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Inspire Session

Session: How I Incorporate the 4DEE Practice of Natural History in My Teaching and Community Work

INS 11-7 - Natural history as a foundational, integrative ecological practice

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

Location: 520B

Presenting Author(s)

AB

Alan R. Berkowitz

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

Co-author(s)

AB

Alan R. Berkowitz

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

Christopher Beck

Emory University
JD

Jennifer H. Doherty

University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States
AA

Ashley Alred

Cary Institute

Natural history - the careful observation of organisms, communities and habitats in their biogeophysical contexts – can build an integrated understanding of nature. New methods (e.g., camera traps, remote sensing, eDNA) enable students to make exciting advances in identifying important patterns and hypotheses for ecological inquiry and conservation, building on competencies for careful observation, journaling and identification. The natural history practice connects to other 4DEE practices (fieldwork, investigating, quantitative reasoning, interdisciplinary inquiry, communicating) and integrates the cross-cutting theme of space/time and core ecology and human-environment concepts. It also fosters affective learning outcomes including curiosity, creativity, humility and a naturalist identity.