2. Information
Professor Lisa Schmidt
Section 71890
M/W 11:00-12:20
CHMB 246
E-mail: Lisa_M_Schmidt@yahoo.com
Office Hours: By Appointment/After Class
(909) 652-7090
http://schmidtphysicalgeography.wikispaces.com
3. Student Learning Outcomes
Geography 4 students will be able to
recognize and identify Plate Tectonic Theory
and its impact on Southern California.
Students will be able to identify earth’s major
grid lines.
Students will be able to understand and
describe why and how Santa Ana winds form
in Southern California.
4. Introduction
Welcome to Geography 4, Physical
Geography.
In this class you will learn the basic elements
of geography.
We will study climate, landforms, water, soils,
native animal life and vegetation,
We will examine the interrelationships
between these things and we will look at their
patterns of distribution throughout the world.
5. Textbooks
Required
Physical Geography California
Edition 2nd Ed.
McKnight and Hess
ISBN-13: 978-0558585976
Required
Goode’s World Atlas
ISBN 0-528-65000-3
Or any recent World Atlas that
contains physical maps
Recommended
The Geography Coloring Book
Wynn Kapit
978-0131014725
6. Alternate Text
You may also use
Physical
Geography: A
Landscape
Appreciation by
McKnight and Hess
9th
edition
ISBN 978-0-13-
223901-1
9. Course Description
The goal of this course is Atmosphere
to introduce students to Atmospheric Processes
basic concepts in
physical geography…
Weather
Since it is an introductory
Climate
course, it is assumed Biosphere
students have little or no
background in physical
Soil
geography. Vegetation
Hydrosphere
Landforms
Lithosphere
10. Course Description
Emphasis is on the processes driving
physical systems on Earth, interactions
between physical systems, and human
interaction with the physical environment.
11. Course Objectives
You will gain an understanding of the geographic
perspective within natural and environmental sciences,
including place, space, map scale, map projection,
spatial connection, and spatial diffusion.
You will better understand how to use maps, in
particular, the geographic distribution of natural
phenomena.
You will learn about the four environmental spheres,
atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere,
and how they interact across the surface of the Earth. In
particular, you will learn the role of humankind within the
environment.
12. Assignments
and
Grading Scale
4 Exams 100 points each =
400 points
14 Chapter Quizzes 10 points
each = 140 points
5 Map Quizzes 25 points each
= 125 points
1 Presentation/Video = 100
points
Note: You must earn at least
Random Points = 100 Possible 60% to pass this class. You
Total Points Possible = 865 may be dropped for falling below
60%. Please refer to your syllabus.
13. Chapter Quizzes
There will be a quiz for each chapter
in the textbook.
Quizzes will be posted on Moodle at the
end of each chapter, check the class
schedule.
Quizzes will be due one week after they
are posted by 10:30 AM.
There will be 14 quizzes.
The format will be multiple choice,
true/false, and or matching.
Quiz questions may be used on
exams.
You will want to take notes from your
quizzes and study them.
14. Exams
There will be four exams.
Exams will be given using Moodle-just like quizzes.
They will open at 12:20 PM and close at 10:30 the next week.
The format will be multiple choice, true and false, essay,
and/or matching.
Each exam will be worth 100 points.
The final exam will be cumulative.
A study guide will be available for each exam.
You get one chance to take exams.
15. Map Quizzes
We will study the physical features of
Earth.
You MUST bring your atlas to class on
map study nights.
Colored pens or pencils will be helpful.
You will have five map quizzes.
North America 25 points
South America 25 points
Europe 25 points
Asia 25 points
Africa 25 points
Total 125 points
Maps quizzes will be on Moodle too!
You get one week, two chances, open at 12:20
and close at 11:30 the next week.
16. Presentation
You are required to give a presentation for this class.
You will be able to choose from a list of topics.
Presentations must be 5 minutes long.
Presentations may be done in groups or alone-groups
require instructor approval.
You may make a video as an alternative-videos require
instructor approval too.
Schedule: Note you must go on your scheduled day or
you will lose points.
See the class web site for paper details:
http://schmidtphysicalgeography.wikispaces.com/
17. Random Points
At any time a pop quiz, exit
question, attendance check,
worksheet or other activity may be
given. Your attendance is
necessary to receive these points.
18. Late Work and Exams
Late work will not be accepted.
Exams or quizzes missed on
Moodle WILL NOT be reopened,
don't ask.
