WNC News & Notes

Student creates bilingual teaching materials

A collaborative project between a Western Nevada College student, professor, and the Desert Research Institute will offer valuable learning resources to area science teachers.

Since June, Western Nevada College student Isabel "Sara" Flores has worked under the mentorship of WNC Professor Mike Sady and Dr. Jay Arnone of the Desert Research Institute to develop learning materials about climate change and the Waterfall Interpretive Trail. Her efforts have centered on the devastating Waterfall wildfire that burned in the hills west of Carson City and threatened WNC's main campus in July 2004.

The project is funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation's Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research to make English and Spanish materials available for K-12 teachers. At a recent workshop at WNC, Flores presented her project findings to a group of Washoe County science teachers, and helped lead a tour through the burned area.

In her project, Flores looked at efforts to restore the landscape that was burned and addressed the question, "Why should I care?" She developed teaching materials that simplify the scientific terminology and research results and are relatable to young students and their families.

Flores said that she has learned much about how the actions of people impact the environment and cause climate change.

"I have a new perspective of climate, the environment and forest fires, and I feel a responsibility to contribute to the community by sharing what I have learned," she says.

Beginning this fall, teachers can access the learning materials online at www.wnc.edu/waterfall/. Essays about climate change and wildfires, Spanish translations of scientific terms, interactive games, and videos are among the materials that will be available.

College earns re-accreditation

Western Nevada College has received notice of re-accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, following a comprehensive evaluation last spring.

"It's official," said President Carol Lucey. "The Commission was very positive about the progress that has been made at our college, thanks to the diligence and commitment of our faculty and staff. The evaluators also offered us some valuable recommendations for improvements over the coming months."

The Commission reaffirmed WNC's accreditation at the associate degree level, and also granted the college accreditation at the baccalaureate degree level, effective from Sept. 1, 2008, when the college began offering its first four-year degree, a bachelor of technology in construction management.

The Commission commended WNC's president, administration, faculty and staff for "their demonstrated collaboration in effective management of the college, particularly during tough economic times, made possible by a highly supportive system chancellor and governing board, and subsequently leading to an efficient operation for the benefit of students."

The Commission also recognized WNC for its "active commitment to student access and success through its exemplary services, experiences and opportunities created and administered collaboratively by student service staff and faculty that help students engage in meaningful ways with the institution."