The Science Alliance: Engaging Kids in Science! Contents

page 1... The Science Alliance by Cassie Paulsen ‘15 & Emma Chapman ‘15

BioMass March 2015 Volume 13 Issue 6

Student Coordinator: Brenna Peterson ‘17

When Science Alliance volunteers enter the classroom, arms exploding with giant fans, model wind turbines, buckets filled with mini solar panels, and a large rolling bike, we’re greeted with round eyes filled with wonder and exclamations of excitement. Creating a positive, engaging atmosphere around science education is one of the missions of the Science Alliance, a STEM education outreach program founded by St. Olaf students Cassie Paulsen ‘15 and Emma Chapman ‘15 along with their faculty advisor Professor Greg Muth.

We created the Science Alliance as a direct response to poor science literacy in elementary schools across the country and within Northfield Public Schools. In 2011, the three public elementary schools in Northfield performed in the 33rd, 52nd, and 58th percentiles on the 5th grade Science MCA-II. We do this through developing meaningful, unique curriculum that incorporates district and state standards, complements existing classroom activities, and creates hands-on, inquiry-based opportunities for students. A teacher we worked with in Faribault told us, “These are exactly the kind of experiences our students need to be exposed to. Many, if not most, of the students have never seen ‘cool’ science.” The Science Alliance aims to change the way we think about science education– too often students are asked to read, see, or write about science. We have students do science, which allows them to investigate their own questions, use creative problem-solving skills to solve engineering problems, and simply have fun learning science!

This is where you come in! As biology majors we often find ourselves in the lab for large portions of the day and buried in textbooks in the evenings, so it’s easy to see how community engagement isn’t always at the top of our lists of things to do with those few minutes of spare time we manage to find. But it’s important for us to remember the people or experiences that made us passionate about science. The Science Alliance offers St. Olaf students the opportunity to help another student discover or develop a passion for science, while also giving us the opportunity to get off campus and rekindle our love for science by allowing the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity to remind us of how utterly amazing the natural world is.If you’re interested in volunteering please don’t hesitate to email sciencealliance-co@stolaf.edu and we’ll let you know about any upcoming opportunities!

by Cassie Paulsen ‘15 and Emma Chapman ‘15

page 2…. Enjoy the Little Things by Jordan Pesik ‘15

page 2…. Professor Notes

Current Science Alliance coordinator Emma Schnuckle '16 guides 4th grade students in collecting data on solar energy.(Photo courtesy of Cassie Paulsen ’15 and Emma Chapman ’15)

page 3…. Sprouting Spring Ephemerals

by Student Naturalist Martha Sudermann’ 15

photo by: Maia Erickson

March 2015 Volume 13 Issue 6

Senior Reflection: Enjoy the Little Things Jordan Pesik ‘15

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“What a great opportunity!” I have cross country/track & field coach Phil Lundin to thank for those words of wisdom these past four years, even though they did not really sink in until this final year at St. Olaf. These words remind me to cherish every moment as if it’s my last, and to enjoy the little things life has to offer. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend college here on the Hill for the academics, music, athletics, friends gained and faith in God developed.

I came to St. Olaf to learn more about the environment and the world in which we live; specifically, to become a biologist. My admiration for animals, especially fish, was instilled at an early age by my father and grandfather through memorable camping, canoeing and fishing trips. The summer after my collegiate junior year, I participated in a summer internship at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi that was devoted entirely to aquatic research. It was an unbelievable opportunity for me to develop research skills in the lab and in the field and solidified my future plans to attend graduate school for fisheries conservation.

Looking back at my time at St. Olaf, my days were FILLED—with classes, labs, work, music ensembles, organized athletics, extracurricular activities, and the list goes on. I was fully immersed in activities for the first three years and life was moving pretty fast. So, at the beginning of my senior year, I decided to stop spreading myself so thin and to really invest myself in the one activity and opportunity I really love: running with the St. Olaf team. Remember what Ferris said in Ferris Bueller's Day Off? He said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." To me, this meant streamlining my life a bit so that I would have time to stop and smell the roses. Not all of the moments are huge though, most are small. There is a quote from the movie Zombieland that I have carried with me since I first saw it: “Enjoy the little things.” Sometimes, less is more. If you spread yourself too thin, you will likely miss the many small things in life that define your experiences and life story for the better.

