For Students, Science Lab is the Environment
Danette Delgado
Issue date: 11/23/09 Section: News
Field trips are a part of learning at College of the Desert (COD). Students interested in getting out of the laboratory classroom experience, and into the natural environment, may be interested in this one-credit science alternative offered each semester.
This class allows students to attend a field trip each week, going to places within the community where conservation of natural resources occurs. This in-cludes destinations from one end of the Coachella Valley to the other, from the Salton Sea to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For example, one day could be a trip to the Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, while another could be spent learning about plants and wildlife at The Living Desert. On another outing, students might tour the Burrtec Waste and Re-cycling facility or get a closer look at the wind turbines in Palm Springs.
Candice Weber, the instructor of the course, says she has witnessed students of all ages enjoying themselves on the excursions while learning first hand. As a favorite, most of them like the animal exhibits at The Living Desert. One student on campus reinforced that sentiment, stating he "Liked seeing the big cats and the giraffes".
On one occasion, with Weber as their field trip guide, some students were treated to a behind the scenes encounter. Since Weber also works as a zookeeper at The Living Desert, students benefited from her expertise. She was able to arrange for her group to approach the Cheetah exhibit closer than other visitors were allowed. Although, a safe distance was maintained at all times.
In regards to the lab class and the instructor, one student anonymously posted on ratemyprofessor.com, "The lab class was loads of fun. [It was the] best class ever and [the instructor] made it very fun and interesting! Highly recommended!"
The Conservation of Natural Resources Lab is one class that fulfills lower division science lab and is a required portion of general education units for those planning to transfer to a university.
This class allows students to attend a field trip each week, going to places within the community where conservation of natural resources occurs. This in-cludes destinations from one end of the Coachella Valley to the other, from the Salton Sea to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. For example, one day could be a trip to the Coachella Valley Wild Bird Center, while another could be spent learning about plants and wildlife at The Living Desert. On another outing, students might tour the Burrtec Waste and Re-cycling facility or get a closer look at the wind turbines in Palm Springs.
Candice Weber, the instructor of the course, says she has witnessed students of all ages enjoying themselves on the excursions while learning first hand. As a favorite, most of them like the animal exhibits at The Living Desert. One student on campus reinforced that sentiment, stating he "Liked seeing the big cats and the giraffes".
On one occasion, with Weber as their field trip guide, some students were treated to a behind the scenes encounter. Since Weber also works as a zookeeper at The Living Desert, students benefited from her expertise. She was able to arrange for her group to approach the Cheetah exhibit closer than other visitors were allowed. Although, a safe distance was maintained at all times.
In regards to the lab class and the instructor, one student anonymously posted on ratemyprofessor.com, "The lab class was loads of fun. [It was the] best class ever and [the instructor] made it very fun and interesting! Highly recommended!"
The Conservation of Natural Resources Lab is one class that fulfills lower division science lab and is a required portion of general education units for those planning to transfer to a university.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Therese Stasik
posted 11/25/09 @ 2:09 AM PST
This article is very informative. It is well written and great description. Makes me want to look forward to attending!
Research Paper Services
posted 12/10/09 @ 6:35 AM PST
This class allows students to attend a field trip each week, going to places within the community where conservation of natural resources occur.
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