The goal of this program is to educate kindergarten-12 grade students and teachers about invasive species and their contribution to biodiversity loss and the earth’s 6th mass extinction. This is being achieved by the construction of a portable diorama with associated activities/lesson plans, available on loan to local classrooms from Northern Kentucky University’s Museum of Natural History. The program is comprised of topics that span the boundaries between science and public awareness, focusing on Kentucky elementary school science core content requirements including: Biological Change (evolution and organismal resource use in a changing environment), Unity and Diversity, Energy Transformations (organismal interactions- food webs, nutrient cycling), and Interdependence (ecosystem processes and extinction). Some facets of the mathematics and geography core content are also included. Topics are presented at a level that allows elementary-school students to relatively easily grasp the concepts, while assisting teachers to achieve STEM initiatives. The incorporation of videos, cross-sections, and hands-on activities make this program not only an educational experience for the students, but an enjoyable one as well, increasing the likelihood of retention and future application.
Results/Conclusions
We have found that outreach on biodiversity and invasive species aligns with the science and mathematics curriculum at the elementary level, and provides an opportunity for integration of the two subjects. One example of an applicable activity is the included “earthworm extraction”, which assists educators in demonstrating the extent of invasive earthworms in a local habitat to young learners. When tested independently, the extraction resulted in significant amounts of anecic, endogeic, and epigeic worms surfacing in a 1 x 1 ft test area, demonstrating the variety and extent of earthworms in a small area. Feedback from three 4th & 5th grade elementary teachers indicates ways to improve the diorama and activities for the classroom. In addition, the combination of outreach and research also has a positive impact on undergraduate students, particularly those interested in teaching as a career. Future work will involve assessment of the outreach on student learning, as well as teacher professional development and incorporation of the diorama in future academic years.
