Using Project EDDIE modules in FW4380 Landscape Ecology and Planning
About this Course
FW4380 Landscape Ecology and Planning
Show Course Description
HideEDDIE Module(s) Adopted and/or Adapted
The Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Runoff in Urban Landscapes
My course covers aspects of landscape ecology and planning using traditional lectures, readings from texts/scientific papers, discussions, and class activities. Although it is technically a lecture and recitation class, I try to incorporate classroom activities that use real-world data and analyses to illustrate concepts in the course. Students worked in pairs in a computer lab for one 50-minute period and completed the remainder of the module as homework.
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Relationship of EDDIE Module(s) to my Course
The EDDIE module was part of a section on urban landscapes but it followed topics of landscape hydrology and conservation planning. The green roof module worked well in that it combined information about hydrology and planning as it applied to an urban area. Students were given a 15-minute lecture about green infrastructure and hydrology the class period before the session in the computer lab. Students were also given the handout two days before and asked to read through the exercises.
Teaching Details
I used part B and C of the Project EDDIE: Green Infrastructure and Green Roofs module. I modified the instructions slightly, demoed the use of the watershed module at the beginning of the class and changed some of the questions in the handout.
Adaption Materials
Student Handout for Green Infrastructure and Green Roofs (Adapted from Elizabeth Farrell) (Microsoft Word 2007 (.docx) 3.3MB Jun8 22)
Watershed Modeling Introduction Powerpoint (PowerPoint 2007 (.pptx) 9.8MB Jun8 22)
How did the activity go?
It went pretty well. It took longer than I thought it would for them to get up to speed on using the model. My class this year was a lot slower than previous classes on many assignments and I should have taken this into account. I also implemented it in the second to the last week of the semester in order to give myself time to select and implement a module for the QUBES-FMN and this was a really busy time both in my class and other classes. The students did not appreciate that I required them to finish the module as homework. Next year I will probably dedicate two full class periods to the module or move it earlier in the semester. However the students enjoyed working with the watershed model and were able to make the connection between urban planning and watersheds which I felt made it successful as far as outcomes.
Students struggled with navigating the model and how to set-up the scenarios. I would maybe next time have a scenario that everyone worked through together in one class and then let them experiment in the second class. Students did appreciate the immediate output and how certain practices had more impact.
Future Use
I probably will use it again. I will split it into two-fifty minute sessions or maybe have a practice session video taped for them to watch and practice before coming to class. I may also move it up in the semester.