“This is a photo of me and the only Guadalupe Bass I’ve ever caught. It’s a species of Centrarchid endemic to only a couple rivers in central Texas, which I took the opportunity to pursue for a few hours during one weekend of last year’s internship.”(Photo courtesy of Jordan Pesik ’15)

Professor Notes: Professor Mohl: Climate Change Education TalkCraig Johnson, White House Champion of Change for Climate Education and literacy, will be speaking on The "Perfect Problem": Climate Change through an Educator's Lens, on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 7:00 pm in RNS 210. Craig Johnson engages students at Apple Valley’s School of Environmental Studies in authentic, interdisciplinary, and experiential learning relevant to climate change, ranging from field studies in Alaska to observing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. He will talk about the synergies between his educational practice and the problem of climate change. Refreshments will be served.

Professor Shea: Looking for 2015-16 Student Naturalists, applications due April 13 The Biology and Environmental Studies Departments are looking for four-six STUDENT NATURALISTS who are familiar with the St. Olaf natural environment. These are paid positions organizing and working on Natural Lands related projects and providing information to the St. Olaf Community. In addition to sharing information about our rich plant and wildlife resources, being a naturalist will add to your resume in the areas of conservation, service, and environmental education.

Interested students should reply by email(to Kathy Shea) with: A letter explaining why you are interested in the position A short resume of your “environmental experience” A list of relevant courses you have taken through this spring A list of three professors who could be contacted as references

March 2015 Volume 13 Issue 6

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Sprouting Spring Ephemerals by Student Naturalist Martha Sudermann’ 15

Pictured Above: The first false rue anemone spotted by students and naturalists during a phenology walk. (Photo Courtesy of Student Naturalist Sonja Helgeson’15)

Wild ginger roots near last fall’s foliage. (Photo courtesy of Student Naturalist Sonja Helgeson’15)

A sure sign of spring is the sprouting of spring ephemerals. After a time of darkness, brown earth, and some snowy patches that increased in size and then vanished (before returning once again), the small green shoots of spring ephemerals that emerge in forests like Norway Valley give us hope about the return of warmth and light. Spring ephemerals are the first to emerge because they are low-lying. Once tree foliage becomes thick and other plants emerge, competition for light and resources increases and the spring ephemerals reach the end of their life cycles.

Which spring ephemerals might we see at St. Olaf? Norway Valley offers the greatest diversity of early spring plants. False rue anemone and wild ginger roots have been spotted in the Natural Lands, and as the weather become warmer and the days get longer, we will soon see dutchman's britches, which have white blooms that look like little white undergarments. Trout lilies also emerge. The leaves look mottled and fleshy. When they bloom they have golden-yellow flowers that look like bells. Spring beauty is another common flower in the Natural Lands. It is an elegant plant with five light pink petals.

We must remember that spring ephemerals are not only an encouraging reminder of spring; they also play important roles in forest ecosystem health. They contribute nutrients to the soil, work to stabilize soils, and provide sustenance to bee populations. Pollinators depend on spring ephemeral nectar early in the spring, and as they gather the pollen they help to contribute to the overall fitness of spring ephemerals. Some bumble bees nest near early spring ephemerals. Due to their short season, pollination at specific times is crucial. Threats like weather, human activity, herbivory, and the introduction of exotic species all pose challenges to the wild flowers. As the weather warms up, take a quick stroll through Norway Valley and take a look at the spring ephemerals. Also consider joining the Student Naturalists for frequent phenology walks on Fridays after class.

Speaking of Spring.... Have a great Spring Break Everyone!