WK 1

Embedding Authentic Ecology Research in Introductory Lab Courses

In order to increase authentic research experiences into laboratory courses for all students, we will lead institutional teams of research faculty and faculty who teach introductory laboratory courses to develop ecology research modules for courses in their institution.  During the workshop, we will discuss approaches for implementing course-based research experiences, potential barriers to implementation and how to overcome them, and assessment of new research modules.  Faculty who have implemented research modules will talk about their experiences and help to facilitate the session.  Much of the workshop will be set aside for faculty teams to work on developing new modules.  By the end of the workshop, participants will have a preliminary plan for the development, implementation, and assessment of an ecology research module for an introductory lab course.  Participants will present their preliminary plans in a mini-poster session at the end of the workshop.  Participants are encouraged to also register for the related lunch time workshop to present their plans to a wider audience. This workshop is sponsored by the REIL-Biology Network, an NSF-funded RCN-UBE.  Participants for the workshop should attend with partners from their own institutions.  The grant will cover travel costs for team members who would not normally attend ESA. See rcn.ableweb.org for more information and application form for travel and registration funds for institutional teams.