EFB 215: Interpreting Science through Art
3 Credit Hours, Fall Semester

Students will examine the intersections of art and science. Major reciprocal influences in both a historical and contemporary format are treated. Fundamental methods and skills of some artistic process including nature illustration, journaling, and photography are introduced in a context of practical applications while interpreting science. Field trips, guest lectures, and group projects are also a part of this course. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisites:  General Biology or equivalent. 

EFB 404: Natural History Museums and Modern Science
3 Credit Hours, Spring Semester

Students will examine the major roles of contemporary natural history museums as places of research and public education. The contributions of these institutions to science and science education through research, exhibits, collections and programs are emphasized. Participation in an organized instructional visit to natural history museums during the Spring Beak is required. Travel expenses to be anticipated. Two hours of lecture per week and a one-week spring break field trip.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology and General Biology or equivalent.

EFB 405: Literature of Natural History
2 Credit Hours, Spring Semester

Students will examine key examples of the literature of natural history from the late 18^th century to present. Major influences, perspectives and contexts associated with each selection are treated. One hour of lecture and one hour discussion/seminar per week.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology and General Biology or equivalent.

EFB 406: Great Naturalist Seminar
1 Credit Hours, Fall Semester

Students will examine the lives and contributions of selected, significant naturalists from the late 18^th century to present. Perspectives, contexts and contemporaries of the naturalists are treated in a seminar format. Basic and enriched presentation skills are practiced to encourage personal understanding and enhance professionalism.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology and General Biology or equivalent.

EFB 416/616: Introduction to Environmental Interpretation
3 Credit Hours, Fall Semester

Students will be introduced to popular activities and products of nature interpretation including interpretive trails, trailside interpretation, and first person interpretation to explore and illustrate the philosophy, principles, and concepts of environmental interpretation. Students gain professional experience and an overview of interpretation by visiting interpretive centers and preparing interpretive products. Three hours of lecture/activities per week.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology or equivalent.

EFB 417/617: Perspectives of Interpretive Design
3 Credit Hours, Spring Semester

Students will learn applications of environmental interpretation theory and methods to nature center programming, science education, and various fields of resource management. The design and implementation of natural history/science/environmental education products such as slide presentations, informational leaflets, exhibits, and interpretive programs will be emphasized. Three hours of lecture/activities per week.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology or equivalent. 

EFB 418/618: Interpreting Field Biology
5 Credit Hours, Summer Session

This 2-week residential course follows Cranberry Lake where undergraduate students take EFB 202 Ecological Monitoring and Biodiversity Assessment. It will be held at Huntington Wildlife Forest and the Newcomb Visitor Interpretive Center and fulfills the reaming credit hours of the field experience requirement. Students will learn Adirondack flora and fauna in a regional context as subjects for various nature interpretation programs and products such as nature walks, trailside presentations, and slide presentation. The application of professional interpretive techniques and the inclusion of natural history in science education are highlights. Course registration is by permission of instructor and a limited number of spaces are available each summer. This course carries the same fees as the Cranberry Lake program.
Prerequisites:  General Ecology or permission of instructor.

EFB 521: Principles of Interpretive Programming
3 Credit Hours, Spring Semester (alternate years)

This course offers principles, methods, and marketing for comprehensive interpretive programming. Creative approaches to methods for establishing effective programming featuring natural history themes are emphasized, taking the students beyond the introductory levels to intermediate and advanced levels. It addresses specific techniques for diverse audiences and for marketing programs, especially those fostering science education, natural history, wildlife, and ecology topics. Three hours of lecture/activities per week.
Prerequisites:  EFB 416/616 or EFB 417/617. 

EFB 622: Applications of Interpretation to Science Education
3 Credit Hours, Summer

This course, also known as "Stalking Science Education in the Adirondacks", is held at the Adirondack Ecological Center and the Newcomb Visitor interpretative center, and is offered to practicing and pre-service science educators. It offers practical research strategies for science educators working with their students in local environments. The course builds on forest ecology and wildlife themes as vehicles to teach the process of science. Included are field-oriented introductions to Adirondack birds, mammals, and flora as well as ideas to enhance most science curricula. Applications of nature interpretation are used to energize traditional strategies by using nature trails and walks, and trail leaflets, brochures, presentations, and exhibits. Participants must implement, test, and document semester-length projects with their students. Course registration is by permission of instructor and a limited number of spaces are available each summer. 

For class availability and schedules, visit the Registrar's Page.

For more information, contact D. Andrew Saunders (Coordinator) at dasaunde@esf.edu.