What do ornithology, geology and forensics all have in common?  If you guessed that they are all apart of New Haven’s Summer Semester 2020 you would be correct! The academic team at New Haven has come together to provide a robust syllabus of project-based activities to help students engage experientially in the learning process during the summer semester. “Summer School” isn’t any teen’s ideal, however, the summer semesters provide the opportunity to gain credit recovery. The science-based course offerings this year have included a Forensic course, Ornithology (birdwatching), and Geology. Each course included class projects and discussion, as well as a chance to get out of the classroom and explore various learning opportunities throughout the community. 

The Ornithology course gave students the opportunity to study the natural history of birds and their identification. The class has gone into various areas in the community with binoculars; as a group, they have identified more than 20 bird species in two weeks. This past week the class covered hawk identification and the physics of avian flight. The course ended with a wonderful guest speaker from the Lehi Museum, who brought in some specimens and taught the class about her prairie falcon. 
The Geology course explored the earth’s geological systems, types of rock, mineral symmetry, how rocks form and collecting and identifying local rocks. One of the most popular projects included learning about the hydrogeologic cycle, and how carbon can be used to filter water in nature and into homes.

For the Forensics class, the definite highlight for the students was the mock crime scene that students analyzed for the Forensics class. Students were divided into two CSI units with specific roles designed to analyze evidence: fiber samples, hair, handwriting, fingerprints, splatter patterns and footprints in order to identify potential suspects and discover the narrative of who-done-it. In the end the students solved the Math Room Murder using trace and class evidence. 

New Haven is looking forward to the beginning fall semester in the coming weeks. The academic team at New Haven has had lots of practice doing safe in-person coursework and are looking forward to a great year.  To learn more about New Haven’s college preparatory academic program visit www.newhavenrtc.com. 
 
About New Haven RTC

New Haven empowers adolescent girls to overcome life’s traumas. New Haven specializes in treating bright and sophisticated girls with complex issues such as traumatic stress, complex family systems, relationship issues, depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, attachment, eating disorders, and personality disorders. New Haven’s program is designed to provide world-class clinical services along with college prep academics.