Lab 00-intro to island science

Welcome!
This is a relatively new course, so we get to create as we go along.
First, here is our course description:
Course Outline:
Only on our island can we explore all of these in one place:
Earth: earthquakes, volcanoes, geothermal energy
Ocean: tsunamis, ocean energy, aquaculture, physical oceanography
Atmosphere: climate change, air quality, vog
Stars: astronomy, astrophysics, space weather, Polynesian navigation
This hands-on course will enable you to explore these with direct access to tools, sensors and experts on our island including Observatories on Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes and research at NELHA and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center among others.
As a survey course, this is an excellent preparation for any college level science course in these fields beyond the scope of normal science courses.
Ok…
You may notice a theme of exploration. This is how we will approach island science, creating and using tools to explore.
Our goal therefore is to expand your curiosity and experience as an explorer.
Class format/expectations:
We will meet about three times each week in the energy lab at the top of campus. You can walk across the troll bridge, or up the road from GPAC, up to you. We start class on time, and make sure to bring your charged laptop and phone to class.
We may be out in the field at times, and if we need to go far, like into the garden, I’ll try to give you warning so you wear appropriate attire.
We may also use a weblog to record your explorations, which will help you in creating future projects, but also help other students following in your explorations.
We may be using serious tools for our work-you are expected to treat these with respect, and don’t abuse the privilege of access. This also goes for internet and network use: if it violates the school acceptable use policy, you probably should think twice.
 If you find anything either in our discussions or in the material makes you uncomfortable, please reach out to me. My goal is to be inclusive and respectful of all viewpoints. This does not mean we’ll challenge accepted scientific principles like “did we really land on the moon” or “is climate change caused by human activity”.
Grading:
We’ll sort out the best way for you to record your progress as an explorer. I like the idea of logs, just like any other explorer, tracing your journey for others to follow. We can decide this as a group about this when we meet. Your participation and ability to record your journey are what is important. I’m a big fan of ownership: whatever you do here should be yours forever, not just until some huge exam.
Energy Lab: Please do not bring food or drink from outside into the energy lab. Students may bring in their own water containers, but since we have a limited supply of bottled water, please do not fill your containers from these bottles, instead use the water in the sinks, which is actually purified rainwater.
Access:
The best way to reach me is before or after class, but any questions about grading has to be taken care of outside of our class time, out of respect for others in the class as well as your privacy. My email is bill@hpa.edu, and I can answer your responses up until about 7 PM most evenings.
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