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Morganton Science 2026 J-Term Offerings
Morganton Science 2026 J-Term Offerings
Backyard Naturalist
Chris Collins/Lindsay Smith
North Carolina is a true gem. A state littered with a wide range of ecosystems, microclimates, and biodiversity. However, the population of North Carolina has been rapidly increasing over the past few years. Growing populations increase stresses on local environments: pollution, habitat fragmentation, ecological degradation, erosion, and declines in biodiversity. This course represents a comprehensive and accessible approach to improving awareness and appreciation for the natural world around us. We will explore the local environments and ecosystems looking to make personal connections to the organisms and all of the positive relationships that can be observed. We will explore the science and cultural significance of the plants, animals, fungi, soil, geology, climate, and geography of Western North Carolina. These investigations will include hiking and exploring the creeks, rivers, lakes, wetlands, fields, and forests firsthand. If you are a budding naturalist, outdoor enthusiast, or in need of two weeks spent outside looking to deepen your knowledge, understanding, and love of nature consider joining us.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: $10
Bridge to AP Chemistry
Dr. Kim Browning
Presents chemical concepts needed for students in CH3500 to take the second semester of AP Chemistry
Academic Prerequisites: CH3500
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: None
Chrononautics (Science of Time Travel)
Dr. Mauricio Escobar, PhD
Academic Prerequisites:
Other Prerequisites:
Cost per Student:
Helicopter Aviation
Robert Fleming
Helicopters are not inherently unable to fly, but with a skilled pilot, they do. They are complex machines that can be challenging to control due to inherent instability and a need for precise, continuous adjustments to balance forces like lift, torque, and wind.
This course will provide an introduction to a range of aviation topics including aerodynamics, navigation, aircraft systems and instrumentation, weather, air traffic control and flight rules, pilot training requirements, and aviation safety.
Gain a basic understanding of the aerodynamics of rotary-wing flight
Learn about FAA air space rules and crash investigations
Practice flying using flight simulator software and controllers
Visit Sullenberger Aviation Museum at the Charlotte airport for broader understanding of the history of aviation
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: $20 (museum admission)
BI4920 Research in Biology I
Jennifer Williams/Dr. Mareca Lodge
This is an advanced course for January Term junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn the scientific method and experimental design before conducting a locally relevant authentic research project. Students then write a mini- literature review on the topic of interest to them. Throughout the term students read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in biological research. Students with a final grade of P or higher are expected to continue in BI4921 Research in Biology II. This course includes a significant research component.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Junior Acceptance into R-Bio during Fall 2023.
Cost per Student: None
Cyanotype Printing
Isaac Steward
Academic Prerequisites:
Other Prerequisites:
Cost per Student:
Investigating Modern Dinosaurs in Western North Carolina
Jennifer Williams/Robert Fleming
This course will be a hybrid blend of seated lessons, labs, activities and field work. We will explore the anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolutionary history, behavior, taxonomy, and environmental significance of birds all while learning how to identify and observe birds in the field using both auditory and visual clues. Each day will be split between indoor course work and outdoor adventures looking for the birds of WNC. A trip to the Carolina Raptor Center is included! Be prepared to dress appropriately for outdoor field work.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: $50
CH4920 Research in Chemistry I
Dr. Tandy Grubbs
This is an advanced course for junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn to do library research, write article summaries on a topic of interest to them, read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in physics research. Students with a final grade of B or higher are expected to continue in CH4921 Research in Chemistry II during spring semester of their junior year
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Junior Acceptance into R-Chem during Fall 2023.
Cost per Student: None
PH4920 Research in Physics I (*R*)
James Happer
This is an advanced course for junior students with the maturity, independence, and motivation necessary to conduct their own research project. Students learn to do library research, write article summaries on a topic of interest to them, read from the primary scientific literature and participate in discussion groups on current issues in physics research. Students with a final grade of B or higher are expected to continue in PH4921 Research in Physics II during spring semester of their junior year
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: Junior Acceptance into R-Phys during Fall 2023.
