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    Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change Course
    In-person Program

    Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change Course

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    A climate science course combining geological field investigations with environmental leadership. Students connect observations of changing landscapes to a community Action Plan.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 10–12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 16-18

    Location / Region

    Providence, Rhode Island, United States; New Shoreham, Rhode Island, United States; Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States; South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $6,274

    Duration

    12 days

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Environmental ScienceGeography
    Accommodation: Residence halls; shared bathrooms
    Meals: Three meals daily
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital certificate; Course Performance Report
    Sessions / cadence: Daily: 9:30–11:30 a.m., 2–5 p.m.; evenings
    Main output: Community Action Plan and presentation
    Tutors / faculty: Eben (Blake) Hodgin
    Pastoral support: On-site staff, 24-hour supervision

    Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change summary

    Brown's BELL climate course connects environmental investigations with leadership and community action. Students study changing landscapes through observation rather than relying solely on classroom explanations.

    The practical work includes geological mapping, coastal erosion and renewable energy. A climate challenge exercise and community Action Plan help students turn what they learn into a feasible local project.

    What is Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change Course?

    The Geological, Recent and Modern Climate Change Course is a Brown University Pre-College offering within Brown Environmental Leadership Labs: Rhode Island. It examines climate change through field investigations and connects environmental science with socially responsible leadership.

    Students combine campus lessons, discussions and group work with visits to landscapes and environmental sites. They develop observational field skills, tackle a climate challenge exercise and create an Action Plan for an issue in their home community.

    Why Succeed highlights Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change

    • Field investigations give climate science a concrete setting through coastal erosion, geological deposits and renewable energy.

    • The community Action Plan links scientific observation to a project students can pursue after returning home.

    • Lectures, discussions, site visits and leadership workshops offer several ways to engage with environmental questions.

    • An instructor-written Course Performance Report provides more useful feedback than a participation credential alone.

    Who is Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy outdoor investigation and want to connect climate science with practical environmental leadership.

    Not ideal if

    You need a flexible daily schedule, want to take another course simultaneously or prefer learning entirely indoors.

    Is Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change worth it?

    The course has a strong educational case if you want to test your interest in environmental fieldwork and community leadership. Investigations, a climate challenge and an Action Plan give you specific experiences to reflect on afterward.

    The value depends on whether you will use those experiences beyond the course. It is non-credit, participation does not provide a special route into Brown undergraduate admission, and the residential routine requires a substantial commitment of attention and independence.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $6,274; includes Program activities and excursions., Residence hall housing., Three meals daily, including off-campus program meals., Transportation to and from program site visits., Course Performance Report and digital certificate after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    Residence halls; shared bathrooms

    Meals

    Three meals daily

    Supervision or safety information

    BELL staff live on site and provide support and supervision around the clock. Students stay with the group during lessons and community activities and check in with residential staff at 10 p.m.

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    12 days; Providence, Rhode Island, United States; New Shoreham, Rhode Island, United States; Dartmouth, Massachusetts, United States; South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change need?

    Effort level

    High, with daily academic, field and community activities.

    Best started

    Begin application preparation four to six weeks before a future application deadline and course pre-work two weeks before arrival.

    Main challenge

    Balancing active field days, communal living and project development.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft your application essay and gather current and previous academic year grades early.

    • Ask a recommender in advance; Brown strongly suggests recommendations for BELL applicants.

    • Complete the Canvas orientation and pre-work, then use the packing list to prepare for outdoor activity.

    • Discuss a feasible community issue and agree on a family communication routine before arrival.

    Useful if

    You want to explore environmental science through observation and action.

    What do students do on Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change?

    You investigate climate change through lessons and field visits, then connect your observations to a local issue. Action Plan workshops help you develop a project that fits your interests and circumstances.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Complete the course orientation and pre-work in Canvas before arriving.

    2. 2

      Join BELL orientation and an introduction to the course and Action Plan.

    3. 3

      Investigate environmental sites through observation, discussion and field activities.

    4. 4

      Practice coastal erosion calculations, geological mapping and analysis of wind energy.

    5. 5

      Tackle a climate challenge exercise and develop your community Action Plan.

    6. 6

      Present your Action Plan at the closing program.

    Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    General Brown Pre-College deadline, extended from 8 May.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    5-16 July 2026

    Reference date

    Applications open

    14 January 2026

    2026 Brown Pre-College application cycle.

    Reference date

    Pre-departure orientation

    12 April 2026

    Required family session at 1 p.m. Eastern; recording for conflicts.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 10–12.

    • Ages 16–18 by 14 June 2026 for the reference cycle.

    • Strong English proficiency for academic study and independent campus navigation.

    • Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment required.

