SYMP 2 - Four Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE): Preparing for and Fomenting Change in Ecological Education

Organizer(s)

• LP

  Luanna Prevost

  Associate Professor
  University of South Florida Department of Integrative Biology
  Tampa, Florida, United States

Co-organizer(s)

• AB

  Alan Berkowitz

  Head of Education
  Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
  Millbrook, NY, United States
• KK

  Kenneth Klemow, PhD, ESA Certified Senior Ecologist

  Professor/Biology Department Chair
  Wilkes University
  Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States

Moderator(s)

• AB

  Alan Berkowitz

  Head of Education
  Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
  Millbrook, NY, United States

In light of the meeting theme “A change is gonna come”, this session addresses how ESA’s Four Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework seeks to engage and motivate ecology teachers and students in addressing critical and complex ecological and societal changes. Talks will examine how a multidimensional approach to ecology education can help students develop a useful understanding of our changing world. Presenters will offer national and international perspectives that address four key areas of change that challenge today’s society. How do we prepare tomorrow’s ecologists to deal with continued urbanization and interconnectedness between human-influenced and natural environments? What crosscutting concepts and practices do students need to understand as ecologists or citizens in grappling with the interdisciplinary and changing nature of disease? How do we integrate practices that prepare ecology majors and non-majors to tackle the complex problem of climate change and deforestation of the tropics? How can we make the field of ecology more inclusive and incorporate human dimensions in how ecology is taught and practiced? The ideas and conversation generated by this symposium will help inspire ecologists and educators to develop a collective vision for ecology education that empowers informed decision making in the face of these pressing changes.

Presentations:

• 1:30 PM – 1:50 PM EDT

  Urbanization and changes in human habitations
  

  Presenting Author: Steward Pickett – Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
• 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM EDT

  The changing face of ecology
  

  Presenting Author: Maria N. Miriti, PhD – The Ohio State University
• 2:10 PM – 2:30 PM EDT

  Reflections on the four dimensions of ecological education in the context of a changing Amazon
  

  Presenting Author: I. Foster Brown – Woodwell Climate Research Center

  Co-author: Sonaira S. da Silva – Federal University of Acre

  Co-author: Antonio Willian F. de Melo – Federal University of Acre

  Co-author: Sabina C. Ribeiro – Federal University of Acre

  Co-author: Fernando A. Schmidt – Federal University of Acre

  Co-author: Andrea S. Alechandre – Federal University of Acre

  Co-author: Jair S. Costa – Dom Henrique Ruth High School
• 2:30 PM – 2:50 PM EDT

  Rethinking disease ecology: Integrating novel research into teaching to facilitate multidimensional learning
  

  Presenting Author: Taegan A. McMahon – Connecticut College
• 2:50 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

  Discussion