• Go over syllabus and class expectations.
• Discuss 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 the next few weeks (after we finish with Ch 1).
• Read Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".

• Finish reading Ch 1 in Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".
• Class discussion on first chapter of Stephen Hawking book "A Brief History of Time".
• Helpful list of Historical Characters (for historical perspective)
• 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".

• Continue with Ch 1 discussion of Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  Today we will focus on questions of cosmology as they relate to the chapter.

• Continue with Ch 1 discussion of Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  Will continue our discussion on Olber's Paradox and Cosmology in general.  Handout on "Fist Three Minutes" of the universe will be given out.
• Our first quiz will be next Tuesday and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.

• Will take some time to talk about the Space Shuttle mission and review web based resources related to the Space Shuttle program.  Check out these web links:
  --Stan Love Interview on NASA TV
  --Stan Love Pre-Flight Interview
  --Stan Love Biographical Information posted on the NASA website
• Continue with Ch 1 discussion of Stephen Hawking's book "A Brief History of Time".  Will continue our discussion on Olber's Paradox and Cosmology in general.  Handout on "Fist Three Minutes" of the universe will be given out.
• Our first quiz will be today (or possibly on Th) and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.

• Will go over handout on "First Three Minutes" of the universe and discuss current cosmological theories.
• Our first quiz will be today (postponed until next week) and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions and/or material from the "First Three Minutes" handout.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.

• Will continue with the "First Three Minutes" of the universe and discuss current cosmological theories.
• Our first quiz will be today and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions and/or material from the "First Three Minutes" handout.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.
• A discussion topic has been posted on Pipeline.  Please respond this week by posting your own thoughts, and responding to at least one other persons thoughts.
• The shuttle is on it's way back (due to land tomorrow - possibly on the West Coast).  Here is an insightful and reflective quote from one of the astronauts who was living at the space station and will be returning with this shuttle mission.
  --Click here to see essay (and click on "watch a video) to see it recorded in space.
• Don't forget the total lunar eclipse on Wed Feb 20.

• Will continue with the "First Three Minutes" of the universe and discuss current cosmological theories.
• Our first quiz will be today and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions and/or material from the "First Three Minutes" handout.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.
• A discussion topic has been posted on Pipeline.  Please respond this week by posting your own thoughts, and responding to at least one other persons thoughts.
• I have posted an essay selection message board topic to get you thinking about your essay topics.  I will talk more about this in class again.  You have until the end of next week to select a tentative topic (you can still change your mine).
• The shuttle is back.  We will try to listen to the reflective quote again today.
• The military has shot down a super secret spy satellite.
• Get ready for a space vacation.

• Will continue with the "First Three Minutes" of the universe and discuss current cosmological theories.
• Our first quiz will be today and will include questions on Ch 1 of the Hawking book as it relates to class discussions and/or material from the "First Three Minutes" handout.  Bring one sheet regular 8.5 x 11 paper for quiz.  The quiz may be given as a "take home" activity.
• Don't forget to respond to the posted discussions on line for Cosmology and for an Essay Topic.
• Class may be dismissed early to give you time with the take home portion of the quiz, and to give me time to go to a Mercury Messenger Science Team Meeting (will tell you all about it in class).
• Sign up now:
  This semester's Griffith Observatory Field Trip scheduled for Wed March 19, 2008.
• Mercury Messenger Mission Info

• Will continue with the "First Three Minutes" of the universe and discuss current cosmological theories.
• Take home quiz due back today. 
• Don't forget to respond to the posted discussions on line for Cosmology and for an Essay Topic.
• Will tell you about how the Mercury Messenger Science Team meeting went.
  Mercury Messenger Mission Info
• Good article on my friend Stan Love who just got back from Outer Space.
  http://www.hmc.edu/newsandevents/sts122.html
• Sign up now:
  This semester's Griffith Observatory Field Trip scheduled for Wed March 19, 2008.

