Welcome to the Science of Forecasting Waves

GNM1136

Fall 2014Professor Dave WernerManahawkin Complex

Introduction the course – Class Syllabus and Website

Pre-Assessment – 40 questions Ice-Breakers – Getting to know each

other! Surf Trivia Intro to Surfing and Surf Forecasting

Schedule of Events

This course includes the science/math/technology associated with surf forecasting. 

Students are introduced to waves, surfing, surf culture, surfing equipment, tracking swell, buoy models, hurricanes, weather, bathymetry, tides, wind, & coastal erosion processes.

Using actual, re-enacted, and staged events students will examine the relationships between wave models, storms, and related science principles.

Course Description:

This course has a service-learning component that will require you to become involved in your community.

You will be required to complete a project/activity that is environmentally-based (i.e. beach cleanups, dune grass planting, environmental education, etc…).

A reflective process will follow the project/activity.

Service-Learning:

We will be taking several field trips during the semester to enhance your learning experience: Jetty Warehouse Tuckerton Seaport Surf Museum Ventnor Pier Long Beach Island Beaches

Guest Speakers: Randy Budd – Wooden Surfboard Design Greg Melega - Wooden Surfboard Design

Hands-On

Written Reflections from guest speaker(s) (10 Points each) – Students will write a one-page reflection form the guest speaker(s). Reflect on how the speaker impacted you.

Global Surf Project (25 Points) - Students will design a PowerPoint presentation on a surf break of their choice. The presentation must include the location, type of break (reef, rock, sand, etc…), culture, access, cost, and equipment needed. More details will be provided in class and on Wikispace. Rubric will be posted on Wikispace. Project must be received by email on the sue date. No late projects will be accepted.

Swell Predictions (10 Points) - Students will use buoy models and other online sources to interpret and predict real-time swell patterns.

Quizzes (15 Points) – There will be 3-5 short quizzes based on class material and chapters in the book. Quizzes may be unannounced.

Assignments

Essay on the History of Surfing (20 Points) – Students will research and write a 3-5 page essay on the history of surfing. 12-font, double spaced. Must be in MLA format with a works cited page. Rubric will be posted on Wikispace.

Service-Learning (10 Points) - You will be required to complete a project/activity that is environmentally-based (i.e. beach cleanups, dune grass planting, environmental education, etc…). You will choose an organization to work with and help you complete the project/activity. A written reflection of your experience will be required. More details will be given in class and on the Wikispace.

Attendance (10 Points) - If you miss 3 classes you will drop one letter grade and risk failing the course.

*Point values may change during the semester depending on the number of guest speakers and field days

Assignments

Think about three things about your life and two ocean experiences that you would like to share. Jot down your thoughts on paper.

Pair up with someone. Share your thoughts with your partner.

What things do you want to reveal about yourself?

Also, share the following with your partner: How much does surfing (or the ocean) impact your life?

Think-Pair-ShareGetting to Know you (2 times)

What is Surf Forecasting? Discuss with your partner what you think

surf forecasting is and what it involves. What background would you need to

develop a surf forecast? What types of information/tools would you

need to develop a surf forecast? You will have 10 minutes to discuss this with

your partner Some groups will share their thoughts.

Think-Pair-Share(New Partners)

Multiple tools Understanding weather (meteorology) Satellites Buoys Ships Wavewatch 3 (WW3) Video Forecast

Intro to Surf Forecasting

HW Assignment