Graduate Fellows at Montana State University, supported by
The Big Sky Institute NSF GK-12 program, have partnered with teachers at rural
K-8 schools to teach science through applied ecological research. A primary theme of this project has been that
students must learn the process of doing science, rather than just being taught
the subject matter, in order to become scientifically and ecologically literate
members of society. This belief has led
the Fellows to move students out of the classroom and into the surrounding
landscapes to develop their own ecological research projects. These projects include 1) studying the connections
between soil, grazing, invasive plants and riparian issues on rangeland, 2) conducting
scientific investigations into factors influencing bird and mammal
distribution, abundance, and habitat use in a riparian-woodland-meadow
ecosystem, and 3) assessing the effects of timber harvest and residential development on
water quality and trout habitat in the Gallatin River. Hands-on research by the students has
increased their interest in the process of science as well as in locally
relevant ecological issues. While K-8
students have grasped a better understanding of science from the program, teachers
have also added research-based science to their teaching repertoire. Finally, Fellows have had the opportunity to
hone their communication skills by presenting aspects of their own research to
a non-scientific audience. The ultimate
measure of success from this project is the increased enthusiasm of students
for science, and the commitment of Fellows to engage in scientific outreach
throughout their careers.