    • Attend all program days, lessons, site visits and evening workshops.

    How much does Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change cost?

    Residential program fee

    $6,274 — 2026 BELL Rhode Island fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $80 — Nonrefundable; eligible applicants can request a waiver.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before enrollment; cancellation exception applies to refunds.
    • Scholarships: Separate application — Brown's eligibility rules apply; international applicants are ineligible.
    • Required insurance: $80 — For international students and U.S. students without adequate insurance.

    What's included

    Program activities and excursions., Residence hall housing., Three meals daily, including off-campus program meals., Transportation to and from program site visits., Course Performance Report and digital certificate after successful completion.

    How to apply to Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account in the Brown Pre-College Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the application and write a 250–500-word essay in your own words.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic year grades, plus any required English test results.

    4. 4

      Pay the application fee or request a waiver, and arrange a recommendation if submitting one.

    5. 5

      Monitor the portal for missing-material requests and your admission decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, review the course listing, submit the deposit and enroll separately.

    7. 7

      Complete the student and family forms, orientation and course pre-work.

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    What does Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Climate field investigations

    Investigate geological, recent and modern climate change through observations of environmental sites.

    Coastal erosion

    Calculate soil erosion threatening Block Island's historic Southeast Lighthouse.

    Renewable energy

    Study local wind power and the mechanics of offshore wind turbines.

    Geological mapping

    Identify and map clay deposits at Mohegan Bluffs.

    Environmental leadership

    Develop a feasible community Action Plan through guided workshops and peer support.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change?

    A typical day during the program.

    Mornings

    A morning lesson or field session follows breakfast and community tasks.

    Midday

    Lunch is followed by solo time for rest and reflection.

    Afternoons

    An afternoon session or continued field visit develops the day's learning.

    Evenings

    The evening program follows dinner and recreation; residential check-in is at 10 p.m.

    Who teaches on Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change?

    Instructor Eben (Blake) Hodgin guided the course's documented Block Island fieldwork. BELL instructors and peers also support students through workshops as they develop their community Action Plans.

    Where do students stay on Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall living: Stay in Brown residence halls in a private room or with up to two peers.
    • Three daily meals: Meals are primarily in Brown dining halls, with off-campus program meals also covered.
    • Staff support: BELL staff live on site and provide support and supervision 24 hours a day.
    • Shared community life: Students contribute to daily tasks and join group activities within the BELL community.

    Bathrooms are shared, and students bring their own linens; rooms have portable or central air conditioning.

    What happens after Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use your Action Plan to pursue a feasible environmental project at home.

    Build observational field skills for further environmental study.

    Present your community project to others.

    Receive a digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Use your instructor's Course Performance Report to reflect on your engagement.

    The course is non-credit, and Brown Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.

    Where does Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change take place?

    The course is based at Brown University in Providence, with field investigations around Rhode Island and a visit to Round the Bend Farm in Southern Massachusetts. The itinerary includes Block Island, the Providence Hurricane Barrier, coastal sites and a Net Zero Tour Day.

    Families arrange transportation to and from Brown; program transportation to site visits is included.

    Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change FAQs

    Students investigate geological, recent and modern climate change through fieldwork. Activities include observing coastal erosion, studying wind power and mapping geological deposits.

    Students develop an Action Plan addressing an issue in their home community. Workshops and support from instructors and peers help them identify a feasible project, which they present at the end.

    Students stay in Brown residence halls with shared bathrooms, in a private room or with up to two peers. The program provides three meals each day, primarily in a Brown dining hall.

    BELL staff live on site and provide support and supervision around the clock. Students stay with the group during lessons and community activities and check in with residential staff at 10 p.m.

    Additional coursework is not feasible during BELL. Days include lessons, field visits, workshops and community activities, with only one or two hours of unpredictable free time.

    This is a non-credit course. Successful completion earns a digital Certificate of Completion and an instructor-written Course Performance Report.

    Students keep phones secured during many lessons and activities. Families should agree on a communication routine beforehand; urgent contact is available through the BELL on-site director.

    Program activities, excursions, housing and meals on and off campus are included. Families arrange and pay for travel to and from Brown separately.

    Alternatives to Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change

    Compare a focused environmental course with broader science programs if you are still deciding how narrowly to specialize.

    Alternatives to Geological Recent and Modern Climate Change

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Pre-College Course Catalog Brown University
    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Brown Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL): Rhode Island | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Brown Environmental Leadership Lab: Rhode Island | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Fee Waivers | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Admissions Decisions | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs: Breakdown of Fees
    • Pre-College Program | Brown University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course identity checked

    • Session dates verified

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Residential fee matched

    • Application requirements checked

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Completion credentials verified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.