in EBS-102 starting at 11:15 am.  Free refreshments and pizza lunch will be served after the talk.  Please join us!
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
9/28 Mon
  • Read Ch 2 in the Hawking book on Space and Time.  Read the "Flatland" handout given in class.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
  • Will discuss LARGE numbers.  How big is a googol?  How about a googolplex?
  • Will begin a discussion on the fourth dimension.  Be sure to read the Flatland handout (good stuff)!
  • You are invited to a talk on "The Geology of the Santa Barbara Channel" hosted by our department Fri Oct 2 in EBS-102 starting at 11:15 am.  Free refreshments and pizza lunch will be served after the talk.  Please join us!
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
     
  • INVITATION for FRI OCT 2 (FREE TALK & PIZZA):
    Talk starts at 11:15 am, EBS-102.

    Please join the SBCC Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences for the dedication and celebration of our new Santa Barbara Channel Geology Mural.  This magnificent mural (on the wall outside of EBS-114) is a result of the collaborative efforts and creativity of artist John Iwerks, and several local professional geologists.  We know this cross-section of our amazing local geology will inspire and educate students and the public for years to come.

    Our celebration starts with a talk.  Mural contributor, Dr. Marc Kamerling, will speak on “The Geology of the Santa Barbara Channel.”  Following the talk we’ll have a free pizza lunch and hold the dedication.  Please see the attached flier for details. 

    We are looking forward to sharing this day with you!

