Week 2: Earth System Science
This week you need to complete the assignments listed under Assignments. Note: You will not be graded for this week's assignment. However, you will be receiving feedback. This week's assignments focus on...

Assignments
Do: Read the PBL Model and Developing a Problem Statement.

Do: Read The Integration of the ESS Analysis and the PBL Model. It combines Problem-Based Learning with the Earth system science analysis you read about during Week 1 in What Is Earth System Science? and An Introduction to the ESS Analysis.

Do: The readings above should have helped you to recognize how the ESS and PBL processes can be integrated with one another. Now that you should be somewhat familiar with ESS and PBL, you should read the Volcano Scenario. There you will have an opportunity to experience a PBL module and to go through some of the steps in the PBL Model. You can use the Volcano Scenario to practice analyzing an environmental issue from an Earth system science standpoint using Problem-Based Learning as a framework for idea building, testing, and design. For this week and next week, you will be more concerned with process than with content. Content will become more of a focus during Week 4.

Post Individual Assignment: (by midnight Wednesday)
Go to the Classroom. Click on Volcanoes. Then click on the Teacher as Problem Solver graphic. Post your hypothesis, ideas, or hunches about the event described in the scenario.

List what you know about the event and the reasons for how you know. (Don't be concerned if this particular ESS topic is not one of your strengths; you are here to learn, and the Earth system science analysis is only the starting point. The purpose of this assignment is for you to list what you already know. You do not need to conduct any research for this assignment.

Post Team Assignment: (by midnight Sunday)
Go to the Classroom. Click on Volcanoes. Then click on the Teacher as Problem Solver graphic. Post a list of team-generated questions. Develop a plan for how you, as a team, will answer your questions. Answer the questions and support them with evidence. Actively summarize and make connections between your teammates' questions, answers, and ideas. Write a team problem statement. Remember, you will not be receiving a grade for this assignment. However, you will be getting feedback.

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