Observing Change: Phenology as a tool for inspiring student curiosity
The workshop will highlight easy, low-cost, interdisciplinary field excursions on campuses which allow students to practice phenology and the scientific method within a biology or environmental science course or unit. We will share ideas for using natural resources, such as trees, that are available and accessible on most campuses and highlight how trees are influenced by urban features, including building proximity. We implemented this concept as a project for students enrolled in an Environmental Science Senior Capstone course and a Biology Ecology course at Spelman College. Students were able to learn basic phenological terms, review the scientific method, and collaborate and share data without having to plan extensive group meetings outside of class. Our course focused on phenology using microclimates on campus, although it would be possible for the same type of project to also utilize topics such as ecosystems services and animal behavior in more detail. Students worked independently and practiced making scientific observations and documentation throughout the semester. The project concluded with short team videos where each student used the data to answer a scientific question related to their team's microclimate. We will share how this project could be adapted for different levels and different types of campuses or other outdoor spaces.
Intended Audience
The workshop would be beneficial for institutions that do not have established field research programs and do not have the resources to take students to a natural forest, as well as institutions that are interested in teaching urban ecology. It was successful at a small 4-year college and would be appropriate for 2-year colleges that offer Biology or Environmental Science courses. It could be adapted for K-12 schools, including AP Biology or AP Environmental Science courses.
Goals
By the end of this workshop, participants will start to explore what they can do on their own campus and have the opportunity to discuss this in small groups. Participants will gain hands-on experience starting a phenology project by learning to collect basic tree data (measuring tree diameter at breast height (DBH), estimating crown spread, etc.) and observing the soil moisture. They will also review possible apps that can be used to assist students.
Program
1:30 Welcome and introductions
1:45 Intro to phenology and using/identifying trees on campus
2:00 Small-group discussions where participants describe their campus and initial thoughts on how this project could be useful.
2:35 Video demo of tree measurements, basic equipment, campus restrictions, and safety, microclimates
2:45 Break
2:55 Practice measuring trees and making outside observations. Indoor option of looking at previously collected data and brainstorming on projects using the data
3:10 Small group discussions based on common interests (2 year vs. 4 year, or urban vs. rural or Environmental Science vs. Biology courses, etc).
3:20 Group debrief (with potential apps, grading methods, student field journals, and interdisciplinary collaboration)
3:45 Wrap-up and workshop evaluation
4:00 Adjourn