Basic Course Outline

Deliverables

1. Complete Earth & Space Science lessons/tests
   
   

1. Submit two of the papers defined below (1 Earth/Space and 1 Environmental):
   Unless specified otherwise, project papers shall be written using the MLA format, use a minimum of 3 referenced sources of information, and be at least 500 words in length but of sufficient length to provide the reader with a clear understanding of the point or points being made. Generally, no maximum length will be specified.
   
   Earth/Space Science Papers
   E/S1. You will first gather information on at least 3 major breakthroughs that challenge ways of thinking about the Earth as a physical entity in space, investigate and analyze the context of the breakthroughs, and analyze immediate and long-term effects. Initially prepare a summary paper and then prepare an editorial or article on the breakthroughs that you explored.
   E/S2. The Earth is placed exactly where it needs to be for life to exist on Earth. The Moon is placed exactly the right size and where it needs to be to fix the tilt of the Earth on its axis and to prevent the Earth from wobbling on its axis. The gravitational pull of the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun are critical. Research why these things are essential, what would be the effect of moving the Earth closer to or farther away from the Sun have on life on the Earth. Also, determine the effect of reducing or increasing the gravitational forces originating from the Earth and the Moon. Based on these factors, what is the probability that life could be supported on any other planet in our solar system and why or why not.
   E/S3. Consider the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. To many people, critical commonly accepted characteristics of the Earth's formation went up in smoke as well. Some of these characteristics including layering and radioisotopic formation were critical measures by which some scientists determined the age of the Earth. Some in the scientific community say the Earth is millions of year old while others say that it is fairly young, say less than 10,000 years old and the Mount St. Helens eruption proved it based on observations and radioisotopic measurements taken. Who is right? Research the evidence gathered for both arguments, explain what you believe to be the truth, and explain why you personally believe it.
   
   Environmental Science Papers
   En1. Environmentalists often point out the endangerment of wildlife as a reason for not drilling for oil in the oil rich areas in northern Alaska. Others have said that there is no evidence of negative impact on wildlife because the existing pipeline has not hurt wildlife and the drilling area only covers a very small area of the land mass. Environmentalists also point out the effect of the accident of the tanker Exxon Valdez as further proof.
   En2. Meeting the electrical energy needs for this country are critical to our advancing economy. Power companies say that the most economical means to provide that power is through the use of coal-fired or other fossil fueled plants. People object to burning coal because of the perceived air pollution and acid rain problems. Nuclear energy is a good possibility, but there is a resistance to that energy source as well because of people's fear of an energy source that they cannot understand. What do you believe is the right answer to meeting our vast energy needs? Are there viable alternative energy sources?
   En3. Global warming and holes in the ozone are related subjects often discussed in today's news. Even though it is known that the "sun cycles" cause global cooling and warming on about a 1500 year cycle, certain people in the political and scientific community have chosen to ignore certain facts that do not fit in their "agenda." They also say that increases in polution, primarily increases in carbon dioxide, cause holes in the ozone which increases the global warming effects but ignore that much more than 95% of the carbon dioxide is always present in the atmosphere. They also ignore the fact that holes in the ozone come and go and move around anyway. The effects from vehicle, power plants, and other polution source emissions should be minor to negligible. Research this issue and draw your own conclusions, which you will present in your paper. Should "global warming" be a real concern or is it something that is not really within mankind's ability to control.