Building Mutually Beneficial Relationships with Our Ecosystems.

Abstract

One of the major components of Biology 1108K is an ecosystem project in which students apply course material through hands-on learning in order to provide a service and gain real world experience. Since Spring of 2013, students in this class have worked in small groups to create and conduct research experiments by actively collecting data from their environment. The data reflect the importance of our ecosystem. The information gathered through the project is shared with a partner and a service is provided in exchange for their assistance.

This project fosters environmental awareness among students and a drive to be more involved in local ecosystems. Through working in small groups students learn the value of teamwork and develop research skills that can be applied to future endeavors.

Due to the openness of the project, students are able to branch out and investigate a variety of ecosystems and environmental aspects that require care. The overall impact of these projects and future ideas of how to improve them will be discussed. Ecosystems are key to the survival of both present and future generations, thus, through these projects we can better ensure the future.