WK 25 - Learn to Integrate NEON and GLEON Data into your Classroom using Macrosystems EDDIE!

Tuesday, August 13, 2019: 11:30 AM-1:15 PM
M109/110, Kentucky International Convention Center
Organizer:
Cayelan Carey
Co-organizers:
Kaitlin J. Farrell and Nicole Ward
Ecological research increasingly requires using high-frequency data and simulation models to predict how ecosystems respond to drivers at multiple scales. Despite the increasing use of these approaches, however, undergraduate ecology curricula rarely include concepts in macrosystems ecology or modeling and other advanced computational skills. Through Macrosystems EDDIE (Environmental Data-Driven Inquiry & Exploration; MacrosystemsEDDIE.org), we are developing a suite of hands-on, data-driven modules that instructors can use to introduce macrosystems topics to undergraduate students at a range of experience levels. Modules use high-frequency data from GLEON and NEON to guide students through R software-based lessons on macrosystems topics and simulation modeling through the lens of freshwater ecology. To date, we have tested our modules at 15 universities and found that modules significantly increased students’ self-reported knowledge of ecosystem modeling and macrosystems ecology, while also increasing student confidence and perceived proficiency using a suite of computational tools. The overarching goal of this workshop is to share our teaching materials with instructors interested in integrating our modules into their classrooms. Preliminary data suggest that teaching Macrosystems EDDIE modules will enhance students’ abilities to interpret complex ecosystem dynamics, thus, we seek additional faculty partners to test the efficacy of our materials to ensure that our modules best serve students at a range of institutions. We will provide an overview of all modules, learning objectives, and available teaching materials; share best practices for teaching EDDIE modules and R software in undergraduate ecology classes with novice programmers; and outline next steps for further teaching macrosystems ecology.

Registration Fee: $0

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