What is it?
How does it work?
- An educational program based on anthropological and biological research designed for students and adults of all ages.
- A program that educates visitors about the origin of humans on earth and the importance and significance of both biological and cultural diversity.
- A program based on current scientific knowledge.
- For educators, it provides the science base for inclusion and integrative lessons.
- For students it provides an opportunity to handle fossil casts and to interact with university faculty, graduate and undergraduate students.
Who has come to the labs?
- The CHOCD program operates two learning laboratories: The Human Origin Lab (HOC) and the African Cultures Lab (ACL).
- In the labs, visitors have hands-on involvement with fossil casts and artifacts.
- Visitors work in small groups and have the opportunity to dialogue with staff.
- Visitors go through a series of learning stations. Each station experience lasts approximately 30 minutes and groups are rotated throughout an entire lab program.
Who runs the program?
- To date, over 12,000 visitors have come through the labs.
- We have hosted 3rd through 12th grade students, collegiate students, OASIS, Academy of Science and other adult groups.
- This population includes ESL students, youth enrolled in alternative education, incarcerated youth, deaf and hard of hearing, and learning and behaviorally disabled students.
With what other programs is CHOCD involved?
- Operated by the Academic Affairs.
- It was designed and is implemented by faculty, graduate and undergraduate students from both the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences.
What's planned for the future?
- Ferguson Florissant 21st Century Out-of-School Program for 4-6th grades (After school and Summer programs 2001- 2010, 2011-2013)
- St. Louis Arts Works High school video program (2013)
- Ferguson Youth Initiative, youth service program (2011-present)
- College of Education pre-service and graduate teacher education (2000 -2013)
- Heart of our Community (Wellston and Normandy) middle school, (Summer and after school programs 2000, 2001).
- CBHE Eisenhower Professional Development Programs for teachers (Summer 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2001).
- IN-Gear for Careers teacher enrichment programs for teachers and middle school students (St. Louis Public, Wellston, Normandy, Maplewood/Richmond Heights).
- High School Science Lessons: Anthropological Human Forensics and Earth Science (Normandy).
- Middle School Summer Science Camps (Normandy NSF Summer 1998,1999).
- "The Story in Your Genes" a new genetics-based digital game station for middle and high school students.
- Computer based activities in the Human Origin Lab Program.
- Curriculum materials and lesson plans on the CHOCD website.
- Research seminars for faculty and classroom teachers.
- Collaborative ventures with the Missouri Arts Council, St. Louis Art Works, Ferguson Youth Initiative the St. Louis Science Center and the Missouri Historical Society.