In order to successfully complete this course, you must demonstrate your understanding of the course materials by:

• participating actively in the discussion activities,
• completing the research assignment,
• submitting the quizzes,
• completing the Investigation Manual exercises,
• earning a combined average of at least 60% on the proctored assessments.

Here is an overview of all of the different types of assignments in the course. You can find detailed directions for the assignments and the grading rubrics in the module where they are assigned.

Discussion Activities

There are four discussion activities in addition to the introduction discussion. You are required to respond to three of them. The initial responses are due earlier than the discussions to give your classmates enough time to read and comment on each other's posts. Please pay attention to the different due dates.

You should make sure to go back to the discussion forums two to three times to comment on other students' posts and respond to the comments posted under your initial responses. Your comments should be substantive. Merely saying "I agree" or "Thanks for your comments" doesn't count as a comment.

Research Assignment

The research assignment provides you with an opportunity 1) to apply your knowledge to everyday meteorologic conditions and to evaluate current research and 2) enhance your critical thinking skills.

There are two options for this assignment. For Option A, your instructors will post research topics periodically throughout the semester (approximately one topic each month). You should write two research papers on two of the topics following MLA format. Please note that different topics have different due dates.

Option B allows you to write a paper on a topic of your choice and approved by your instructor. The topic you selected can't be a topic covered by the textbook.

Quizzes

There are two types of quizzes in the course, self-check quizzes and required quizzes. There are four required quizzes. You are only required to complete three of them. The self-check quizzes are not graded. They are to help you monitor your own learning progress and test you on the critical information in each chapter. The quizzes can prepare you for the proctored assessments.

Investigation Manual exercises

The Investigation Manual provides a series of investigations which are the lab component of the course and include the background reading and questions at the end of each exercise. They provide you with opportunities to apply what you learned to real-world problems and help you understand the concepts learned in the course. You are required to complete these exercises.

Proctored Assessments 

There are two (2) proctored assessments in the course. You are not allowed to use textbooks, notes, or any electronic devices during testing. The assessments cover mostly the textbook, NOT much of the material from the Investigation Manual. Study for the assessments by reviewing the chapter readings, the quizzes, and the end-of-chapter questions. Sample questions and assessment study guides are provided to help you prepare for the assessments. You may also want to take the practice exams to get an idea of how you will be tested.

Please find the information on how to take a proctored assessment in the Taking Proctored Assessments section below.