Using NEON resources to inspire data literacy in introductory undergraduate courses

To many undergraduate students “data” are mythical objects of science created and analyzed by experts. Data resources developed through open science, including those from the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), can help to broaden participation in authentic aspects of the scientific process for novice scientists. Teaching modules that use NEON data in introductory undergraduate science courses can demystify the data life cycle and inspire creative analytical thinking about ecological processes within and across ecosystems. More broadly, NEON sites can encourage a sense of wonder for both familiar and unfamiliar ecosystems and build a foundation for understanding the ecology of place.