    Sincerely,

    Your friends at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Santa
    Barbara City College
9/30 Wed
  • Read Ch 2 in the Hawking book on Space and Time.  Read the "Flatland" handout given in class.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
  • Be sure to read the Flatland handout (good stuff)!  Will discuss the fourth dimension (and even higher dimensions).  Will describe the visit of a sphere to Flatland.  Will construct a 4th and 5th dimensional hypercube.
  • You are invited to a talk on "The Geology of the Santa Barbara Channel" hosted by our department Fri Oct 2 in EBS-102 starting at 11:15 am.  Free refreshments and pizza lunch will be served after the talk.  Please join us!
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
10/5 Mon
  • Finish Ch 2 in the Hawking book on Space and Time.  Read the "Flatland" handout given in class.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
  • Essay project.  Click here for info on the Essay Project Assignment.  You are required to select a topic by Wed.  Post your topic on on the Moodle Forum accessed through Pipeline (as shown in class).
  • One page draft due by next Monday (again, post on Moodle Forum).  Full length draft due by following Monday (almost the final paper - again post using Moodle).  Be sure to get the needed sources and consider the 10 C's of internet source evaluation (as discussed in class).
  • Library Talk scheduled for Wed Oct 14 when class starts (will meet in regular classroom EBS-102). DON'T GO TO LIBRARY!  Attendance will be taken (double attendance points for this day).
  • There is an additional "outside activity" opportunity listed on the "SBCC Astronomy Club" page on Facebook.  Go there, join if you like, and get the information.  Search for "SBCC Astronomy Club".
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
10/7 Wed
  • We are starting our section on Black Holes!  Read the corresponding chapter in Hawkings book, and there will be a handout given in class for you to read for next week.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
  • Essay project.  Click here for info on the Essay Project Assignment.  You are required to select a topic by today.  Post your topic on the Moodle Forum accessed through Pipeline (as shown in class).
  • One page draft due by next Monday (again, post on Moodle Forum).  Full length draft due by following Monday (almost the final paper - again post using Moodle).  Be sure to get the needed sources and consider the 10 C's of internet source evaluation (as discussed in class).
  • PEER REVIEW: You are all required to review at least three of the drafts posted.  Please be sure to review papers with no reviews first, then if there are no drafts with no reviews, move up to two reviews, etc.  You should wait until after the due date for drafts before conducting your reviews.
  • Library Talk scheduled for Wed Oct 14 when class starts (will meet in regular classroom EBS-102). DON'T GO TO LIBRARY!  Attendance will be taken (double attendance points for this day).
  • There is an additional "outside activity" opportunity listed on the "SBCC Astronomy Club" page on Facebook.  Go there, join if you like, and get the information.  Search for "SBCC Astronomy Club".
  • We are looking for students to get more involved with our Facebook web club!  Please "jump in" and help out!  We need students to organize activities, post astro related material, set up fun astro parties, etc.  Get inspired and get involved!
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
10/12 Mon
  • We are starting our section on Black Holes!  Read Ch 6 in the Hawkings book.  ,After Ch 6, you should move on to Ch 7 and also the handout on Black Holes passed out in class.
  • Quiz today on the reading (always try to at least "scan" the material before coming to class).
  • Will give short quizzes at the start of EVERY class to encourage students to make it on time.  You will still get the day's attendance points if you are late, but quizzes will be given at the start of class.
  • Essay project.  Click here for info on the Essay Project Assignment.  You are required to select a topic by today.  Post your topic on the Moodle Forum accessed through Pipeline (as shown in class).
  • One page draft due today (post on Moodle Forum).  Full length draft due by following Monday (almost the final paper - again post using Moodle).  Be sure to get the needed sources and consider the 10 C's of internet source evaluation (as discussed in class).
  • PEER REVIEW: You are all required to review at least three of the drafts posted.  Please be sure to review papers with no reviews first, then if there are no drafts with no reviews, move up to two reviews, etc.  You should wait until after the due date for drafts before conducting your reviews.
  • IMPORTANT (Note updated time and location): LIBRARY TALK scheduled for Wed Oct 14 (will meet in library at 8:30 am).  Meet in entrance area.  Don't be late.  You will be relocated to a top secret location (that's impossible to find if you are late).  Attendance will be taken (double attendance points for this day).
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
10/14 Wed
  • IMPORTANT (Note updated time and location): LIBRARY TALK scheduled for today (will meet in library at 8:30 am).  Meet in entrance area.  Don't be late.  You will be relocated to a top secret location (that's impossible to find if you are late).  Attendance will be taken (double attendance points for this day).
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
  • Reminder, full length draft due next Monday (almost the final paper - again post using Moodle).  Be sure to get the needed sources and consider the 10 C's of internet source evaluation (as discussed in class).
  • PEER REVIEW: You are all required to review at least three of the drafts posted.  Please be sure to review papers with no reviews first, then if there are no drafts with no reviews, move up to two reviews, etc.  You should wait until after the due date for drafts before conducting your reviews.
10/19 Mon
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
  • Full length draft due today (almost the final paper - again post using Moodle).  Be sure to get the needed sources and consider the 10 C's of internet source evaluation (as discussed in class).
  • PEER REVIEW: You are all required to review at least three of the drafts posted.  Please be sure to review papers with no reviews first, then if there are no drafts with no reviews, move up to two reviews, etc.  You should wait until after the due date for drafts before conducting your reviews.
  • FINAL "Final Draft" due next Monday.  Incorporate any feedback you may have received.
  • Will continue our discussion of Black Holes.  Bring a calculator.  Calculation of event horizon and forces of gravity.
10/21 Wed
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
  • PEER REVIEW: You are all required to review at least three of the drafts posted.  Please be sure to review papers with no reviews first, then if there are no drafts with no reviews, move up to two reviews, etc.  You should wait until after the due date for drafts before conducting your reviews.
  • FINAL "Final Draft" due next Monday.  Incorporate any feedback you may have received.
  • Will continue our discussion of Black Holes.  Bring a calculator.  Calculation of tidal forces and what that means.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!
10/26 Mon
  • Join us for our Griffith Observatory Field Trip.  Don't miss out!  Wed Nov 4, 12:45 pm - 10 pm, $35 (includes transportation and admission)!  Counts as an "Outside Activity" (remember - 3 outside activities are required). Sign up with at the Cashier's Office.
