Graduate Students Take to the Field in K–12 Education

Betsy J Mitchell,Rosemary G Gillespie

doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0050162

Abstract

Graduate Students Take to the Field in K–12 Education

Highlights

Children are born curious, and nature is one of the most compelling targets for their curiosity
In many cases a child’s parents or siblings are alienated from natural areas, and so cannot serve as role models to help preserve or mentor the child’s innate curiosity about nature. While this problem is widespread, it is especially troubling in California where, with a rapidly expanding human population, we face increasing degradation and loss of wild lands, with native species threatened by extinction through habitat modification and invasion of exotic species
Again, heavy demands on professors’ time, little experience communicating with non-university audiences, and the lack of incentives to reach out to school children have limited the exchange between university scientists and Kindergarten through 12th grade (K–12) communities

Summary

Introduction

Nature is one of the most compelling targets for their curiosity. Biology classes are one place where children can be introduced to nature, where they can gain an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life, its importance and its wonder. Activities that engage children in their own explorations of natural history can energize their interest in school, in science, and in important environmental issues.

Results

Conclusion