James M. Affolter DUE 9552283 U of Georgia Res Fdn Inc FY1995 $ 300,000 Athens, GA 30602 ILI - Leadership in Laboratory Development: Interdisciplinary Title: Building Environmental Literacy Through Participation in GIS and Multimedia Assisted Field Research We will develop, evaluate, and implement three related laboratory exercises to support the undergraduate environmental literacy initiative at the University of Georgia. This collaborative effort involves four University units: Departments of Geography and Instructional Technology, Institute of Ecology, and The State Botanical Garden. Students will become active participants in long-term ecological studies that require them to test formal hypotheses based on data they collect in the field. They will be assisted by a computerized geographic information system (GIS) as they analyze and interpret results. An interactive multimedia program, which incorporates a performance support system, will guide them through the field research and data analysis. The following goals are addressed by the project: instruct students from a broad diversity of backgrounds and interests in fundamental scientific concepts including the design and testing of hypotheses; demonstrate the importance of spatial and temporal variation in the study and understanding of natural systems; strengthen geography skills and familiarize students with the purpose and use of computerized geographic information systems; create interest in scientific research and science education as career opportunities. Our immediate audience is the undergraduate student population of the University of Georgia, where completion of an environmental literacy course is a requirement for graduation. The project will be disseminated as a model that can be adapted for use at other institutions to increase environmental literacy and expose undergraduates, including future teachers, to new technologies that enhance the study and teaching of science.
