NEON education and public engagement strategy

Background/Question/Methods   NEON, the National Ecological Observatory Network, will gather long‐term, continental-scale data on ecological responses of the biosphere to changes in land use and climate. NEON is committed to providing data and related educational resources that are accessible to and usable by many communities, including underrepresented audiences. How will NEON engage a diversity of users?

Results/Conclusions   NEON will develop a suite of tools and learning experiences that are designed to reach a diversity of communities, using the following guiding principles: NEON products are based on the creation and consumption of data, must be democratic and widely accessible, are strategic and leverage existing programs and resources, are authentic and meaningful to the people involved, contribute to national science and education efforts, and the relationship between science and education is synergistic and reciprocal. NEON educational tools and learning experiences are aimed at awareness, mastery and leadership levels. This approach enables users to self-define their interests and abilities regardless of their affiliations (i.e., K-12 teacher, citizen scientist, faculty member). For example, the NEON web portal will include an educator area that provides (1) content and learning experiences for educators to master continental-scale ecological concepts, and (2) activity modules, tools and resources to support educators as they engage students in ecological learning experiences using NEON data. This resource will enable faculty to increase their knowledge and experience with continental-scale ecological concepts and engage their students in using authentic data. NEON's research and internship opportunities for undergraduates will target traditionally underrepresented groups as participants by partnering with institutions and organizations that successfully engage a diversity of students. Imbedding undergraduates into the NEON framework will provide one-on-one mentoring and authentic experiences that often introduce students to new career options. NEON citizen science programs will feature opportunities for individuals, community groups, K-12 classes and families to participate in NEON science by collecting, analyzing, interpreting and sharing data. In order to reach as broad an audience as possible, NEON will actively establish partnerships with many different organizations, groups, institutions and agencies to design, develop, implement and disseminate educational tools and learning experiences.