by Tiffany Lee | Research and Economic Development
Students who live in rural and tribal communities are surrounded by stunning examples of biodiversity: Grasses, prairies, flowers and wildlife feature more prominently in these youths’ lives compared to many of their peers in urban areas.
But systemic factors like geographic isolation, higher rates of poverty and limited educational resources sometimes minimize these students’ opportunities to explore and understand the natural environment surrounding them — and later pursue education and careers in the STEM fields.
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln team is partnering with communities across the Midwest and Southwest to begin filling these gaps. With a four-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation, the team will develop models of informal biodiversity education for middle school youth in tribal and rural communities. By increasing local libraries’ biodiversity-related resources and strengthening youth STEM programming, the team aims to improve students’ analytical and problem-solving skills, enhance their classroom performance and strengthen their “science identity.”
A major goal is to pique these students’ interest in biodiversity and inspire them to eventually pursue STEM degrees and careers. Equally important, though, is helping members of these communities understand the importance of biodiversity — the full variety of species, genetic variabilities and ecosystems in the natural environment — and how human interventions in this web of life threaten the supply of clean water, food, medicine and protection against extreme weather.
Brad Barker, a 4-H science and technology specialist with Nebraska Extension, leads the interdisciplinary Husker team, which also includes Judy Diamond, University of Nebraska State Museum and University Libraries; Chad Brassil, College of Arts and Sciences; John Benson, School of Natural Resources; Michelle Krehbiel and Molly Brandt, Nebraska Extension; Gabriel Bruguier and Erica DeFrain, University Libraries; Aaron Sutherlen, Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts; and Gwen Nugent, College of Education and Human Sciences.
At the heart of the project is the concept of co-creation. Barker said the team is focused on working collaboratively with local youth leaders to develop community-specific programs that are tailored to the needs of youth and their families.
Read the rest of the story at https://news.unl.edu/newsrooms/today/article/husker-team-partnering-with-communities-to-enhance-biodiversity-education/