September 2019 —
This summer, RSU13 Adult Education offered a high school level Chemistry with Lab course. The seven-week course was a pilot program intended to meet new course requirements for applicants at the UMA Nursing program as well as other allied health majors. In addition, the class prepared students for college level Chemistry.
UMA-Rockland Center (UROCK) generously hosted the course that was offered free of charge to students thanks to funding from the Maine College and Career Access grant received by RSU13 Adult Education as part of a regional alliance of Adult Education programs. Instructor Sean Pfahler conducted lab experiments using everyday materials so that students could see the practical applications of the concepts they were learning and practice scientific writing skills. In addition to chemistry concepts, the class covered math, technical writing, career exploration and college-level technology skills. Eleven students completed the course successfully and rated both the course content and the instructor highly. Chemistry student Ciara Murphy stated, “I really enjoyed the class. In particular, I found Sean to be a wonderful teacher. It gave me hope that future teachers and classes will be a similarly positive experience.”
RSU13 Adult Education plans to offer the course again next summer. For more information about the 2020 summer class, check out www.rsu13.maineadulted.org or call 594-9764.
Chemistry instructor Sean Pfahler discusses a lab with Veronica Morrison,
Fallyn Kannally and Lisa Spaulding.
Chemistry students Susan Bealieau and Shannon Hopkins discuss a lab.
Instructor Pfahler, always with a smile, works hard to make Chemistry
come alive to students.