What
are you doing this summer?
Join us for
University on the Prairie: Where Can Science Take You?
Tuesday, August 4 - Thursday, August 6, 2009
This intensive, hands-on experience is your chance to explore
career opportunities in four science-based areas:
Healthcare, Food Science, Environmental Science, and Engineering.
University on the Prairie takes students in grades 8-10 through three days of engaging hands-on experiences that will show you what you can do with your science education. Sixty students will be selected to participate. Students will explore a variety of career opportunities in four science-based areas important to this region using interactive learning in classrooms, labs and the great outdoors at the Southwest Research and Outreach Center at Lamberton, Minnesota. For additional information, learn about the 2008 University on the Prairie event through the University on the Prairie 2008 Report to the Region.
The three days of learning, fun and activities will end with a closing celebration for participating students, their families, teachers, faculty and media. The University of Minnesota Raptor Center, a display of final projects, a short program and picnic will all be part of this celebration.
The cost to participate in University on the Prairie is $50. Payment will be collected after acceptance into the program.
How do I apply?
What will I learn in the four science-based areas?
I am a teacher. How can I be involved?
Who is bringing this opportunity to southwest Minnesota?
I have questions about University on the Prairie. Who can
I contact?
- Print out the University on the Prairie student application and reference form.
- Complete the student application and mail it to the SWROC. Your reference person can mail the reference form to the SWROC. Applications will be accepted until openings are filled. Mail your application to the Southwest Research & Outreach Center at 23669 130th Street, Lamberton, MN 56152 or fax the application to 507-752-5097.
- Once you have been accepted, payment of the $50 registration fee will be required.
What will I learn in the four science-based areas?
Environmental Science
Forces of Nature – Earth, Wind, Water, and Fire. They helped form the Earth
beneath our feet: Water – Wind – Fire. No one can control them. They can bring
both blessings and devastation and they can also teach us important lessons.
The Environmental Science section will introduce students to the Forces of
Nature. Have you ever wondered how wind and water causes soil erosion? In
these activities, students will gain a better understanding of natural events
including wind and water erosion and their impact on land and water. Do you
know why fire is important for prairie regeneration? Learn how prairie ecosystems
evolved with periodic fire, making prairie vegetation and wildlife species
dependent upon the regenerating effects of fire. You’ll learn all this and
more through observation, building working models, and gathering and comparing
data at University on the Prairie. !
Health
Science
More than 300 careers in healthcare will be possible for you when you start
with a good science education. Think nursing is just for girls? Think again!
Explore the high-tech, high-touch, fast-paced profession of nursing with faculty
and graduate students from UM School of Nursing. Ever tried to dress yourself
with one hand? Can you imagine cooking a meal if you were blind? The career
of occupational therapy uses creativity, patience & a thorough understanding
of human physiology and psychology to help persons with physical and mental
challenges achieve independence in all areas of their lives. Does the need
for a caring health professional stop at the end of life? Not at all! One
of the most necessary and appreciated businesses in rural communities is the
funeral home, but there is a serious shortage of morticians. Learn how caring,
compassion and a good science education can lead to a rewarding career as
a funeral director.
Food Science
What would happen if you were sick for over a week and unable to eat? What
if you were unable to swallow? Why do apples keep the doctor away? How does
a food scientist create a new food? In this session, you will explore the
exciting world of nutrition and food science. See and taste foods dietitians
use with patients to improve their health, learn the how’s and why’s fruits
and vegetables are good for people, and explore how food scientists develop
new food products. Food is part of everyone’s life. Learn how food and nutrition
can become a rewarding career.
Engineering
Wind energy prevails in southwest Minnesota right now. What energy options
will be available in the next five years? What does energy from biomass look
like and will it be a viable option in the future? Maybe our next new source
of energy is something we haven’t even tapped into. There are many career
options in Southwest Minnesota for developing new sources of energy. University
on the Prairie will provide three days for exploring the future of renewable
energy.
I
am a teacher. How can I be involved?
We would like to invite you to consider applying for one of eight
associate teacher positions as part of University on the Prairie. The
associate teachers play a very important role in the overall success of University
on the Prairie. Through this position you will work closely with the University
of Minnesota faculty who are the primary educators for the four different
tracks. You will be assigned a group of students and rotate through the four
tracks assisting the faculty with their teaching, which gives you an opportunity
to collect lots of new ideas to use in your classroom. It becomes a great
professional growth experience. In return for your help with the three days
of University on the Prairie you will receive a $100 stipend for each day,
mileage reimbursement and continuing education credits. Several school districts
provided school cars last year and associate teachers drove participants to
the Southwest Research and Outreach Center from their school districts. The
opportunity to work alongside university faculty members and teacher colleagues
from the region while gathering new curriculum ideas for your classroom, are
some of the most valued benefits of this experience.
University on the Prairie is developed by the University of Minnesota:
- Southwest Research and Outreach Center
- Southern Minnesota Area Health Education Center
- College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
- Extension
Partnering with the Southwest / West Central Service Cooperatives and Redwood County Public Health Services.
University on the Prairie is funded by:
- University of Minnesota Parker Sanders Fund
- Redwood Area Hospital
- Sanford Health - Tracy/Westbrook
- Walmart
I have questions about University on the Prairie. Who can I contact?
Contact the University on the Prairie Executive Committee
Pauline Nickel, Southwest Research &
Outreach Center; Phone: 507-752-7372
Kathy Huntley, Southern MN Area
Health Education Center; Phone: 320-231-4375
Susan Anderson, Southwest Research
& Outreach Center; Phone 507-641-8338
Wendy Foley, Southern MN Area
Health Education Center; Phone: 320-231-4376
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