PARENT SESSION
Oral Session #68: Ecological Education -- Research and Theory.
Presiding: L. Mueller
Wednesday, August 7. 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM. Grand Ballroom West, Radisson.
Improving science literacy through participation in community-based ecological research.
Evans, Celia*,1, Abrams, Eleanor2, Marra, Peter3, Salmonsen, Laura1, Roux, Karin3, Reitsma, Robert3, 1 Paul Smiths College, Paul Smiths, NY2 University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH3 Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD
ABSTRACT- In order to evaluate the potential of the Neighborhood Nestwatch Program to enhance science literacy, an understanding of the scientific process, and sense of place, we collected preliminary data from participants in 2001. We analyzed surveys(n=90), interviews(n=45)and e-mail communications(n=30)from participants. Participants engaged in reporting observations(50%),asking questions (27%) and drawing conclusions(24%)as they communicated with researchers and interns. Regular discussions with scientists and interns has potential to enhance the learning of specific biological content and an understanding of how data are collected. Either concurrent with, or as a result of this increased knowledge, the great majority of Neighborhood Nestwatch participants gained an increased awareness about the importance of their own backyards as valuable habitat for birds and other wildlife. Involvement in the program caused participants to research related topics, improve their yard as bird habitat, and communicate their learning with other members of the community.
KEY WORDS: cCommunity-based Science, Science Literacy, Sense of Place, Scientific Process