Math, Science, HPERD Division

Math, Science, and HPERD

at Seward County Community College

MEET THE DEANS Luke Dowell Math, Science & HPERD

Math, Science, and Physical Education Dean Luke Dowell did not always see himself as a good math student. It wasn’t until Dowell entered high school that he began to think of himself as someone who could do math.

“I vividly remember having both types of experiences in the math classroom,” Dowell said. “The one where you feel dumb, and can’t do anything to find the right answer. I was a student that, when somebody told me I was good at math, that really changed and inspired me. Then I had the experience where you are good at math and get made fun of for being a nerd. ” Decades later, Dowell says the two extremes continue to inform his work in education.

“In college and grad school, I continued to experience both. There were times I felt, ‘I can’t get this,’ and had to keep at it. No matter what level, you’re going to hit something that feels impossible, and if you keep going, later you will wonder why it seemed hard in the first place.” As an instructor, Dowell pointed out, the goal is to raise students to that second place.

“There’s this misperception that a faculty member’s job is to simplify difficult concepts. It’s exactly the opposite. A good instructor takes a student and raises that student to that level of understanding, so the concept is no longer difficult,” he said. “An excellent instructor gets the student to be able to handle more

complicated thinking.”

A Colby native, Dowell’s journey through academia illustrates that process. For the first two years of college, he stayed close to home, attending Colby Community College. His instructors at CCC advised him to take “as many math and science classes as I could, so I could go on to earn a math degree along with the education requirements —and they were right,” he said. Dowell graduated Kansas State University in 1992, with a math degree in secondary education, and married his wife, Tanya, a month later. A former accountant and instructor, she now fills the position of Director of Human Resources at SCCC. “When we finished college, she had an accounting job in Liberal, so that’s where we came, and I was able to start as a teacher at Liberal High School,” Dowell said. Initially, the couple set a three-year timeframe for their stay in the community. But the jobs were good, and through the jobs, Dowell said, “we got to know people, and put down roots.” They also had a family -- Daniel, now a senior at K-State, Nathan, also a K-State student, and Abbie, a seventh-grader at Eisenhower Middle School.

Dowell , too, continued his education, earning a master’s degree from Fort Hays State University in 2000.

“That was before all the distance-learning options,” he said. “I drove back and forth in the summer and on Saturdays to complete my master’s.” Dowell learned more than pedagogy from his studies; he noticed his college professors seemed more relaxed and focused on teaching math than he was able to be at the high school level.

“That appealed to me,” he said. “High school instruction is intense, and there are a lot more behavior issues to address.”

Thus, Dowell made the move to SCCC, where he has continued for 19 years. In 2008, he was appointed division chair. As part of an administrative refocusing process, Dowell’s title changed to “Dean” in the summer of 2016, a shift that involved more than a new name. He no longer carries a teaching load, which leaves time to focus on support to the instructors, and connections in the wider community and across the state.

“The change has allowed me to see how the college works on a bigger scale, and to collaborate with other divisions,” Dowell said. One example is a new math class for students whose first language is not

‘‘

“Our students see the world differently than we do,” he said. “They come from all kinds of experiences and backgrounds, and what motivates them is often different than what we would expect. It can be a challenge to figure that out. Having said that, we still have the opportunity to see students attain the impossible, whether for them that is a math class, a degree, or going on to become a doctor, a pharmacist, an engineer.”

-Luke Dowell

English. The project grew out of a conversation with Director of Adult Education and Interim Dean of Industrial Technology, Travis Combs, in which the two deans realized many ESL students are highly educated in math subjects.

“Some of them have high-level degrees from their home countries, and they understand the concepts for higher math, they just don’t know the words in English,” Dowell said. “This could be a way to encourage them to start working on a college degree here on campus.”

That responsiveness to the individual is a mark of good education, and a strength at SCCC, Dowell said.

’’

Dowell has lost count of the students who he has worked with, although he remembers their faces, names, and stories.

“I’m doing what I envisioned. I’ve always enjoyed helping people, and that’s what you do as a teacher.

As a dean, I continue to have a chance to do that daily with this team of fantastic teachers and the students they instruct. For me, it’s all about helping someone move from Point A to beyond their wildest dreams — that’s awesome.”

For more information on the Math, Science, and HPERD division at SCCC visit: go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD

Math, Science, and HPERD - Main Campus Classes Hobble Academic Building

Math, Science, and HPERD - Outdoor Classroom

The outdoor classroom is approximately 12 acres in size and contains two projects. A prairie restoration project and an urban forestry demonstration project. The property was purchased in the early 1990’s and at that time had been in winter wheat production. In 1995, with funds from a Kansas Wildlife and Parks OWLS grant, an Environmental Education grant from Wal-Mart, and a private benefactor grant from the SCCC Foundation, the property was prepared for planting. Personnel from NRCS, KWP, community scouting organizations, and SCCC faculty and students reseeded the property to native grasses with trees and shrubs planted on the perimeter. The USDA Plant Materials Lab in Manhattan, KS has used the property for experimental plant trials. Currently, the Outdoor Classroom is used as a biology field site and research site for SCCC students.