19. Absences and Tardiness
I reserve the right to drop students who miss class twice.
If you have to miss class, you should stay in contact with me.
You may be dropped for excessive tardiness.
If you are going to be late, come in quietly and take a seat
WITHOUT interrupting lecture.
Excessive tardiness is being more than five minutes late three
times.
If you miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain notes,
or ANY other information, including schedule changes.
20. Last Day to Turn in Work
The last day that extra credit work or late
work (if it has been approved), will be
accepted is May 15th.
No exceptions will be made.
21. Dropping
If you decide to drop, you must do it
formally.
If you stop coming to class, I have no way
of knowing if you want to drop or receive
and F.
I will give F’s, it is your responsibility to drop.
22. Graded Work
It is your responsibility to pick up graded
work.
You should keep all of your graded work
until you receive your final grade.
Not only for this class but all of your classes!
All graded work will be held for 30 days
after the end of the semester then
discarded.
23. Extra Credit
Some extra credit may be assigned
throughout the semester.
It will be announced in class and you must
be present in order to take advantage of it.
24. Academic Honesty
Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated.
Any incidences of cheating or plagiarism will
be reported to the deans office.
Please refer to Chaffey College’s policy on
academic honesty.
25. Cell Phones and Texting
Use of cell phones for talking
or texting during class is
inappropriate.
You may be asked to leave
the classroom if you are
talking or texting on your
phone.
Phones should be set to silent
mode when in class.
26. Disabilities Programs and
Services
If you need accommodations for this
course, please see me after class.
If you have or think you may have a
disability that might affect your
performance in this course, please
contact the office of Disabled Students
Programs and Services at (909) 652-
6398.
27. Moodle
Moodle will be used for this class.
You will take your tests and quizzes on
Moodle.
http://moodle.chaffey.edu/
If you have questions about Moodle, stay after
class, I am here to help.
28. Class Web Page
A web page has been created for this
class.
You can access it at:
http://schmidtphysicalgeography.wikispace
s.com/
You will find PowerPoint's, maps, videos,
study guides and more on the class web
page.
29. Contact Information
The best way to reach me is by e-mail.
My e-mail address is:
Lisa_M_Schmidt@yahoo.com
I have a mailbox on the Chino campus
and in Zimmerman Hall on the main
campus.
My voice mail is (909) 652-7090
I do not check my voice mail as often as
my e-mail.
30. Note
All dates, topics, points totals, and
assignments are tentative.
I reserve the right to make changes
should it become necessary during the
semester.
31. Disruptive Behavior
You may be asked to leave class if you
are disruptive to the learning process of
others.
For example, talking during lecture or
during your classmates presentations.
If you are asked to leave, you may be
suspended from the next class as well, if
disciplinary action is taken.
34. For Your Success
There are many resources on your campus. Computers are
available for student use in the library. The Success Centers
offer a wide range of services including tutoring and workshops.
There is a Student Health Center on the campus to help you
with your physical and mental health needs. Guidance
counselors are available too. Take advantage of the service
available to you and if you have questions, ASK!
35. What is Geography?
The scientific study of the Earth's surface
and its various climates, countries,
peoples, and natural resources.
36. Fields of Geography
Human or Cultural Geography
Dealswith social, economic, and behavioral
processes
Physical Geography
Examines the natural processes occurring at
Earth’s surface that provide the physical
setting for human activities
38. Branches of Human Geography
Cultural Geography
Developmental Geography
Economic Geography
Medical Geography
Historical Geography
Political Geography
Population Geography
Demography
Transportation Geography
Urban Geography
39. What we will be studying…
Four great physical realms or
spheres of Earth
Atmosphere
The gaseous layer that
surrounds the earth
Lithosphere
The outermost solid layer
of the Earth
Hydrosphere
The liquid realm of the
Earth
Biosphere
Encompasses all living
organisms of the Earth
40. What we will be studying
The atmosphere
Atmospheric processes
Weather and Climate
The Biosphere
Soil
Vegetation
Hydrosphere
Tectonic Processes
Volcanic Processes
41. Tools Geographers Use
Maps
Paper representations of space showing point, line, or area data
Or more simply put, locations, connections, and regions
Remote Sensing
Aircraft or spacecraft provide images of earth’s surface
GIS or Geographic Information Systems
Powerful computer mapmaking software connected to data bases
Mathematical Modeling and Statistics
Used to understand natural and human phenomenon