Sinead Coleman is proposing a project to collaborate the natural sciences requirement at Clare College with the Franciscan values of discovery, community, and respect for human dignity. The project aims to help students see how science relates to their everyday lives and careers by weaving Franciscan perspectives on care for creation throughout the learning process. Coleman studied curriculum techniques like Franciscan environmental programs and sustainability topics to redesign a course called "Inquiry into the Natural World." The new course would guide students through scientific inquiry and problem solving while gaining knowledge of local sustainability issues through hands-on community outreach.

1. Mary Yankelovich Fellowship Proposal
Sinead Coleman
Mentors: Dr. Ted Georgian and Dr. David DiMattio
Proposal/Summary
The Clare College’s curriculum is a very important core aspect to the lives of the St. Bonaventure student
and the university’s mission. Each course provides a step for the students along their intellectual journey
as they explore the larger context for their personal, professional and civil lives. My project is to
collaborate the natural sciences requirement and the Franciscan values of discovery, community and
respect for dignity which are core to the values of St. Bonaventure University.
Franciscan Perspective
Weaving a thread of the Franciscan values throughout the learning process are the key factors that will
help the students see the worldwide context of their education. The goal is gaining a sense of value of the
sciences so students may see how this field is important to them in everyday life and in their professional
careers. As stewards for creation, the Franciscan order inspired a vision and living tradition that can help
us respond to pressing environmental and social issues. By revisiting why the natural world should play
an important role as a human, the sciences will not seem as scary or mystifying.
What I Studied
Under advisement of Dr. Dave DiMattio, Dr. Ted Georgian, the Yankelovich Fellowship committee as
well as the sustainability experts I am studying curriculum techniques such as Franciscan care for creation
programs, differentiated instruction, sustainability topics, social business theories, and service learning
methods.
Sustainability is an ever changing process for students where they can learn the foundations behind the
facts and figures of why the world has gotten to how it is today, as well as a adventure into new
technologies, new issues and concerns as well as new creative ideas for solutions to various
environmental and social issues. This course will guide students through the process of inquiry within the
natural science disciplines and enable students to understand and apply basic investigatory skills in a
problem solving context
Local outreach
During the research and community outreach portion of the Inquiry into the Natural World course,
students gain knowledge of local and/or international issues. From this, students learn how to address the
pressing issues of our time. By having students come step outside of the classroom and come face to face
with the people and the places, the science sinks in. The active research and implementation will give life
to the mode of inquiry which have contributed to the developments in the sciences. From this foundation,
students will gain awareness of other cultures and confront humanity’s challenges to address ultimate
questions regarding the nature of God, persons, and the world with particular reference to the Catholic
and Franciscan traditions.