FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
Advanced Placement
Environmental Science
Meet Mr.Gain
I'm Pat Gain, AP Environmental Science Instructor at Franklin High School. Thank you for giving me the chance to share my passion for the environment with you through this class. I think that we will enjoy learning many things from each other through a multitude of activities and adventures related to environmental issues, happening both in our own backyards and worldwide. I do my best to relate my own experiences to whatever we're covering in the classroom and attempt to give my students opportunities to enjoy our natural resources firsthand through outdoor and other unique educational experiences whenever possible. I enjoy getting to know my students’ interests & involvements, and am always willing to share facets of my own life. Here's a bit of info about me both professional & personal:
Family Info
I met my wife, Diane, when we were students at West Allis Central High School in the 80's. Once we were done with college, we were married in October of 1993. We now have 3 children: Jacob, Meghan, and Michaela. We currently live in Franklin. I love spending time with my family, but during the school year it can be tough with everything going on at school (and the Franklin ECO Club!) We sure try to make up for it in the summer!
Hobbies & Interests
Obviously, I enjoy just about anything related to the outdoors. My favorite hobbies are hunting and fishing. I also enjoy canoeing, camping, hiking, geocaching, rock-climbing, whitewater rafting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and anything else that can be done without a roof over my head! I travel when I can, but rarely take extended trips to far-away places. I really love Wisconsin! My family has a place "up north" in Adams County on Castle Rock Lake where I spend as much time as possible, but I also enjoy exploring areas where friends and acquaintances have invited me to visit as well!
The outdoors isn't my only area of interest, though. I also really enjoy sports, especially basketball! I actually collect all sorts of sports memorabilia too, like sports cards, autographs, footballs, baseballs, basketballs, bats, etc. from professional sports teams. Oh, yes ... I love country music too ... so bring earbuds to class if you're not a fan!
Educational & Career Experience
1988 - Graduated from West Allis Central
1988-1992 Carthage College, Kenosha, WI
(BA in Int'l Business; minor in Spanish)
1992-1996 Employed with Sherwin-Williams Paint Co.
1996-1999 UW-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
(Major: Biology; Minor: Earth Science; Teaching Certification)
2004-2007 UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI
(Masters of Science in Natural Resources & Environmental Education)
Teaching Experience
1999-2000: Biology & Earth Science Teacher
@ West Bend East HS
2000-2013: Physical Science, Biology, & Environmental Science Teacher
@ West Allis Central High School
2013-present: Franklin HS Science Teacher.
This year, I am teaching:
AP Environmental Science (APES)
During my time at FHS, I have also taught:
Environmental Science
Biology
Forensic Science
Astronomy
Principles of Biomedical Science
InRoads Seminar 9
InRoads Seminar 10
Extra-Curricular Involvements
Franklin ECO Club Advisor
March Madness Coordinator (Woooooo!)
Former Coach: Cross-Country, Basketball, and Track & Field
Bus Driver!
