Welcome!
Gateway Academy is an alternative high school in the Gull Lake Community School district. Since opening two years ago, it has helped many students achieve success who were previously struggling in a more traditional environment. Students enjoy the ability to work on classes at their own pace, often focusing on just one or two classes at a time. Content is delivered and assessed online by Edgenuity and classroom teachers provide one on one supplemental instruction when needed.
Sounds great, but...
Many students begin to notice that the method of delivery, that allows them the freedom to progress at their own pace, can also be a negative. Full school days in front of the laptop screen become longer and longer. Some begin to miss the activities and variety of a traditional classroom.
The Question:
How can classes be supplemented by inquiry based, hands-on activities while still allowing student independence in course progress and selection?
The Collaboration:
In October 2012, Kellogg Biological Station visiting scholar Dr. Nalini Nadkarni presented her work with alternative education to the Gateway Academy students. During her half day visit, she shared her research of the Costa Rican canopy and demonstrated her unique method of climbing tall trees. She was joined by Mr. Stuart Bassett, KBS Grounds Manager, who showed students how he works in trees as part of his job. Dr. Nalini’s visit was the springboard for conversations between Gateway Academy and KBS to offer more opportunities for authentic science that also meets curricular demands.
With funding from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, The Perrigo Foundation, Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, and an anonymous donor, a four member team from Gateway Academy and Kellogg Biological Station will work to answer the question.
Team Members:
Kara Haas - Environmental Science Education Coordinator, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Matt Hawkins - Student/Teacher Liaison, Gull Lake Gateway Academy
Tomomi Suwa - Graduate Student, Kellogg Biological Station
Rachael Wilber - Education Intern, Kellogg Biological Station
Sounds great, but...
Many students begin to notice that the method of delivery, that allows them the freedom to progress at their own pace, can also be a negative. Full school days in front of the laptop screen become longer and longer. Some begin to miss the activities and variety of a traditional classroom.
The Question:
How can classes be supplemented by inquiry based, hands-on activities while still allowing student independence in course progress and selection?
The Collaboration:
In October 2012, Kellogg Biological Station visiting scholar Dr. Nalini Nadkarni presented her work with alternative education to the Gateway Academy students. During her half day visit, she shared her research of the Costa Rican canopy and demonstrated her unique method of climbing tall trees. She was joined by Mr. Stuart Bassett, KBS Grounds Manager, who showed students how he works in trees as part of his job. Dr. Nalini’s visit was the springboard for conversations between Gateway Academy and KBS to offer more opportunities for authentic science that also meets curricular demands.
With funding from the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, The Perrigo Foundation, Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation, and an anonymous donor, a four member team from Gateway Academy and Kellogg Biological Station will work to answer the question.
Team Members:
Kara Haas - Environmental Science Education Coordinator, Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Matt Hawkins - Student/Teacher Liaison, Gull Lake Gateway Academy
Tomomi Suwa - Graduate Student, Kellogg Biological Station
Rachael Wilber - Education Intern, Kellogg Biological Station