Seward County Community College | Math, Science & HPERD

Biology

Biology at Seward County Community College What is Biology?

Biology studies the science of life and living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, distribution, identification and taxonomy. Biologists learn how living things work, how they interact with one another, and how they evolve. Their work increases our understanding about the natural world in which we live and helps us address issues of personal well being and worldwide concern, such as environmental depletion, threats to human health, and maintaining viable and abundant food supplies. The SCCC biology program prepares students to pursue a variety of options within the bioscience profession by providing a broad knowledge base in science, math and communications. Students at SCCC have access to exclusive science and math computer labs, a biology lab that supports scientific investigations and computer-based simulations, a 12-acre outdoor classroom and prairie restoration lab, and access to greenhouse facilities for specific coursework.

Degree Options Available

Associate of Science: 64 credit program (2 years)

Career Opportunities

Biologists can find a number of employment opportunities across multiple fields including: conservation, research, health care, agriculture ,and nutrition. Additionally, there are many careers for biologists who want to combine their scientific training with interests in other fields such as biotechnology, forensic science, politics and policy, business and industry, mathematics, science writing and communication, and education.

More Information

q Math, Science & HPERD Office: 620-417-1501 q SCCC Admissions Office: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD ď„Ł 1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD

Biología

Biología en Seward County Community College Que es Biología?

La biología estudia la ciencia de la vida y organismos vivientes, incluyendo su estructura, función, crecimiento, evolución, distribución, identificación y taxonomía. Los biólogos aprenden el funcionamiento de los seres vivos, cómo interactúan con otros y cómo evolucionan.

Su trabajo aumenta nuestro conocimiento y entendimiento sobre el mundo natural en el cual vivimos y nos ayuda a abordar asuntos de bienestar personal y preocupaciones mundiales, como deterioro ambiental, amenazas para la salud humana y mantener suplementos alimenticios accesibles y abundantes. El programa de Biología de SCCC prepara estudiantes para aspirar a una variedad de opciones dentro de la BIOS ciencia aportando un amplio conocimiento basado en la ciencia, matemáticas y comunicaciones. Los estudiantes en SCCC tienen acceso al exclusivo laboratorio de ciencia y computación, un laboratorio de biología para la investigación científica y simulaciones basadas en computadoras, un salón al aire libre de 12-acres y un espacio como laboratorio de restauración y acceso al área verde o de cultivo para cursos específicos.

Títulos disponibles

Asociado en ciencias: 64 créditos (Programa de 2 años)

Oportunidades de Carrera

Los biólogos pueden encontrar un gran número de oportunidades de empleo en múltiples campos incluyendo; conservación, investigación, cuidado de la salud, agricultura y nutrición. Adicionalmente, hay un gran número de carreras para biólogos que desean combinar su entrenamiento científico con su interés por otros campos como biotecnología, ciencia forense, política y pólizas, negocios e industria, matemáticas, ciencias de la escritura, comunicación y educación.

Para más información

q Oficina de Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD: 620-417-1501 q Oficina de Admisiones: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD  1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Math, Science & HPERD

Chemistry

Chemistry at Seward County Community College What is Chemistry?

Chemistry studies the composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Chemists are challenged with devising means to better utilize dwindling natural resources while improving and developing new methods to recycle both energy and materials. Chemists are also involved in making life better and safer for the public by developing everything from plastics to improved insulation, discovering lighter and stronger materials for travel on earth and in space, and providing for major advances in medical treatment. The SCCC chemistry department utilizes a variety of teaching strategies to help students develop and understand chemical concepts. The curricular studies are designed to provide a working knowledge of chemistry, examine the process of scientific investigation, and analyze current and breaking research in the chemical, medical, biochemical, physical, and agricultural fields.

Degree Options Available

Associate of Science: 64 credit program (2 years)

Career Opportunities

Not only can chemistry be used as its own course of study, it is fundamental to many other majors or career paths including biology, engineering, medicine, pharmacy, home economics and science education. Because of this chemistry majors can be found in a number of industries including: oil and gas industry, education, quality control, electronics, law-making and enforcement, government, production, medical and agricultural industries.

More Information

q Math, Science & HPERD Office: 620-417-1506 q SCCC Admissions Office: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD ď„Ł 1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD

Química

Química en Seward County Community College Que es Química?