• Will finish with the "First Three Minutes" of the universe and begin discuss on Quantum Mechanics.
• Read Chapter 4 of the Hawking book on the Uncertainty Principle of Quantum Mechanics.
• Sign up now:
  This semester's Griffith Observatory Field Trip scheduled for Wed March 19, 2008. (Yes, you may bring a friend.)

• Will begin discuss on Quantum Mechanics.
• Will hand out excerpt from Feynman's QED book.
• Finish Chapter 4 of the Hawking book on the Uncertainty Principle of Quantum Mechanics.
• Sign up now:
  This semester's Griffith Observatory Field Trip scheduled for Wed March 19, 2008. (Yes, you may bring a friend.)

• Will continue discuss on Quantum Mechanics.
• Finish Chapter 4 of the Hawking book on the Uncertainty Principle of Quantum Mechanics.
• Sign up now (only a few seats left):
  This semester's Griffith Observatory Field Trip scheduled for Wed March 19, 2008. (Yes, you may bring a friend.)

• Will finish discussing Quantum Mechanics.
• Read Chapter 6-7 of the Hawking book on Black Holes.

• Will start discussing Black Holes.
• Read Chapter 6-7 of the Hawking book on Black Holes.
• GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY TRIP TOMORROW!  Please pick up a field trip waiver form up front after class.  We will meet in the EBS loading dock area in front of the bookstore at 12:30.  Bus leaves at 12:45 sharp.  Don't be late!

• Will continue discussing Black Holes.
• Finish Chapter 6-7 of the Hawking book on Black Holes.
• Black Holes handout to be given in class next Tu.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOARToiteow

• Will continue discussing Black Holes.
• Finish Chapter 6-7 of the Hawking book on Black Holes.
• Black Holes handout to be given in class today.
• Thanks to Howard for finding this great summary of the Space Shuttle Mission my friend was on:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOARToiteow

• Will continue discussing Black Holes.
• Finish Chapter 6-7 of the Hawking book on Black Holes.
• Black Holes handout given in class last Tu.  Don't worry if you didn't understand the math (the ideas are important for what we are talking about - but the math isn't).
• Will talk about Hawking radiation and the thermodynamics of Black Holes.

• Will continue discussing the thermodynamics of Black Holes.
• Some numbers.... (a google perhaps... or how about a googleplex).
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googol
• Update on Essay project

• Will finish our discussing on the thermodynamics of Black Holes and googols, and start our discussion on the 4th dimension (read the Flatland handout).
• Some numbers.... (a google perhaps... or how about a googleplex).
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Googol
• Update on Essay project.
• Library tour on Thursday 4/17.  Meet at the library at 9:40 am.  Elizabeth Bowman (librarian) will meet you in the lobby and take you to a special presentation room.  Don't be late (or you won't know where to go).  If you are late, try L-146 (though I am not sure if this will be the room you go to.)  Attendance is required.

• Library Tour (see above for details).

• Will finish our discussing on the 4th dimension (the Flatland handout).  Will begin an introduction to Special Relativity.
• Update on Essay project.

• Will begin an introduction to Special Relativity.
• Essay projects may begin.  Essay presentation evaluation forms to be given out in class.

Black Holes Class:

This is a fabulous opportunity to get paid to work with Nobel
researchers out at UCSB for a few weeks this summer.  I strongly
encourage you to take a look at this.  This program is specifically
targeted toward our students here at SBCC so there chances of getting
accepted are good!  The deadline, though, for applying is this Friday. 
Apply now if you think this might be of interest to you.

---------------------------------

Deadline is approaching for UCSB's EPSEM Program, please forward the
information to any interested students. 

