1. Conference Strand: Community and Conservation Education
2. Title and Presenters
Increasing Enthusiasm and Knowledge in Freshwater Ecosystems
Dorothea K. Shuman, Ph.D.
Montreat College
3. Abstract
Recent science education reform proponents (Project 2061) explicitly put
forward the ideas that increased knowledge and enthusiasm about science can be
affected by field exercises. To address this need, the author developed and
implemented a field-based environmental science program focused on freshwater
ecosystems that engaged students in real-world science. The purpose of the project
was threefold: 1) to improve students’ competence in science, 2) to nurture students’
enthusiasm for science and 3) to interest students in research or other science-related
careers. Fifty-two, middle/upper school students from western NC participated in the
6-day, 5-night experience. The Student Science Enhancement Project Survey was
used to assess progress toward the three goal statements.
This paper describes the program components and the impact of the program. The
program began in the summer of 2005 funded with a Burroughs Wellcome Grant at
Montreat College through the Center for Learning and Investigation in Mountain
Backcounty Ecosystems (CLIMBE). The program focuses on water quality in and
around the Mt. Mitchell watershed and provides important insight into successful
environmental education programming. Scientific data collected by the students are
used locally by federal and state agencies.
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Convention