This program has three years of success behind it, immersing K-12 teachers in field research with the intent of conveying the excitement of science doing and discovery as well as providing new material for their classes. Participants work as research assistants on LTER research projects and convene two to three times a week to discuss among themselves how to incorporate the information into their classes back at their home school district. The Andrews Schoolyard LTER involvement will be directed toward promoting networking and developing curricula for schoolyard projects. The 4-H Center is used as a statewide training site for students and teachers. The WELL Program focuses on watershed and energy issues such as the hydrological cycle, water yield and quality, energy generation and consumption, and greenhouse gases in an ecosystem context.
Students visit field sites and conduct field lab exercises.
The intent is to make these field labs a long-term component to the high school science program. This program has two components, a schoolyard LTER set of activities and an annual teacher enhancement workshop. Jon has developed a set of field exercises for middle and high school students at sites on and near schoolyards. These are largely, but not exclusively, ecosystem-oriented educational activities. We will continue the development of hands-on teacher workshops that address the many hows of research design and implementation.