Genetics in the lab:

Chemistry in the lab:

Math in the SETGO Bridge:

Ecology in the SETGO Bridge:

The Bridge program includes an orientation program.

This is where students are introduced to scientific research and how it relates to the lessons they will learn throughout the program. Students are given a name badge so it is easier to get to know one another, along with important information regarding the plans for the program in binders where they can keep information they gather throughout the 4 weeks.

Students are shown how to navigate the Owens Blackboard program as well as other computer programs where class activities are shared.

Dr. Eileen Underwood, director of the BGSU Herpetology lab, shares her work as an example of research at the college level.

With some assistance from experienced graduate students and peer mentors, Bridge students got to experience how to handle research animals safely.

The Bridge Instructors also participated in this lesson.

Dr. Underwood shared many types of reptiles with the students as well as information on animal husbandry and caretaking.

Dr. Bullerjahn, the genetics instructor for the SETGO Bridge, instructed an activity to introduce her subject to the group.

The students worked together to complete the task while getting to know one another better.

Not only did the participants learn a great deal but they also had fun.

Dr. Anne Bullerjahn teaches about laboratory techniques and equipment associated with genetics research. Students then test their knowledge and perform various genetics research activities together.

The 2012 Peer Mentor, Kevin Hoyle, was there to assist when Dr. Bullerjahn was occupied.

Dr. Bullerjahn took the time after their experiments/activities to explain what the results mean as well as whether or not their technique needed some work.

Students would then work with their partners/groups to draft lab reports. Being able to write lab reports is a required skill for university level science majors, regardless of the specific field of lab science.

Chemistry, taught by Erika Sheufler, reinforced some concepts and techniquesintroduced in high school but blended it with introductions to new methods and tools that will be used at the university level.

Students in the Chemistry Bridge also work in groups to help eachother experiment and learn.

Ms. Sheufler and the peer mentor, Kevin, made sure that if students were unsure about what to do that all their questions would be answered in order to complete the assigned task.

Pam Krompak, the Math Bridge instructor, made sure to prepare all students for the Math skills that would be used as a STEM Major.

The SETGO Bridge provides the use of up to date equipment and programs to ensure that students will not fall behind technologically.

Much like the labs of Chemistry and Genetics, the Ecology instructor, Joanne Roehrs, introduced concepts and tools in the classroom with tools like power point and computers to offer visual aids to the activities they would soon take on in the field.

Joanne would then review quickly once at the field site for the day's activities.

The first couple weeks focused on Ecology of streams and rivers. The Bridge students participated in Stream Quality Monitoring of the Maumee River.

Students were able to compare water quality results from the river to their tests of a pond in the area. Kevin assists students to use the canoe here to make their way to the center of the pond to measure it at it's deepest point.

Kevin, the peer mentor, was there throughout each activity to ensure that materials were being used properly and to answer questions when Joanne was occupied by helping other students.

The students enjoyed the opportunity to study outdoors.

The last day of the program everyone visited after their field activity and cooled off with cold sodas donated by the Coca-Cola Company.