Academic College Visits for High Schoolers
As a teacher in a Title 1 school that prides itself on our 100% college acceptance rate, I'm immersed in a teacher culture obsessed with college access for all. What makes it possible for a student to be the first in her family to go to college? What experiences break down barriers and open doors? Last week, Inver Hills Community College provided my AP Biology and Accelerated Biology students with an experience that broke barriers like Chuck Yeager's rocket-powered aircraft. Inver Hills Community College provost Christina Royal greeted us in a lecture hall, where students heard a private 90-minute talk on the history of major genetic findings. Professor Bob Iwan gave a an engaging talk that allowed time for student questions. Best of all, Professor Iwan gave the students note catchers that tracked his PowerPoint with critical thinking prompts. Our history-obsessed students got a lot to think about - why was Gregor Mendel so meticulous in his scientific methodology? Ho