• Explore and practice navigation of the course
• Introduce yourself to your classmates
• Get together with your Event Team and select a team name
• Browse through the course materials
• Complete the Pre-Course Survey
• Learn about the Earth system science approach through assigned readings

Assignments
1. Explore the course by visiting the Intro and Guide. Become familiar with how the course is laid out and how it functions from week to week. Develop an understanding of the different requirements for the four, three-week cycles of Sphere Study, Event Study, and Classroom Applications that begin during Week 4 and go through Week 15. Don’t hesitate to ask the course facilitator questions about the course or how to use your computer. If you are new to computers or web usage, it will pay to let others know you need help.

2. In the Classroom within Course Space, introduce yourself to your fellow course members. You can include information about where you grew up, where you went to college, and what your personal interests and hobbies are. Be sure to describe your connection to education (e.g.,  Grade 7 Earth Science teacher, 125 students; or taught fifth grade for several years).

3. Go to the Classroom then to Course Space to find the list that will tell you which Event Team you belong to. You will notice a number next to your name. This number is important as it indicates which Sphere Group you will be a part of beginning in Week 4. Each Sphere Group and Event Team will consist of four to six participants. Read Group & Team Formation to learn how and why you jigsaw between a Sphere Group and Event Team. As soon as you know which Event Team you are on, meet with your team members in Course Space to name your team.

4. : Browse through the table of contents and appendices of the Course Materials.

5. Go to the Classroom, enter the Portfolio and complete the Pre-Course Survey in the Portfolio .

You will want to locate other resources locally and on the Internet to supplement these. Post the resources you find in Resource Space in the Classroom.

Readings

What Is Earth System Science? Explanation of the interactions between and among the Earth's spheres and events.

Mayer, Victor. "Earth Systems Science." Science Is a Study of Earth. pp 23-28.

Web Sites:
Dr. Victor Mayer's Earth Systems Education advocates a total restructuring of Earth Systems Education.

Ohio State's Earth Systems Education provides more information on the Earth Systems program centered at Ohio State University and the University of Northern Colorado.