NASCARand ecology: A remarkably natural partnership for educational outreach and undergraduate research

Background/Question/Methods

Providing undergraduate science students with research opportunities and education majors with hands-on instructional experience beyond traditional student teaching are important goals for any undergraduate institution.  Small colleges, in particular, often do not have extensive college-owned holdings of land for ecological research; nor are there campus-run schools in which to provide those hands-on teaching experiences.

Over the last three years, Adrian College has actively sought to establish a unique community partnership with the Michigan International Speedway, a major NASCAR track about 20 miles from campus.  Student research for biology students has focused on cataloging biodiversity and testing mechanisms of biological invasion in the local woody plant communities.  The college’s Department of Education has simultaneously developed a hands-on ecology/biology curriculum aimed at middle school students.  The curriculum, which focuses on water quality, microscopic aquatic organisms, a forest trail, and a hands-on experience with native animal species, is being carried out on-site by a combination of Biology and Education students from the college. 

Results/Conclusions

Both the research and education components have proven successful.  The research work has led to three on-campus oral presentations by students as well as a scientific presentation by a faculty mentor at this meeting focused on invasive species.  One, and perhaps two, manuscripts are expected to result from this work, as well.  Simultaneously, the educational outreach work has already reached over 400 students from three area schools (as of October 2012).  There are plans to expand and serve an additional 1000 or more students during May 2013 in 14 sessions with 9 college students leading sessions; indeed, there is a waiting list for this experience as of early February 2013.  

The partnership has been a great success for MIS, as well.  The track President and his staff are excited, committed partners, providing funding and foundation contacts for both the research and education work. Press coverage has been favorable and extensive. Student and teacher feedback on the educational component has also been positive.