Exploring science: Earth Day and every day

Passionate about the environment? Want to study science? Black Hawk College is the right place to be.

student sitting on a bench with tree branches in background
BHC student Maggie Driscal loves studying science and is Vice President of Clean Sphere.

Students can make an impact on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, by participating in an Quad-Cities Campus Clean Up.

Quad-Cities Campus Clean Up, Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2019, 2-4 p.m.

Students should meet outside Building 2 on the patio area, and wear durable, closed toe shoes.

The Student Government Association, Clean Sphere, and facilities have partnered together to make the clean up possible.

Clean Sphere is a Quad-Cities Campus student club promoting environmental appreciation, awareness and stewardship.

“In the Natural Science and Engineering Department we continually look for ways to introduce students to real-life experience in the sciences,” Emily Lehman, department co-chair and biology professor, said.

Hands-on activities for students include events organized by the Clean Sphere club, an annual sampling of Black Hawk College’s campus stream, and research.

“The environment impacts all aspects of our lives, and we want students to leave Black Hawk College with firsthand knowledge of how they can make a difference,” Lehman said.

No matter what your major or future career path is, there are great opportunities to get involved and learn at Black Hawk College.

Joining a club

Are you a student who wants to be involved throughout the school year? Consider joining Clean Sphere. Events include cleanups, habitat restoration, advocacy efforts, and seminars or speakers that address environmental issues.

Marilynn Bartels, Clean Sphere advisor and professor, encourages her students to become active with a student organization that interests them.

student removes a pop bottle from a steam using a trash grabberJoining Clean Sphere is a great way for students to learn about environmental issues, get to know each other outside of the classroom and make connections with community organizations.

Whether you are passionate about the environment as a hobby, or considering a career where you can make a difference, Clean Sphere is a great way to explore options.

“We do have students who have gone on to make it a career,” Bartels said. Members have earned degrees in conservation, forestry and biology and work in those fields.

Sophomore BHC student Maggie Driscal, of Moline, is Vice President of Clean Sphere. She joined Clean Sphere because of her interest in environmental issues.

“I’m passionate about the cause,” she said. “I know it is important to be involved.”

Driscal is planning to transfer to Western Illinois University-Quad Cities to major in Geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She will minor in environmental studies.

She plans on pursuing a career in environmental regulatory compliance.

Another club for the science-minded student is Sci Pi Club at East Campus, which is for students with a common interest in the sciences.

Learn more about Student Life and Clubs at both campuses.

Studying science

Whether you want a career in science or have general education requirements to fill for an unrelated major, the BHC Natural Science and Engineering Department is a great place to learn.

The department offers a variety of science courses that will satisfy the first two years of study at many four-year institutions. Environmental Science I and Environmental Science II fulfill science requirements for many degrees for non-majors.

students in white lab coats conduct an experimentState-of-the-art laboratory facilities offer hands-on learning in chemistry, engineering and biology.

In addition to chemistry, biology and physics, Black Hawk College offers elective courses, including nutrition and astronomy.

BHC students transfer to a variety of schools to earn bachelor’s degrees in science majors. Areas of focus range from Biological Sciences to Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Students taking courses in the Natural Science and Engineering Department go on to careers in many fields, from agriculture to veterinary medicine.