Natural and Social Sciences

Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification is the industry standard for people who work or have a leadership role in remote and wilderness type environments including wilderness guides and trip leaders, camp counselors, research expedition members, higher education outdoor professionals, school forest and nature based educators, and search and rescue team members. The WFR course is also an excellent option for individuals who are seeking intensive medical training in order to be prepared during personal wilderness trips or extended expeditions, for medical professionals seeking ways to apply their skills outside of the clinic setting, and for people who live and work in remote areas or locations that are prone to natural disasters whose aftermath may delay emergency response. In addition to weekly class meetings, this course has two mandatory 8 hour weekend meetings.

Topics in NSC.

This course is designed to assist prospective middle and high school science teachers successfully conduct and manage an inquiry-based science program. Emphasis is placed on how teachers can enhance learning and motivation for students at every stage of mental development. Topics include: technology in the science classroom, inquiry techniques, investigation techniques, demonstrations, science teaching reform, and specific science programs. Prospective teachers will plan, execute, and evaluate lesson plans with their peers in a public school setting.

This experience introduces prospective teachers to the culture of the high school environment. Students observe and assist a biology or chemistry teacher, interview school personnel, talk with students, and teach technology-integrated lessons and content reading strategies in their subject area. Assessment strategies are observed and practiced.

Provides students with the academic structure and support necessary for a fulfilling and meaningful experiential learning opportunity. Course allows students to acquire professional skills and stackable credentials for post-graduate employment, and includes professional document preparation, in addition to career exploration and reflection activities.

Provides students with the academic structure and support necessary for a fulfilling and meaningful experiential learning opportunity. Course enables students to earn patient contact hours and professional skills for post-graduate employment.

Independent Study.

Introduces beer appreciation through an examination of the chemistry of beer and the factors that affect its chemical properties. The course will include a study of fermentation and metabolic processes, beer composition, and sensory perception. Students will learn to recognize the major features of beer that determine sensory quality and know the processes that produced them.

Studies science as a human activity in relationship with other aspects of society. Students engage with how historical, cultural, and social contexts influence science, and how science influences history, culture, and society. Students examine definitions of the boundaries of science, as a body of knowledge and as a creative process. Students learn some cross-cutting scientific principles and build understandings about the nature of science itself. Students contend with how science has been and should be applied to problems when complex technological, social, political, and ethical considerations also apply. No prior knowledge of particular science content is required.

Topics in Natural Science.

Introduction to social studies education in both middle school and high school settings. Topics include the nature and purposes of social studies education, the social studies curriculum, planning and designing a social studies unit and course, community resources, assessment, classroom management, the Minnesota Graduation Rule, and clinical experience in a social studies classroom. Students also spend time with teachers new to the profession and participate in mock interviews for social studies teaching positions.