A Novel Course-Based Experience to Promote Ecological Field Skills during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Autor/inn/en	Sieg, R. Drew; Hubbard, Joanna K.; Penczykowski, Rachel M.; Williard, Madison; Dwyer, Zachary A.
Titel	A Novel Course-Based Experience to Promote Ecological Field Skills during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Quelle	In: Science Education and Civic Engagement, 15 (2023) 1, S.31-41 (11 Seiten) PDF als Volltext kostenfreie Datei Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Schlagwörter	Ecology; Field Experience Programs; COVID-19; Pandemics; Introductory Courses; Blended Learning; Science Experiments; Undergraduate Students; Student Research; Science Education; Videoconferencing; Student Attitudes; Missouri + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Ökologie; Praxisnahes Lernen; Einführungskurs; Studentenforschung; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung; Schülerverhalten
Abstract	Providing safe access to functional field experiences during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was a distinct challenge. However, these experiences are critical to train students in ecological methods and provide an opportunity for open-ended, authentic research. Here, we report on a multiweek lab designed for an introductory ecology course, which was adapted for hybrid instruction during the pandemic. In the lab sequence, students independently surveyed basic phenological, population, and community dynamics of easily identifiable, cosmopolitan plant species in the genus "Plantago." Students used this crowd-sourced dataset to develop, analyze, and report on unique research questions regarding interactions between "Plantago" and the local environment. The new lab sequence effectively met course learning objectives in experimental design, field methods, statistics, and science communication, while being accessible to both in-person and online learners. We conclude by discussing the evolution of this design for other audiences. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	National Center for Science and Civic Engagement. 114 Post Street, Saugerties, NY 12477. Web site: http://new.seceij.net/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01