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Syllabus:
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Chemistry 152 - Professor |
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How to contact me: E-mail is the best way to contact me. Or, leave me a written note in the Mesa Chem Stockroom or Faculty Mailboxes. Office Hrs. See syllabus. My Background: Lived in ME, MA, PA, IN, and CA. Married 24 years. 2 sons (at UCI & PLNU). Volunteer of the Year, PUSD. Hobbies: disc golf, photography, web design, politics, music, ecology, nature, birding, biking, running. B.S. Chemistry + Math, Bates, 1978. Environmental Scientist/Consultant at SAIC 1990-2007 and ENSR 2007-2008, now at ICF Jones & Stokes. Air, climate change, policy, regulations, water, hazmat, etc. Adjunct Professor since 1988. Chemistry and oceanography. Miramar, Mesa, Grossmont, Palomar, MiraCosta Colleges, National University, and Point Loma Nazarene University. Activities: Climate Change Focus Group, Point Loma Sports Associates; Rancho Penasquitos Basketball. Former Board memberships: Air & Waste Management Association (San Diego Chapter Chair); Mt Carmel High School Band Boosters, Basketball Boosters, and Volleyball Boosters; Newsletter Editor for Canyon View Elementary, Mesa Verde Middle School, and the MCHS Band; Recycling Coordinator for Canyon View Elementary School. |
What should you call me? Dave, David, or something more formal ... whatever feels right, as long as you do talk to me. I teach because I like helping students learn this stuff, but you have to take responsibility for your own learning, make sure you either understand what I'm expecting you to know. Don't just sit there and try to learn from the book. You wouldn't be here if that was the best way to learn chemistry. Make sure you know it and can work the problems and examples that I've presented in class. Why Do I Teach Chemistry? - I come from a family of teachers. My dad just retired from 50+ years of teaching geology and geography back in Massachusetts and my mom has experience in elementary and preschool education. Teaching has always seemed like a natural thing to do. I love to see the moment when students "get it." Sometimes it takes a while, but with persistence from both of us, you and I will both know when it happens. I've always been somewhat of an idealist, and it frustrates me to see the propoganda and scare tactics regarding scientific issues from politicians, policymakers, businesses, advocacy groups, and the media these days. People should not be afraid or ignorant of science; they should have the confidence to be able to make their own decisions and question ideas when they feel a problem exists or information is being held back or twisted. The beauty of science is that it is constantly changing and growing. Knowledge is tentative and current theories depend on their applicability and adaptability to observations and facts. I like teaching at a community college because I can focus on teaching basic skills to students who want to learn from a real teacher, rather than a graduate student. I enjoy bringing confidence to students who start out scared or uncertain about chemistry and science, and raising the level of all students so they can have an easier time later on. I'm happy when a former student thanks me for challenging them and giving them the tools to meet this and future challenges, and always glad when a student, who thought chemistry was hopelessly difficult at the start of the semester, ends up moving on to Chem 200 with a new sense of confidence. |
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I have great respect for students at Mesa College. Each
of you has your own reason that you have made chemistry a priority
this semester. I want to help you excel in your next chemistry course, CHEM 200.