Program Description
The
specific objectives of the Service
Learning Biology Field Program were to:
(1) Provide students intending on majoring in the biological sciences
with a novel
academic field-based research opportunity.
(2) Provide students with an opportunity to contribute a service to the
community.
These
objectives were achieved by partnering with a willing community organization
with existing research opportunities and implementing the project with an appropriate
group of students. This survey allowed students the opportunity to contribute to the
established knowledge base of the raptor species that utilize and nest
within this park and successfully fledge young.
Student
groups participated in 1 week of literature research and field technique
training and 8 weeks of field research under the guidance of
Jennifer Braido,
ARCC Biology
faculty member, and Paul Schlick, the Volunteer Raptor Survey Coordinator
at Elm Creek Park Reserve of Three
Rivers Park District. Students participated
in biweekly meetings to present data and report
progress, gave oral presentations (assessed by peers, ARCC
faculty, and the
Volunteer
Raptor Survey Coordinator),
and submitted formal scientific papers
of their findings
(assessed by ARCC faculty). This project educated students in: raptor
behavior, biology, species richness and abundance, diversity, territory size, and activity within this park; how to
conduct field-based research; and about future
educational and career opportunities. It enriched student learning through
a unique opportunity to experience relevant academic research. |
