When we write Humanities research papers in the Adolescent Program, we naturally have to collect historical information from different sources (that’s the research part) since we don’t already know everything there is to know about the subject we’re researching. However, there’s a specific way to do this. In the real world, if you don’t cite the sources you used, then you’ve just done something illegal (or, at the very least, highly questionable). Well, we’re not exactly looking at jail time here, but this is very serious nonetheless.

That’s why the class had a lesson on citing sources this past Tuesday. We learned how to cite correctly to make sure we give credit where it’s due (and of course to stay in line with the school’s honor code; this is very important!). It’s a loooonnng process, but it helps our research papers gain more credibility and it gives a nod to the other researchers who brought us their discoveries.

In short, cite PLEASE.

-CK

Today the students visited the campus of Washington University of St. Louis and toured the buildings that house the recently renamed (like, yesterday) Mckelvey Engineering Department. Following the tour, the students participated in a panel discussion where undergraduate students in the department shared their insight on an engineering career in today’s rapidly evolving workplace as well as the mindset that young students should have when deciding on a course of study or career. We all were amazed by the amount and quality of the labs and projects in the department.

~ Mr. Mike

Yesterday the students met with volunteers from the St. Louis Audubon Society (thanks Mitch and Gary!) to survey the Land Campus’s unique ecosystem. Students were asked to identify ways to bring the Land Campus back to a natural state where food and energy systems are flowing naturally. The initial habitat assessment, offered through the Bring Conservation Home program,  helped us to identify native and invasive plants growing on the property as well as the areas that we could most efficiently transform for the benefit of plants, animals, and the community. We would also like to create interpretive signs for the special places on the land such as our spiced bush grove in the back of the property.  Scientific and historic lessons really are limitless on the Land!