La Química estudia la composición, estructura, propiedades y cambios de la material. Los químicos se enfrentan a retos para optimizar, aprovechar y utilizar recursos naturales mejorando y desarrollando nuevos métodos de reciclaje para energía y materiales. Los Químicos también están comprometidos a hacer la vida mejor y más segura para el público desarrollando cosas que a partir del plástico mejoran la protección, son más ligeras y más fuertes en la tierra y el espacio y proveen mayor avances en tratamientos médicos. El departamento de Química del SCCC utiliza una gran variedad de estrategias de enseñanza para ayudar a los estudiantes a desarrollar y entender los conceptos químicos. Los estudios Curriculares están designados para proveer un buen conocimiento de la Química, examinando el proceso de la investigación científica y analizar investigaciones actuales o pasadas en química médica, bioquímica, física y en el campo de la agricultura.

Títulos disponibles

Asociado en ciencias: 64 créditos (programa de 2 años)

Oportunidades de Carrera

La Química no es solo un curso de estudio, es fundamental para muchos otros campos y carreras incluyendo biología, ingeniería, medicina, farmacia, economía del hogar y ciencia de la educación.

Por esta razón la Química puede encontrarse en gran número de industrias incluyendo; petróleo y la industria del gas, educación, control de calidad, electrónica, leyes y su aplicación, gobierno, producción, mediana industria y agricultura.

Para más información

q Oficina de Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD: 620-417-1506 q Oficina de Admisiones: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD  1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Math, Science & HPERD

Mathematics

Mathematics at Seward County Community College What is Mathematics?

Mathematicians make a lasting contribution to society by helping to solve problems in diverse fields. Students who choose to study mathematics will earn a degree that allows them to use mathematical theories and techniques to formulate and solve practical problems across multiple disciplines such as business, government, engineering and the physical, life, and social sciences. The mathematics program at SCCC provides students with a broad knowledge base through general education requirements, as well as important concepts and applications of mathematics through math and science courses. With a Math Resource Center providing free assistance with course studies and access to exclusive mathematics and science computer labs, SCCC mathematics students will graduate prepared to either continue their education at a four-year institution or enter their desired career path.

Degree Options Available

Associate of Science: 64 credit program (2 years)

Career Opportunities

Mathematics careers are found in a broad range of fields including education and research, agriculture, health care, sales, marketing, engineering, accounting and finance, actuary science, and information technology. While graduates are able to find employment after receiving their associates degree, many individuals choose to continue their education at a four-year institution in order to apply for advanced career opportunities.

More Information

q Math, Science & HPERD Office: 620-417-1501 q SCCC Admissions Office: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD ď„Ł 1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Matemรกticas, Ciencia & HPERD

Matemรกticas

Matemáticas en Seward County Community College Que son las Matemáticas?

Los Matemáticos hacen una gran contribución a la sociedad ayudando a resolver problemas en diversos campos. Los estudiantes que deciden estudiar Matemáticas obtendrán un grado que les permite usar teorías y técnicas para formular y resolver problemas prácticos a lo largo de múltiples disciplinas como negocios, gobierno, ingeniería y ciencias de la vida físicas y sociales. El programa de matemáticas del SCCC dotan a los estudiantes con amplio conocimiento basado en los requerimientos generales de educación, así como conceptos importantes y aplicaciones en cursos de Matemáticas y Ciencias. Con el Centro gratuito de Matemáticas se provee asistencia y acceso a un laboratorio de computadoras exclusivo para Matemáticas y ciencias. Los estudiantes de Matemáticas del SCCC se gradúan preparados para continuar su educación en una institución de 4 años o entrar a cualquier carrera que deseen.

Títulos disponibles

Asociado en Ciencias: 64 créditos (Programa de 2 años)

Oportunidades de Carreras

Las carreras matemáticas se encuentran en un gran número de campos incluyendo educación e investigación, agricultura, cuidado de la salud, ventas, mercadotecnia, ingeniería, contabilidad y finanzas, ciencias exactas e información tecnológica. Una vez graduados pueden encontrar empleo después de recibir el Diploma Asociado, muchos estudiantes optan por continuar su educación en una institución de cuatro años con el fin de aspirar a mejores oportunidades de carreras.

Para más información

q Oficina de Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD: 620-417-1501 q Oficina de Admisiones: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD  1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Math, Science & HPERD

Physical Education

Physical Education at Seward County Community College What is Physical Education?

A physical education degree provides graduates with an opportunity to help improve the health and wellness of individuals across multiple generations. The physical education program at SCCC provides students with a broad knowledge base in science, physical education, teaching, and communication. With multiple facilities including a swimming pool, wellness center, weight room, multipurpose gymnasium, tennis courts, softball field, and baseball diamond, students are able to learn and participate in a wide variety of activities. A degree in physical education from SCCC meets the needs of personal trainers seeking further qualifications or certifications, fitness program leaders and instructors, and fitness center personnel. In addition, the program is a solid educational foundation for students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education.