  • FINAL "Final Draft" due next today.  Be sure to post today if you haven't already done so.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • Will continue our discussion of Black Holes.  Bring a calculator.  Discussion of thermodynamics of Black Holes.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!  Galileo Symposium Nov 12, and Mike Brown talk Nov 14 (Free Star Party admission that evening for those who attend the talk).
  • MISSING CLASS: A number of you missed class last week.  Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.
10/28 Wed
  • Griffith Observatory Field Trip is full.  You can still go on your own.  Download the worksheet at the bottom of the Griffith Web Page.
  • FINAL "Final Draft" due last week.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • Will continue our discussion of Black Holes.  Bring a calculator.  Discussion of thermodynamics of Black Holes.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!  Galileo Symposium Nov 12, and Mike Brown talk Nov 14 (Free Star Party admission that evening for those who attend the talk).
  • MISSING CLASS: A number of you missed class last week.  Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.
11/2 Mon
  • Griffith Observatory Field Trip is full.  You can still go on your own.  Download the worksheet at the bottom of the Griffith Web Page.  For those signed up - we leave this Wed 11/4 (12:30 at EBS).
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We can begin presentations.  First week of presentations get some extra credit.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will begin our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!  Galileo Symposium Nov 12, and Mike Brown talk Nov 14 (Free Star Party admission that evening for those who attend the talk).
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.
11/4 Wed
  • Griffith Observatory Field Trip is full.  You can still go on your own.  Download the worksheet at the bottom of the Griffith Web Page.  For those signed up - we leave this Wed 11/4 (12:30 at EBS).
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We can begin presentations.  First week of presentations get some extra credit.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!  Galileo Symposium Nov 12, and Mike Brown talk Nov 14 (Free Star Party admission that evening for those who attend the talk).
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.
11/9 Mon
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Today's presentations get some extra credit.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • Note two new "outside activity" postings on the regular astro extra credit web page.  Great opportunities - don't miss out!  Galileo Symposium Nov 12, and Mike Brown talk Nov 14 (Free Star Party admission that evening for those who attend the talk).
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.
11/16 Mon
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.  FINAL DEADLINE IS NOV 30!
  • EXTRA CREDIT TALKS: Those of you who attended the extra credit talks last week (Galileo and Pluto), must turn in a short write-up on your thoughts and impressions of the talk (no more than one page long).  Turn your write-up in during class (please do not email them).  If you are in lab class, your write-up for credit in lab is in addition to the write-up required in Moodle for lecture class.  Your write-ups will be checked with the sign-in sheets and credit will be given at the end of the semester.
11/18 Wed
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.  FINAL DEADLINE IS NOV 30!
  • EXTRA CREDIT TALKS: Those of you who attended the extra credit talks last week (Galileo and Pluto), must turn in a short write-up on your thoughts and impressions of the talk (no more than one page long).  Turn your write-up in during class (please do not email them).  If you are in lab class, your write-up for credit in lab is in addition to the write-up required in Moodle for lecture class.  Your write-ups will be checked with the sign-in sheets and credit will be given at the end of the semester.
11/23 Mon
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.  FINAL DEADLINE IS NOV 30!
  • EXTRA CREDIT TALKS: Those of you who attended the extra credit talks last week (Galileo and Pluto), must turn in a short write-up on your thoughts and impressions of the talk (no more than one page long).  Turn your write-up in during class (please do not email them).  If you are in lab class, your write-up for credit in lab is in addition to the write-up required in Moodle for lecture class.  Your write-ups will be checked with the sign-in sheets and credit will be given at the end of the semester.
11/25 Wed
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.  Get others in the class to review your paper so you don't lose points!
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • MISSING CLASS: Remember that a big part of your grade is based on our in-class attendance and participation.  If you are behind on the essay project, contact me so we can arrange an extension.  We are in the second half of the semester.  Let's finish strong.  I like giving high grades!
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.  FINAL DEADLINE IS START OF CLASS ON NOV 30!
  • EXTRA CREDIT TALKS: Those of you who attended the extra credit talks last week (Galileo and Pluto), must turn in a short write-up on your thoughts and impressions of the talk (no more than one page long).  Turn your write-up in during class (please do not email them).  If you are in lab class, your write-up for credit in lab is in addition to the write-up required in Moodle for lecture class.  Your write-ups will be checked with the sign-in sheets and credit will be given at the end of the semester.
11/30 Mon
  • Last day to turn anything in (at start of class).
  • FINAL "Final Draft" past due.  Be sure to post if you haven't already done so.  Points will be deducted according to how late you post.
  • PEER REVIEW: Read at least three papers and provide comments.  Can be the same papers you read before, or new ones.  Get others in the class to review your paper so you don't lose points!
  • ESSAY PRESENTATIONS: We will continue with presentation.  Let me know when you are ready.  Be sure to have a visual (cardboard display, short power point, or short web presentation).  No more than 5 minutes.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES: Remember, there are three outside activities required.  They can be anything posted on my regular Astro lecture extra credit web page.  There are two great talks at the museum coming up, or you can watch videos in the LRC.  Write a one page summary of the event (or video) with your thoughts and impressions, and turn in to me in class.  FINAL DEADLINE IS START OF CLASS ON NOV 30!
12/2 Wed
  • Last day of class!  Last day for presentations.
  • Will continue our discussion on Astrobiology (SETI, aliens, etc).  "Rare Earth" handout given out.  Always bring a calculator.
  • If you have anything to turn in, turn in for partial credit.  Sorry, but I can't give full credit past the deadline date.
  • Final will be on next Monday Dec 7.  Short "essay" type questions.  Should be lots of fun!
12/7 Mon
  • Final today 8-10 am!  Will do last few presentations, then take final.
  • Final handout on Stephen Hawking (interview about his life).
  • Optional handouts on Relativity - for those crazy enough to want more strange things to read about!
  • If you have anything to turn in, turn in for partial credit.  Sorry, but I can't give full credit past the deadline date.
  • Grades will be emailed to you next week (or sooner if possible).
  • You may pick up your final papers or to go over class materials and grading after final grades have been sent out.
     
