Larry Fegel - Affiliate Professor of Geology

Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science 152
One Campus Drive Allendale, Michigan 49401-9403 Office Telephone: (616)-331-2760
Office Fax: (616)-331-3740
Electronic Mail: [email protected]

Education:
Grand Valley State University - B.S. Earth Science & Biology, 1973
Michigan State University - M.S. Fisheries & Wildlife, 1979 Central Michigan University - Education Administration Certification Elementary and Secondary Teaching Certification Background & Teaching Interests:

My main interests are in science education. I currently teach GEO 100,111, 202, and 203.  I am completing my 7th year back at GVSU. For the last two summers I have been teaching a new version of GEO 202, Hydrosphere of the Great Lakes along with Peter Riemersma. Following a week of classes, we will spend eight days in the field with students and inservice teachers. We will travel to Sudbury, Ontario, Manitoulin Island, and throughout the UP.

I spent thirty years working in the K-12 system. I started as a classroom earth science and biology teacher. While at Grand Rapids, I helped start the Outdoor Education Program, Blandford School at Blandford Nature Center in 1973, and City High School in 1976. I was very involved in the Outdoor Education Department during the 1980s. I eventually became a science curriculum supervisor and curriculum director for GRPS. I have been involved with science curriculum development and professional staff development for teachers since 1981. When I retired, I was an assistant superintendent at West Ottawa Public Schools.

I now serve on the advisory board for Blandford Nature Center and continue my work with the Outdoor Discovery Center in Holland. I have been involved with the ODC for 7 years developing environmental classes and presenting lessons to visiting classes. I am also working with the Kent Intermediate School District helping to redesign their high school earth science and biology curricula. Since 2001, I have worked with the Ottawa Area Intermediate school District and various other school districts throughout Michigan helping to redesign science curricula and to implement inquiry-based science instruction.

On a personal note, my wife, Mary Kay, and I live near Holland State Park. Mary Kay is a Literacy Coach for Holland Public Schools. We have four adult children. Matthew is completing his degree in photography at Montana State. Kristina has a degree in logistics from Michigan State and works for a shipping company in Dayton, Ohio. Michael is completing his degree in communication and speech from Northern Michigan. Jonathan is an aspiring musician.   

I finally realized one of my goals and made it to Alaska last June. I spent three weeks in the fjords of southeast Alaska and even landed a 110 pound Halibut on a hook and line. This summer Mary Kay and I will spend three weeks in the northwest visiting our son, hiking, fishing, and visiting Mt. St. Helens.