PARENT SESSION
Poster Session # 3: Ecological Education.
Monday, August 4 Presentation from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. SITCC Exhibit Hall B.
Practical experience leads minority to ecology.
Randriamahefa, Alexandrine 1, Onesimus, Oetino1, McGinnis, Nathan1, 1 Oakwood College, Huntsville, AL 35896, USA, Huntsville, AL, USA
ABSTRACT- Oakwood College has been the recipient of the Strategies for Ecology Education Development and Sustainability (SEEDS) grant for the past four years. SEEDS is a joint program of the ESA and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) which addresses the lack of minority representation in the ecological field. The thrust of the SEEDS program at Oakwood College is two-fold. The first step is to enhance the existing curricula by developing several outdoor laboratories. The second step is to raise ecological awareness on campus. Firstly, curriculum enhancement activities include the development of a nature trail (1.5 mile) and a campus pond which provide several well-defined ecotones to explore. In addition, a dendrochronology exhibit is completed and offers students the opportunity to examine the climatic history as illustrated by a cross section of a 60 year- old tree. These hands-on labs help to enlighten the students by providing more active learning experiences that will further assist them while they study ecology, plant biology, and environmental courses. Secondly, the SEEDS students along with the Ecology Club promote awareness of environmental issues and career opportunities through different activities including, but not limited to Earth Day, America Recycles Day, and field trips. The SEEDS program at OC is gaining momentum and showing evidence of success in motivating minority students to pursue Ecology related fields. The average enrollment in General Ecology has more than doubled (7 to 15). Additionally, two students are finishing their graduate studies, while two others are applying to pursue post-graduate degrees in the ecological sciences. There has also been a rapid increase in non-biology major participation in the ecological awareness projects.
Key words: education