Academy Goals
- Students will engage in a variety of educational endeavors, both at Rider University and in the community, immersing them in the scientific and engineering Practices, Core Disciplinary Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts that are central to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
- Students will conduct a multi-day carcass decomposition study that embodies principles of ecological succession and sustainability.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills as they identify, analyze and solve problems during a skeletal reconstruction exercise and skull identification lab.
- Students will learn the academic and professional requirements of becoming teachers, particularly in the STEM disciplines.
- Students will practice the attributes of effective teaching through presenting results of their research to members of the Academy.
- Students will develop a project that integrates STEM and the Arts.
- Students will investigate the horseshoe crab, and learn why its existence is threatened and how the crab’s vital role in the biomedical industry may yet save it from extinction.
Academy Policies
- Students are required to attend every class. It is the responsibility of students (or their parents/guardians) to provide daily transportation to and from Rider University. Carpooling is encouraged. Please contact Dr. Peter Hester at [email protected] by 8 a.m. if you are unable to attend any part of a class session.
- Students are expected to be punctual for every class and program activity.
- Student attire is expected to be neat and appropriate in accordance with program activities. Unacceptable attire includes hats, flip-flops (between the toes), revealing clothing, and cut off pants of any kind.
- Use of any alcohol or tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
- Personal electronic devices such as iPods, iPads, computers and tablets are not permitted. Cell phones are permitted but must be TURNED-OFF during all program sessions. Rider University is not responsible for any lost or damaged devices. Appropriate language is expected at all times
- Throughout the program, students will maintain a science notebook,which they will use to take notes, record data and analyze results.
- Students are expected to participate fully in all Academy activities.
- Courtesy and kindness is expected from everyone.
- Students are to remain with our program at all times and are not permitted to wander the campus without the group.
- Failure to comply to with the Academic Policies of the program will result in expulsion from the program.