Program Dates: July 13 - July 22, 2008
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008

What is the EPSEM Program

EPSEM Summer Institute
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008
The California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) is a science and
engineering research center at UC Santa Barbara. Research at CNSI
includes faculty, students and postdocs from 11 different academic
departments, including chemistry and biochemistry, physics, biology,
engineering, materials science, and computer science. CNSI research
determines new ways of integrating nanometer-scale building blocks into
new materials, devices and systems with capabilities far exceeding those
found in nature. The EPSEM program brings science, engineering, and
mathematics college students to the UC Santa Barbara campus for the
EPSEM Summer Institute, a 2-week science intensive residential program
hosted by CNSI. EPSEM will provide university housing and meals on
campus. You will have the opportunity to interact with science,
engineering, and mathematics researchers through social, academic, and
professional development activities such as...

Team lab projects in a research lab
Team design and problem solving
Develop oral presentation skills
Team work skills
Discuss career options with professionals
Networking
Strategies for academic success
Mentoring
Leadership development
Field trips to industry & the university reserve

The EPSEM SI runs July 13 - July 26, 2008
 
University housing is provided at Santa Ynez Apartments
All meals provided in one of the University dinning halls
EPSEM Stipend - $400
Students required to attend and actively participate in the entire
period, weekends included
Application Deadline: Friday, April 25, 2008

http://www.epsem.ucsb.edu/summer_programs/index.html

• Will continue our discussion of Einstein's Theories of Relativity
• 50th Aniversary of NASA speech by Stephen Hawking
  http://www.astrobiology.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=27805
• For those who were interested in the Geology Club events, see below.  You may use this as one of your outside activities if you like.

• Will continue our discussion of Einstein's Theories of Relativity.
• Will continue with student presentations on their essay projects.
• For those who were interested in the Geology Club events, don't forget about the hike tomorrow (Friday).  You may use this as one of your outside activities if you like.  See info given above!

• Will continue our discussion of Einstein's Theories of Relativity.
• Will continue with student presentations on their essay projects.
• You are all invited to our geology club "End of the Semester" BBQ DEPS Awards Luncheon Now is the time to pencil in the Annual Awards Luncheon. It's set for Friday, May 16 at about 11:45 AM in EBS 123.  Numerous awards are given out recognizing the talents of many Geology majors as well as a FREE luncheon.  Don't miss this event. THIS is the biggest geology event we have!!!

• Will finish our discussion of Einstein's Theories of Relativity and begin our discussion of Astrobiology.
• Will continue with student presentations on their essay projects.
• Another outside activity: National Astronomy Day at the SB Museum of Natural History.  See my ERTH-101 Extra Credit web page for more info.
• You are all invited to our geology club "End of the Semester" BBQ DEPS Awards Luncheon Now is the time to pencil in the Annual Awards Luncheon. It's set for Friday, May 16 at about 11:45 AM in EBS 123.  Numerous awards are given out recognizing the talents of many Geology majors as well as a FREE luncheon.  Don't miss this event. THIS is the biggest geology event we have!!!
• Sign up for ERTH-106 - the BLACK HOLES CLASS:
• Sign up for ERTH-105 in Spring of 2009 - TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY
• If need to take ERTH-102 (Astro Lab) - sign up NOW (fills very quickly)

• Will begin discussion of String Theory.
• Will continue with student presentations on their essay projects.
• Turn in Astronomy Day write-ups for credit.
• JPL TOUR:  TUESDAY 5/27.  Leave 8 am, at JPL 10 am, Lunch at 12 (JPL Cafeteria - bring $), Leave 2-3 pm, Home 4-6 pm.  Sign up with me in class (or email me).
• Final Tu 5/20 8-10 am.  May finish up some loose ends with class lectures and presentations.  Final will be short paragraph answers to questions covering topics discussed in class during the semester.
• Tell your friends - Sign up for ERTH-106 - the BLACK HOLES CLASS:
• Sign up for ERTH-105 in Spring of 2009 - TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY
• If want to take ERTH-102 (Astro Lab) - sign up NOW (fills very quickly)
• You are all invited to our geology club "End of the Semester" BBQ DEPS Awards Luncheon Now is the time to pencil in the Annual Awards Luncheon. It's set for Friday, May 16 at about 11:45 AM in EBS 123.  Numerous awards are given out recognizing the talents of many Geology majors as well as a FREE luncheon.  Don't miss this event. THIS is the biggest geology event we have!!!

