M5 AM Managing Environment Issues for the Next 25 Years: The Role of Science
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in 321-323

(RAY-1117-816497) Tropical Biology: An integrated science field experience for undergraduate environmental education.

Rayburn, James¹, Cline, George¹, Romano III, Frank¹, Gregg, Kelly¹, ¹ Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL, USA

ABSTRACT- Tropical biology is an extensive field experience to study the flora and fauna of tropical regions in Florida. The class includes lectures and snorkel training preparing the students for a 10 day intensive field trip. During the lectures we stressed identification species emphasizing coral reef fishes and invertebrates, their habitat, environmental problems and conservation issues. The class visited sites along the Florida Gulf Coast from the panhandle (St. Andrews Bay) to the Florida Keys and the Dry Tortugas demonstrating threatened and endangered ecosystems and habitat. For many of these students it was there first experiences with coral reefs and their associated organisms. The class snorkeled with manatees, on coral reefs and sea-grass beds. Over 100 species of fish and over 100 kinds of invertebrates were identified by the class. During this study, students compared ecological communities and evaluated human impact and environmental concerns impacting costal habitats. The students observed new species/taxa each day. The course utilized a Reef Fish Survey Form available from Reef Environmental Education Foundation as a model for all surveys conducted in the class. This survey increased classes' interest and helped the class understand the importance of collecting these data. The class was challenging for both students and professors as the number of species in the different habitats increased. This total immersion in identification of organisms in different ecological niches gave the students a more comprehensive, "real world" understanding of threats to the worlds' reefs. Overall classes like this increase environmental education by showing students real world issues and habitat like coral reefs, and why steps need to be taken to protect these valuable resources. Students given these experiences showed higher interest in pursuing environmental careers including pursuing Masters and Ph.D. degrees.

Key words: Education, Exploratory, Coral Reef, Florida