Program Areas — Dr. Norm Lownds, Associate Professor

Science Education

I am very interested in science education and learning and how hands-on, experiential learning can be enhanced and expanded through technology. To examine this, my program is continually involved in projects that develop and integrate computer applications into the hands-on learning that occurs in the 4-H Children's Garden. Studies typically involve curricula development, including specific technology integration, delivering discovery experiences and evaluating effects on attitudes and learning.Very recently I have started to look at how we can use the ideas, concepts, tools and power of Web 2 to even further enhance and expand learning opportunities. Current projects include:

Seeds of Science

We are developing and evaluating multi-day 4-H Garden field trip experiences and evaluating effects on students attitudes toward science and changes in their specific content knowledge through concept mapping.

On-line Wonder Wall

Wonder Walls connect learners, teachers, off-site experts and students in real time and asynchronously to persistent, playful, moderated, spatial communication environments designed for collaborative learning. We are currently examining how various ages and groups use Wonder Walls, the types of questions that are asked and how Wonder Walls affect learning and interactions with scientists.

Personal Science Assistant

We are studying effects on student learning and retention when the PSA is incorporated into their learning experiences.

REAACT - (Reaching Environmental Awareness and Action in Communities Together) - This project is looking at the challenges and opportunities of working with communities of difference around environmental issues. It also involves integration of technology and is looking at changes in environmental attitudes

Northern Michigan Applied Plant Science Program

The Applied Plant Science program includes course work taught by faculty members from one of our partners, Northwestern Michigan College, West Shore Community College, Kirtland Community College, North Central Michigan College and Michigan State University. The degree and certificate programs contain specialty and general education course requirements which may vary some depending on area of study and community college associate degree requirements. The Northern Michigan Applied Plant Science program offers this same type of specialized curriculum as the campus programs. It differs from the on-campus programs in some significant ways. First, it combines MSU courses, with community college courses. Student may simultaneously earn both an MSU Certificate and a community college Associate degree. Second, it brings MSU courses to you without the need move to East Lansing.

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