Cost per Student: None
Research Experience in Biology
Dr. Mareca Lodge
*Note: This is a 4 week course
This introductory course is for students who want to pursue a research opportunity in biology. Students will learn to design and conduct an experiment, analyze data, and present their findings. In addition, students read and discuss scientific literature. Students will work in small groups on a research project. Research questions may be selected from an area identified by the instructor (examples: microbiology, food science, neurobiology, entomology etc.), or from topics proposed by the student as appropriate. Students will write a final paper describing their research and make a formal oral and visual presentation of their findings. This course includes a significant research component.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: None
Science of Science Fiction
Adam Benoit/Cristel Miller
Are you a fan of science fiction? Have you ever wondered if the science and technology in your favorite science fiction books/films are actually possible? In this course we will explore the science behind common themes in science fiction stories through discussions, videos, readings, and hands-on activities. Possible topics may include space exploration, time travel, artificial intelligence/androids, cyborgs, genetics/cloning, multiverses, quantum mechanics, extraterrestrial life, among others.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: None
Zombie Survival Guide
Isaac Stewart
Academic Prerequisites:
Other Prerequisites:
Cost per Student:
Baja Marine Science Adventures
Lindsay Smith/Christopher Collins
Applications for this JTerm are closed and all spots are filled for the January 2025 term. Be on the lookout for another adventure for January 2026.
Are you ready for an adventure? Then this trip is for you. Picture yourself snorkeling in the sky-blue waters of the Gulf of California, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famously called the “Aquarium of the World”. Home to over 890 species of fish, a third of the world’s cetacean species, and several protected and endemic species. In this life changing experience we will be immersing ourselves in the culture and incredible beauty of the Baja Peninsula’s marine and desert ecosystems. Activities may include swimming with sea lions, collecting data on the invasive crown of thorns sea star, participating in coral reef fish and invertebrate biodiversity research, hiking in the Sonoran Desert in search of species found nowhere else in the world, collaborating with a local high school’s eco club, seeing stars and the night sky like you have never seen them before, and collecting data for a research project of your choice.
This experience will truly be an adventure as the majority of our days and nights while in Baja will be spent on Espiritu Santo Island, a beautiful national park. We will be camping on a pristine beach on the uninhabited island surrounded by turquoise waters and redrock mountains. Very few permits are given to camp on the island so this is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that definitely will not disappoint. To learn more about the trip and to view a potential itinerary, check out this link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EfGX4jwmkapmrUOTNzwR-6V4KcZnX2I-/view?usp=sharing).
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: TBD
Chemical Instrumentation and Lab Research Methods
Dr. Tandy Grubbs
A hands-on laboratory research methods ‘boot camp’ J-term course is offered whereby each student conducts an organic chemical synthesis, and subsequently purifies and characterizes the product by thin layer chromatography and by using various spectroscopic methods. Students will learn the principles of infrared, proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and UV-VIS spectroscopies, and will gain experience using these instruments.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: None
Electronics (from Dirt to Microcontrollers)
James Happer
Students in this course will investigate electronics. It will include some historical background (e.g. diodes from pyrite and rusty nails), experiments with simple amplifiers, the use of oscilloscopes, and basic programming of microcontrollers using the Arduino platform. Students will leave with enough background experience for future independent projects.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: None
Monsters in Morganton: The Art and Science of Creature Design
Cristel Miller
Students will learn the science behind special effects and creature design. Utilizing the concepts of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students will learn to design creatures in various sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genres. Delving into Zoology, Gravity, Genetics, Human Anatomy & Physiology, etc students will learn ideas used by the motion picture industry to bring creations to life.
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: $25 per student
The Science of Food and Cooking
Dr. Kim Browning & Adam Benoit
Academic Prerequisites: None
Other Prerequisites: None
Cost per Student: $
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