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Frequently Asked Questions:

Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL)

What is the difference between BELL: Sustainable Development and BELL: Field Ecology?

Sustainable Development
Students study sustainable development through the lens of several academic disciplines, including biology, engineering, environmental science and policy.  Sample activities include:

• Visiting a wind turbine and discussing the economics of wind power
• Designing and building a sustainable technology for the BELL site
• Visiting an organic farm and harvesting food for a locally grown supper
• Learning about waste reduction strategies by visiting the Rhode Island Central Landfill

Field Ecology
Students learn the principles of ecological field research and experimental design by conducting experiments and making observations focused on evaluating the health of different Narragansett Bay ecosystems.  Sample activities include:

• Practicing plant identification skills to make observations about the spread of invasive species
• Collecting data on the health of Rhode Island salt marshes by kayaking down a tidal river
• Working with a team of students to design and conduct a basic ecological experiment

In Both Courses
Students learn leadership skills, go kayaking, develop Action Plans, have a Closing Program, and participate in a ropes course.

Last year, I took BELL 1 (or BELL 2).  Which course should I take this year?

If you took BELL 1 (1st & 2nd Sessions) last year, take BELL Field Ecology.
If you took BELL 2 (3rd Session) last year, take BELL Sustainable Development.

Who is eligible for BELL?

BELL courses are open to all high school students, from 9th graders through graduated seniors.

What is a typical day like?

How much homework is there?

There is no homework in the traditional sense.  For the most part, students do short readings or work together on projects during class time. 

Are there any prerequisites?

No, there are no prerequisites for either course.  You only need an interest in environmental issues.

Can I take both courses?

Yes!

How many students are there?  What are they like?

There are between 30-32 students in each BELL session.  Usually there are slightly more girls than boys.  BELL students come from all over the U.S. and the world, and range from incoming 10th graders to graduated seniors.

Can I receive college credit?

Just as with regular pre-college mini courses, BELL courses are non-credit.  This helps you concentrate on learning and the process of scholarship, not your final grade.  All students who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion.

Will I be graded on my work? 

We do not grade students’ work.  Rather, your progress is evaluated during conferences with your instructors and in comments on your written work.

What leadership skills will I learn?

• Identification and analysis of personal leadership style
• Interpersonal communication
• Group problem solving
• Diversity and leadership
• Individual courses may teach additional skills like public speaking

Where is BELL?  How do we get there?

BELL takes place at the Haffenreffer reserve, which is a historically and ecologically important property owned by Brown University.  It is located in Bristol, RI, a 30-minute drive from Brown.  On opening day, your parents will drop you off at Brown and you’ll travel to Bristol by school bus.

Where do we sleep?

Students sleep in large (16x 24’) waterproof canvas tents set off the ground on wooden platforms. There are between 8-10 students per tent, sleeping in bunk beds.  Students bring sleeping bags or their own linens.

What are the Haffenreffer facilities like?

Haffenreffer is certainly rustic, but there are hot indoor showers and toilets located in the multi-purpose building, just a short walk from the tents.  The building also houses our classroom, living room and recreational space.  In addition, we have a well equipped kitchen and outdoor areas for all types of sports.

Will we spend time at Brown?

We will spend one full day on campus, visiting the libraries, dining halls and classrooms.  You will also have some free time to explore Thayer Street, Brown’s funky retail and restaurant area.

How much money should I bring?

All of your meals and entertainment are covered in your program fee, so you won’t need money while you’re at BELL.  However, students usually spend between $10 - $50 on snacks and souvenirs when we visit Brown.  Bring enough money for your travel and whatever you think you’ll need during your free time on campus.  

Is there a Closing Program?

We hold a closing program at BELL from 11:00 am -1:30 pm on the final Friday of the course.  We will have a barbecue lunch, and you will present your action plan to a small group of students and family members.  It is an opportunity for your family to visit the site, hear what you’ve learned and how you want to put it into action back home. 

What is the Action Plan?

During your course, you will pick an issue that is important to you and develop a plan for addressing that issue.  We encourage you to think about some topics before you come to BELL, but most students don’t actually know what their action plan will be until they start working on it in class.  Your instructors will help you design an action plan that fits your interests and skills.

What are some examples of Action Plans?

Some examples of past action plans are:

• Writing letters about environmental issues to the school or local newspaper
• Organizing a school awareness day about Hurricane Katrina
• Starting a school community service club
• Convincing a high school to buy sweatshop-free athletic uniforms
• Volunteering for an after-school tutoring program
• Organizing a National Honor Society canned food drive
• Writing a play for Drama Club about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

For more information on how we support students’ action plans after the summer is over, please visit our Post Summer page.