Inquiry-Based-Learning Modules for Conservation Biology Education

American Museum Natural History, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

Interdisciplinary (99) Conservation of the earth's biological diversity is a pressing problem that excites and motivates students from a wide range of institutions and disciplinary backgrounds. Conservation biology is widely taught now, but it is seriously hampered by a lack of resources that capture its potential for inquiry-based learning. To foster changes in course content, curricula, and educational practices in conservation biology, The Center for Biodiversity and Conservation (CBC) at the American Museum of Natural History, the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY- ESF), and the University of Maine (UMaine) have formed a partnership to link faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates with practicing professionals to generate an extensive set of classroom-tested, inquiry-based-learning materials. Each completed draft module will be evaluated in a classroom situation at UMaine and SUNY-ESF as well as at several pilot sites: Antioch New England Graduate School, Holyoke Community College, Lehman College, City University of New York, Long Island University, Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, Prescott College, and Columbia University. A distinguishing project feature is its self-sustaining dissemination. Distribution of materials to undergraduate instructors will happen through three media: 1) an edited volume published by a commercial publisher; 2) CD-ROMs distributed by the CBC at cost; and 3) via an internet portal website hosted by the CBC. Over three years, approximately 50 instructors and 50 students will work directly on developing materials; about 20 instructors in 25 diverse courses will test modules with at least 600 undergraduate students at pilot sites and provide feedback.