  • BLACK HOLES STUDENTS:
     
    Updated grade sheets have been emailed to your Pipeline account.  Presentation and essay scores are not included.  I always wait until all presentations have been made before assigning final grades for presentations and essays.
     
    You should review your grades for accuracy.  All "outside activity" scores are subject to verification with LRC records.  If you did not watch the videos in the LRC, you will not get credit, unless you can verify that you watched the video from another source.  Please bring to class (or email to me) verification info such as a detailed description of where you obtained the video (bring receipts to class and/or show me your copy off the video or DVD if you have them).  I am sorry to be so strict, but unfortunately, I have had problems with misrepresentation and falsification in the past.
     
    The final will be given on Monday Dec 7 from 8-10 am.  We have a couple of presentation to do and then the final.  Please be on time so you can receive 'peer review" credit for watching the last few presentations.  We will then take the final after the presentations.  You will be asked basic questions regarding subjects we covered in class.  Please review the Hawking book and also the handouts passed out in class.
     
    BLACK HOLES STUDENTS:
     
    Some info to help you prepare for the final:
     
    The test is designed so that you can’t answer everything (and will be curved accordingly). Just answer what you can for each of the questions. Always make an effort to answer. Use short simple responses that show you are familiar with the topic (no need to go in great depth).
     
    Examples of topics you should review are:
     
    Black Holes, what they are, how they form, different types of black holes, effects on people falling into black holes, thermodynamics of black holes, how to determine temperature and entropy of black holes, Hawking radiation, Cosmology, Olbers Paradox, age of the universe and different ways we can determine the age of the universe, Big Bang inflationary model, possible fates of the universe, quantum mechanics, uncertainly principle (and how it relates to Hawking Radiation), quantum mechanical tunneling, higher dimensions and what you would see if you saw a hypersphere and a hypercube, string theory, large hadron collider (LHC), astro biology, rare earth, dead zones, Search for extra terrestrial intelligence project (SETI), NERST equation and what it tries to predict, theories for origin of life on earth (and where they think life may have first begun on Earth).
     
    Plus any other topics we may have spent time discussing in class.

     
Final Notes!
  •  
  • BLACK HOLES CLASS:

    Congratulations to a great year.  I hope the variety of topics discussed in class have helped open your minds up in better appreciating our ever expanding universe.  For those who wish to continue learning more about astronomy, consider the following:

    SBCC ASTRONOMY CLUB:
    Join on Facebook.  Search for "SBCC Astronomy Club".
    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=48921411403&ref=ts

    UCSB ITP PUBLIC LECTURE ON DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY:
    Exploring the Dark Universe, Nima Arkani-Hamed, Wed Dec 16, 8 pm.
    http://www.kitp.ucsb.edu/activities/public/auto/?acronym=arkani09

    ERTH-105 ADVANCED TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY:
    Taught by a JPL Scientist who works with NASA space missions (and the Mars rovers).  Great speaker, great power point visuals, includes a tour of JPL at the end of the semester, not a hard class (as long as you attend regularly).
    ERTH-106 BLACK HOLES (and the BEGINNING of the UNIVERSE)
    Offered only in the fall (so tell your friends to sign up for next year).

    ERTH-101 ASTRONOMY LECTURE
    We still have plenty of room in the lecture classes.  Join in the fun!  If you would like to be in my MW section, that section is full, so email me for an add code (as long as you do this before Xmas) I can for sure get you in).

    ERTH-102 ASTRONOMY LAB
    The labs are currently full, but you can still get in if you closely watch for drops and/or try and crash when classes start in the spring.  Be sure to come to the museum at least a half hour early if you are trying to crash.  Can't promise to get you in - but email me now if interested.

    EARTH SCIENCES
    In addition to the astronomy offerings shown above, I would encourage those of you who like learning about the world around them, to take an Earth Science class. 

    ERTH-111 DYNAMIC EARTH
    ERTH-112 HISTORY OF THE EARTH
    ERTH-141 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
    ERTH-152 WEATHER AND CLIMATE
     
    ERTH-131 GEOLOGIC FIELD STUDIES (EASTERN SIERRA NEVADA)
    ERTH-132 GEOLOGIC FIELD STUDIES (DEATH VALLEY)
    These 2 unit 5 day, field courses are great learning experiences (and great fun)
    Best wishes for the holidays.