SEARCH:
HOME | GATEWAYS | ACADEMICS | ADMISSION | DIRECTORIES | VISIT | LOG IN | SITE INDEX

Home | Gateways | Academics | Admission | Directories | Site Index

SEARCH:

• Outreach ▼
  • Home
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • E-News
  • Blog
• Programs & Projects ▼
  • Overview
  • Professional Education
  • Middle & High School Education
  • Credit Courses & Summer Session
  • Projects & Initiatives
• Calendars
  •  
• About
  •  
• Contact
  •  

Developing Students and Citizens

Environmental problems make headlines every day. Understanding the complex scientific and social issues behind these headlines, coupled with the ability to critically solve these problems, is a requirement in the work place today. This need not only applies to those individuals in the STEM fields but to everyone across the education spectrum. Everyday people are being called upon to help shape their environmental future. The ESF in the High School and ESF Science Corps programs can help your students be prepared to be leaders in the stewardship of both our natural and designed environments and be the effective citizens required for the 21st century.

The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) located in Syracuse, New York, is one of only nine doctoral-granting institutions in the sixty-four campus State University of New York (SUNY) system. ESF is an urban campus with eight regional campuses and field stations distributed across 25,000 acres in Central and Northern New York, ranging from the Appalachian highlands and Great Lakes basin to the St. Lawrence River and the Adirondack Mountains. As a result, ESF is one of the largest campuses in the U.S. dedicated to education, research and demonstration in environmental science, engineering and technology, policy and management, and planning and design. ESF is the SUNY Sustainable and Renewable Energy Center.

ESF is ranked among the nation's top universities in the 2012 edition of U.S. News and World Report's annual list of America's Best Colleges. ESF was listed among the “Best National Universities” and one of the Top 50 Public National Universities. According to the 2011 ORP Annual Report, approximately 87% of the faculty are engaged in more than 506 research projects.

We are proud to serve New York State students and educators through the ESF in the High School and ESF Science Corps program

What is ESF in the High School?

A school/college partnership program that enables qualified students to:

• Experience college-level course work while still in high school.
• Understand the complex scientific and social perspectives behind the environmental issues that make headlines every day such as, the relationship between energy use and the environment.
• Learn about and explore diverse interests and career opportunities in environmental science, engineering, management, policy and design - and in related areas such as law, communications, technology and medicine.
• 2012-13 ESF in the High School Calendar

What is the ESF Science Corps?

For affiliated schools, the ESF Science Corps is a science resource for teachers and students who are engaging in original inquiry. Science Corps mentors are “front line,” in-school role models and resources for students whose college and career plans are taking shape. Funded initially by a National Science Foundation grant, the ESF Science Corps is comprised of ESF undergraduate, masters and Ph.D. students, faculty and other volunteers. ESF Science Corps members integrate their research and professional experiences into classroom, lab and field experiences through in-school, on-campus and workplace presentations, discussions and demonstrations. ESF faculty and educational specialists serve as Science Corps facilitators and mentors.

We invite you to learn more about the remarkable breadth and depth of ESF's academic, research and public service programs, and to explore the potential that ESF in the High School and the ESF Science Corps hold for you.

What courses are offered in ESF in the High School?

Courses include ESF's environmental science course, Global Environment (EFB120, 3 college credits) and Writing and the Environment (EWP190, 3 credits) Key environmental science themes and critical thinking skills form the basis for classroom and experiential learning activities. Global Environment's interdisciplinary approach reflects our enduring belief that all students, regardless of their specific college and career paths, will benefit from an understanding of the linkages among human social systems and biophysical systems.

Students explore the relationships between their local rural, urban, and suburban communities and the broad global context of environmental change. Opportunities abound for including course topics based on available local and regional resources as well as teacher interests, expertise, and experiences. Ultimately, we seek to develop students and citizens who have a solid understanding of science and a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Earth as a system.

Global Environment (EFB120) may be taught as a half-year Fall, half-year Spring, or full-year course. Classes have opportunities for day field trips to ESF’s main campus, regional campuses such as Wanakena in the Adirondacks and field stations, as well as in-school presentations and demonstrations by ESF faculty, staff and students. Students and teachers receive on-site use and borrowing privileges at the ESF library. ESF in the High School students are held to the same academic expectations as students at SUNY ESF.

Prerequisites:

• Global Environment (EFB120): Students must have successfully completed NYS Regents Earth Science, NYS Regents Biology, and have successfully completed—or be concurrently enrolled in—NYS Regents Chemistry.
• Writing and the Environment (EWP190): Students must have successfully completed NYS Regents English with a minimum grade of 80.

Credits and Grades:

• Credits and grades earned are recorded as part of each student's permanent college academic record which can be transferred to other college and universities throughout the U.S. Official transcripts that indicate that the courses completed are college-level courses with college credit, are available through the ESF Registrars' office. While acceptance at other colleges and universities is not and cannot be guaranteed, credits earned with grades of C or higher typically can be applied to undergraduate degree requirements at many colleges and universities.

Who are the ESF in the High School Teachers?

• Adjunct Faculty for the ESF in the High School Program

ESF in the High School Teachers are qualified high school teachers who must earn an appointment as an ESF Adjunct Instructor. They teach their ESF in the High School course in their school as part of the high school schedule. Teachers participate in mentoring and professional development relationships with ESF faculty and educational specialists, and with other ESF in the High School teachers. Participating teachers and students form learning communities through which they share information, teaching/learning experiences, and related ideas and materials. Each participating teacher receives:

• Mentoring, course preparation, and consultation with College faculty and staff throughout the academic year.
• Professional Development opportunities specifically designed for - and with ESF in the High School teachers. In addition, adjunct instructors may participate in other ESF faculty professional development programs .
• Opportunities to bring ESF Science Corps volunteers to their classes.
• Onsite use and borrowing privileges at the ESF library.
• An ESF photo ID card.
• Parking privileges on the ESF campus.

How do I register for ESF in the High School?

• Instructions/Deadlines/Withdrawal/Financial Penalty

How much does it cost and is there financial support?

High School/District responsibilities include the appropriate support for students and teachers normally provided for any course offered by the district such as a suitable classroom, an appropriately scheduled class meeting time, preparation time, field trip(s) and required textbooks.

Student costs are based on the number of courses taken. Financial aid is available for students who qualify for the school lunch program. Completed registration forms are collected by teachers or other designated school official. Parents/guardians are billed directly for registration fees which are paid in full by credit card or personal checks made payable to SUNY ESF.

If a student participates in ESF in the High School Courses can they be admitted to ESF as a college student?

Freshman admission to ESF is highly selective, with the College normally admitting approximately 45% of high school seniors who apply for admission. Completion of an ESF in the High School course with a grade of "B" or higher has been shown to significantly increase the chance that an applicant will be offered admission. The College's Admission Committee views high grades earned in an ESF in the High School course as an indication of the student's ability to succeed in ESF's rigorous academic programs. Merit and Need-Based scholarships are available for accepted students.

Are there field research programs?

The ESF in the High School Field Research Program enables ESF in the High School students and their teachers to learn about and experience science research conducted by ESF faculty and staff. An additional registration and fee is required to accommodate room and board. Contact the ESF in the High School office for information about upcoming dates and details.In the past, many of the field research programs have been hosted at ESF's Adirondack campuses.