Degree Options Available

Associate of Science: 64 credit program (2 years)

Career Opportunities

Physical education graduates can find employment in the fields of exercise science, sports medicine, health behavior science, sports management, athletic training, helath and physical education, and outdoor education. Specific career opportunities may include physical education instructor at the elementary, high school or college level, varsity coach at the high school or college level, personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach, or sports and recreation director.

More Information

q Math, Science & HPERD Office: 620-417-1501 q SCCC Admissions Office: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD ď„Ł 1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD

Educación Física

Educación Física en Seward County Community College Que es Educación Física?

El diploma de Educación Física otorga a los graduados la oportunidad de ayudar a mejorar la salud y el bienestar del individuo a través de muchas generaciones. El Programa de Educación física dota a los estudiantes con un vasto conocimiento basado en ciencia, educación física, enseñanza comunicación. Con múltiples facilidades incluyendo piscina, centro para ejercicio, sala para levantamiento de pesas, gimnasio para usos múltiples, cancha de tenis, campos de softball y baseball, los estudiantes son capaces de aprender y participar en una gran variedad de actividades. Un Diploma en Educación Física del SCCC cubre las necesidades de un entrenador personal que busca futuras certificaciones, líderes en programas de ejercicios e instructores y personal de centros para ejercicios. Al mismo tiempo, el programa es una base académica sólida para estudiantes que se transfieren a instituciones de 4 años a continuar sus estudios.

Títulos Disponibles

Asociado en Ciencias: 64 créditos (programa de 2 años)

Oportunidades de Carreras

Los graduados de Educación Física pueden encontrar empleo en el campo de la ciencia del ejercicio, medicina deportiva, ciencias del comportamiento de la salud, dirección deportiva, entrenamiento de atletas, educación física y de la salud y educación al aire libre. Las oportunidades especificas de la Carrera pueden incluir Instructor de Educación física en la escuela elemental, Preparatoria o Colegio, entrenador en la Preparatoria o Colegio, entrenador personal, Entrenador Intensivo o director deportivo y recreacional.

Para más información

q Oficina de Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD: 620-417-1501 q Oficina de Admisiones: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD  1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Math, Science & HPERD

Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine at Seward County Community College What is Sports Medicine?

CONTENT UPDATE UNDER WAY

Degree Options Available

Associate of Science: 64 credit program (2 years)

Career Opportunities

CONTENT UPDATE UNDER WAY

More Information

q Math, Science & HPERD Office: 620-417-1554 q SCCC Admissions Office: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD ï„£ 1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901

Seward County Community College | Matemรกticas, Ciencia & HPERD

Medicina Deportiva

Medicina Deportiva en Seward County Community College Que es Medicina Deportiva?

Es una rama de la medicina relacionada con el entrenamiento físico, el tratamiento y la prevención de lastimaduras relacionadas con deportes y ejercicio. El Programa de Medicina Deportiva en el SCCC está designado para dar a los estudiantes una sólida base en la prevención apropiada, cuidado y técnicas de rehabilitación de varias lastimaduras o condiciones en los atletas. Los graduados en esta carrera, tienen una sólida preparación y experiencia práctica trabajando con el equipo de deporte dentro del colegio. Con múltiples facilidades como piscina, sala para hacer ejercicio, espacio para levantamiento de pesas, gimnasio para multi usos, canchas de tenis, campo de softball, campo de baseball, laboratorio de computación y pared rocosa acondicionada para escalar con cuerdas, los estudiantes pueden aprender y participar en diferentes actividades. Un Diploma en Medicina Deportiva del SCCC es una base de estudios sólida para los estudiantes que deseen transferirse a una institución de cuatro años y continuar su educación en Medicina Deportiva, salud y ciencias del ejercicio.

Opciones de Títulos disponibles

Asociado en Ciencias: 64 créditos (Programa de 2 años)

Oportunidades de Carreras

Los Graduados de Medicina Deportiva pueden encontrar trabajo en una variedad de sitios incluyendo: Clínicas de Medicina Deportiva, Escuelas Preparatorias, Colegios o Universidades, organizaciones de deporte profesional y clínicas de Terapia Física. Hay oportunidades adicionales para la Carrera de Medicina Deportiva en lugares como ejecución de arte, industria, corporaciones y campo militar.

Para más información

q Oficina de Matemáticas, Ciencia & HPERD: 620-417-1554 q Oficina de Admisiones: 620-417-1100 go.sccc.edu/MathSciHPERD  1801 N. Kansas Ave., PO Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67901