1. FYRES: Dunes The First-Year Research in Earth Sciences (FYRES): Dunes Project Deanna van Dijk Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan Designing a New Undergraduate-Research-Focused Course

2. The FYRES Project  The FYRES course (Geog 181) has first-semester college students learning science by doing research on Lake Michigan coastal dunes.  The FYRES Research Mentor program has upper-level student majors mentoring the first- year students in learning/research activities.

3. Designing the FYRES course  Timeline Ideas  Proposal  Funding (2009) Course Development Implementation and Assessment Revisions Structure…Activities/Materials…Approvals (2010-2011) Fall 2011 Fall 2012 Fall 2013

4. FYRES Course: Goals The first-year geoscience course engages students in learning about the physical world through directed undergraduate research that focuses on Michigan coastal dunes. The course goals are: 1. To improve student learning in a physical science core course, 2. To promote student understanding of science as inquiry, 3. To provide authentic undergraduate research experiences to first-year students, 4. To attract and retain undergraduate students in STEM disciplines of study, and 5. To improve the first-year college experience for students. From van Dijk and Bruxvoort NSF proposal (May 2009)

5. FYRES Course: Learning Goals Type of GoalThe goals of Geog 181 are to provide students with: Knowledge in-depth knowledge of a natural system (coastal dunes) and its relationship to other natural systems and human activities an understanding of science methodology, the creation of new knowledge, and the role of science in society Skills and Abilities an ability to apply knowledge to research in real-world settings an ability to select appropriate literature resources for scientific thinking and communication an ability to design scientific questions and construct logical, testable hypotheses an ability to understand experimental design and conduct basic field and lab procedures skills in analyzing data and interpreting research results skills in communicating science with written, oral and visual methods as expected in a research environment Worldview preparation for informed participation in a society that has been deeply shaped by science and technology. an appreciation of God’s wisdom reflected through the wonders of the natural world. Virtues opportunities to practice the virtues of diligence, patience, honesty, courage, creativity, humility, stewardship, wisdom, and gratitude.

6. FYRES Course: Structure  Fall semester  Spring semester FYRES Lab 2

7. FYRES Course: at Calvin College  Approvals  Building working relationships Course NeedInstitutional Office Recruiting studentsAdmissions Scheduling class/lab times Registering students Registrar’s Office Publicity Website Communications and Marketing TransportationPhysical Plant Educational Policy Committee Core Curriculum Committee course proposal department Faculty Senate approved

8. FYRES Outcomes: 2011-2013  56 first-year students had undergraduate research experiences  Research results are informing dune managers and scientists  Course attracted science (23) and non-science (23) students  Students report satisfaction and that the course met their expectations  16 FYRES students are geoscience majors Learn more at www.calvin.edu/go/fyres/www.calvin.edu/go/fyres/

9. National Science Foundation Grant # 0942344 Michigan Space Grant (2013, 2014) Geog 181 (FYRES) students FYRES Research Mentors Dr. Crystal Bruxvoort Acknowledgements Michigan Department of Natural Resources Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Land Conservancy of West Michigan Kitchel-Lindquist Dunes Preserve