SNRAS offers service learning independent study

Randy Smith Middle School teacher Chris Pastro works with a student on the art side of a OneTree project.

Students can gain teaching experience with interdisciplinary STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) curriculum.

The SNRAS course, NRM 497/697, is part of OneTree Alaska, a program that provides elementary students with positive experiences of science and nature. Through active learning and inquiry investigation, students explore plant anatomy and physiology, the scientific process and the annual events in a birch tree's growth. A student can earn one to three credits for this course.

Classes meet two Saturdays a month from 9 to 11 a.m. and will alternate between hands-on workshops with teachers and service learners incorporating activities that demonstrate pre-selected themes and discussion groups. Students will spend one to two hours per week in the classroom facilitating lessons and will receive evaluations from the teachers.

The first class is Sept. 14 from 9 to 11 a.m. in Arctic Health Research Building 183. Contact Janice Dawe at 388-1772 by Sept. 12 to discuss participation.