HR: 1330h
AN: NB33O-08    [Abstracts]
TI: The Urban Ecology Institute's field studies program: utilizing urban areas for experiential learning and ecological research
AU: * Starry, O
EM: starry@bc.edu
AF: Urban Ecology Institute, 355 Higgins Hall 140 Commonwealth Ave. , Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
AB: The Urban Ecology Institute (UEI) promotes the stewardship of healthy urban ecosystems by improving science and civic education for middle and high school youth and by working with urban communities to protect and transform natural resources. Established in 1999, UEI's field studies program engages over 1000 youth in the greater Boston area. A substantial component of this program involves water quality monitoring. We have recently adapted protocols from published leaf breakdown studies for incorporation into the UEI water quality curriculum. A 2004 pilot study of these leaf breakdown activities, conducted at four sites, compared rates of red maple breakdown to those of Norway maple, a potentially invasive urban street tree. Preliminary data from this successful pilot study suggest that leaf litter inputs from the two different tree species have varying effects on stream ecosystem function. We present this study as an example of how urban areas can be utilized for both ecological research and inclusive experiential learning through which science and mathematic knowledge can be effectively communicated.
UR: http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/research/urbaneco/program/fieldStudies_home.html
DE: 0815 Informal education
DE: 0820 Curriculum and laboratory design
DE: 0825 Teaching methods
DE: 1871 Surface water quality
DE: 4806 Carbon cycling
SC: North American Benthological Society [NB]
MN: 2005 Joint Assembly