NCC’s Professor Cindy Smith’s NCLC 375, Understanding the Sciences class visited the Mason Pond on September 2, 2012, to collect organisms and observe their adaptations. The pond, which is designed to retain campus stormwater and filter pollutants, provides a great opportunity for students in the elementary education concentration to explore an aquatic ecosystem.
Using field microscopes, students zoomed in on midges, shrimp-like scuds and large-eyed dragonfly nymphs -- a hands-on activity characteristic of NCC¹s experiential learning focus.
"This course is designed to ignite a passion for science in elementary education students so they in turn can inspire their future students to love science," explains Dr. Smith. She also believes that new K-12 teachers who understand their relationship to the environment are more likely to pass this understanding along to future generations.
When asked what she likes best about this class, Lynne Farinelli, an Integrative Studies junior with an Education Concentration, says, "Throughout high school, I always had difficulty in science. However, this class has been a really positive experience. I enjoy that we get up close and personal with each topic through hands-on activities."
October 08, 2012