• Will begin discussion of String Theory.
• Will continue with student presentations on their essay projects.
• Turn in Astronomy Day write-ups for credit.
• JPL TOUR:  TUESDAY 5/27.  Leave 8 am, at JPL 10 am, Lunch at 12 (JPL Cafeteria - bring $), Leave 2-3 pm, Home 4-6 pm.  Sign up with me in class (or email me).
• Final Tu 5/20 8-10 am.  May finish up some loose ends with class lectures and presentations.  Final will be short paragraph answers to questions covering topics discussed in class during the semester.
• Tell your friends - Sign up for ERTH-106 - the BLACK HOLES CLASS:
• Sign up for ERTH-105 in Spring of 2009 - TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY
• If want to take ERTH-102 (Astro Lab) - sign up NOW (fills very quickly)
• You are all invited to our geology club "End of the Semester" BBQ DEPS Awards Luncheon Now is the time to pencil in the Annual Awards Luncheon. It's set for Friday, May 16 at about 11:45 AM in EBS 123.  Numerous awards are given out recognizing the talents of many Geology majors as well as a FREE luncheon.  Don't miss this event. THIS is the biggest geology event we have!!!
• Microsoft Worldwide Telescope: www.worldwidetelescope.org
  Planet Images: http://samadhi.jpl.nasa.gov/

• Will finish with student presentations on their essay projects.
• Final today 8-10 am.  Don't be late.
• Tell your friends - Sign up for ERTH-106 - the BLACK HOLES CLASS:
• Sign up for ERTH-105 in Spring of 2009 - TOPICS IN ASTRONOMY
• If want to take ERTH-102 (Astro Lab) - sign up NOW (fills very quickly)
• JPL TOUR:  TUESDAY 5/27.  Leave 8 am, at JPL 10 am, Lunch at 12 (JPL Cafeteria - bring $), Leave 2-3 pm, Home 4-6 pm.  Sign up with me in class (or email me).
• EMAIL SENT TO CLASS: 
  
  Black Holes Class Final:
  The final will be given Tuesday 5/20 from 8-10 am.  We will do
  presentations first for those who have not yet presented. 
  Presentations will need to be short (about 5 minutes please).  Points
  will be deducted if they are too long.  The final will then follow. 
  The final consists of short answer/essay questions from various topics
  discussed during the semester.  Please review your notes and readings
  for the following.  Answers do not need to be extremely in-depth, but
  you should demonstrate a sense that you know what the topic is all
  about with the key elements or points.
  
  Black Holes:
  Hawking Radiation, Black Hole temperature, Black Hole entropy,
  Schartzild Radius (Event Horizon), what happens when you fall in, how
  Black Holes form, etc.
  
  Cosmology:
  Olbers Paradox, how we determine the age of the universe, the "Big
  Bang", ultimate fates of the universe.
  
  Quantum Mechanics:
  The uncertainty principle (both momentum position and time energy),
  Quantum Mechanical tunneling.
  
  Einstein's Theories of Relativity:
  The three results of special relativity and their consequence
  (especially regarding the speed of light), the principle of equivalence
  in general relativity, etc.
  
  Higher Dimensions:
  Higher dimensions and how to construct a hypercube of higher dimension
  (points, lines, and sides or faces), review the visit of the sphere to
  Flatland.
  
  Sting Theory:
  What's all this about strings.  Read the handout given out in class. 
  Will talk about strings briefly in class if time permits, otherwise the
  reading will give you the background info you need.
  
  Astrobiology (Extra Credit only):
  Since these handouts were give on the last day of class, you are not
  required to have read these.  However, if you were able to scan them a
  bit there will be some extra credit questions to help you get a few
  extra points.