CHANGEMAKERS: INTEGRATING THE GEOSCIENCES WITH ENGINEERING AND LITERACY
As the capstone to the St. Catherine University’s unique STEM minor, this course connects the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts and skills covered in previous courses with the historical perspective and Literacy skills required to understand and even contribute to future policies regarding issues affecting the Earth.
In this course, two case studies are presented. Each shows situations in which human needs required physics knowledge to engineer solutions--needs that then necessitated innovative technologies to make breakthroughs in Earth science. Students also study how this new knowledge made humans aware of their environmental needs for survival.
To demonstrate the mastery of course objectives, students apply their understanding of physics and Earth science, and capitalize on literacy skills, to develop interactive museum exhibits. The students visit with Science Museum of Minnesota exhibit development staff to learn about creating public exhibits. These exhibits, designed to inform and influence the public, are debuted to an invited audience during J-Term.
The class meets from 9:00-12:00 as a whole group every day the University is in session during J-Term. From 12:00-1:00 each of those days, students work in small groups on the capstone project with instructor supervision. The course is open to all majors, and designed specifically with elementary education majors in mind.