Interdisciplinary Activities Research Articles

The illegal trade of wild birds in a social network: A call for action from Argentina

Abstract The illegal trade of wild birds is a large threat to biodiversity and sellers often use social media to traffic wildlife. By monitoring and characterizing the trade of wild and domestic birds on Facebook, we show that this illegal e-commerce remains widespread throughout Argentina, despite a decrease in activity in 2023 compared to 2017, highlighting the persistence and magnitude of this issue. In 2017, we found 96,354 users in 127 buying/selling groups in 18 provinces, of which 61% were public. In 2023, we found 58,647 users in 76 groups in 14 provinces, of which 66% were public. Analyzing one group in 2017 and two groups in 2023, we found 67 bird species were offered for sale. All birds for sale in these groups had illegal origins (i.e., without authorized bands or permits), including two Endangered and one Near Threatened species. Passerines (mainly Thraupidae, Fringilidae, and Cardinalidae species) were the most offered group, but parrots, raptors, and other bird groups were also available. Saltator aurantiirostris (Golden-billed Saltator) was most frequently offered for sale and had the highest interest from users in the two largest analyzed groups. The Endangered Gubernatrix cristata (Yellow Cardinal) reached the highest price (up to 328 USD), it was also frequently offered for sale (5th position in 2017), and had high user interest (2nd in 2017). We found that Facebook was frequently used for illegal bird trade in Argentina, including species of conservation concern, which can threaten a number of species. We call for coordinated and interdisciplinary actions that engage authorities, social media companies, and local communities, which will be needed to enact top-down and bottom-up measures to continue reducing and eventually halting wildlife-related illegal activities. A translated Spanish version of this article is available in the Supplementary Material.

The afterlife of CoPED: Entanglements and impacts of a participatory learning field school in Sicily

AbstractThis paper critically explores the afterlife of CoPED, an international interdisciplinary participatory action field school in eastern Sicily from 2015 to 2022. Drawing on fieldnotes taken during the program reflection sessions, small group discussions, informal conversations during meals, and post‐CoPED debriefings with community partners, I consider the long‐term impact of the field school on the different types of participants—students and faculty from three Universities and members of Participatory Presidium of the Simeto River Agreement and other residents, as well as what anthropology has contributed to the program. The article briefly outlines the background of CoPED and its pedagogical commitments, pointing to some of the benefits and challenges that CoPED practices create for the community and for participants. Then, I explore the benefits, costs, and pressure points of CoPED, from material to organizational, to training and mentoring. The article concludes with a reflection on the complexities of long‐term field school collaborations to suggest the roles that anthropology can and does play in shaping the participants and the field in this interdisciplinary context.

From Applied Physics to Interdisciplinary Activities for a Climate Science Itinerary in the First Year of College

From Applied Physics to Interdisciplinary Activities for a Climate Science Itinerary in the First Year of College

Implementasi Pembelajaran Remedial Berbasis Proyek Pendekatan Interdisipliner Melalui Media Infografis pada Mapel IPS Fase E di MAN 2 Kota Malang

This study aims to analyze the implementation of interdisciplinary project-based remedial activities through infographic media in the Social Studies subject Phase E in class X MAN 2 Malang City after the implementation of the odd semester summative assessment. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study indicate that this activity is effective in helping students understand the Social Studies material by exploring topics in depth using relevant data and sources. In addition, students are able to understand the functions and roles of geography, sociology, history, and economics in solving real problems, strengthening research and collaboration skills, and increasing learning motivation. Teachers and students also feel the efficiency of time and resources. However, this study identified several obstacles faced by students, including difficulties in dealing with less competent group members, challenges in using barcodes as references, finding the right infographic design, classifying topics in an interdisciplinary perspective, and dividing group tasks. This study recommends infographic design training, intensive guidance for group management, and more structured learning strategies in implementing an interdisciplinary approach.

Globalūs iššūkiai kaip švietimo organizacijų vadovų globalias kompetencijas įgalinantys veiksniai

Changes taking place in the world, such as, i.e. pandemics, immigration, the geopolitical situation, global inclusive education, ecology, in context, and global competencies, which include understanding of the broad context and worldview, communication-based on understanding and respect, ensuring the common well-being, are a set of interdisciplinary and intercultural values and actions based on them, which help to create a successful educational system. The study aims to analyze the factors of global challenges that condition the empowerment of the global competencies of heads of educational institutions. A qualitative approach was chosen for the research - a survey with open questions to reveal diverse viewpoints. Thirty-five heads of educational institutions participated in the study. Latent content analysis was used to analyze the research data. The study results showed that global competence, in the context of the pandemic, was developed by creating networking and cooperation, implementing solutions for transferring education to virtual spaces, promoting the active involvement of students in the educational process, and implementing educational goals. The immigration challenge caused the need for global competencies of education managers in managing the integration and education processes: the institutions faced the language barrier of the interested parties and the lack of interculturality. The global understanding of school leaders, based on the experience of foreign educational institutions, using various measures, is one of the solutions to the global immigration challenge. The challenge of ecological problems encourages the expression of global competencies of school leaders because the lack of infrastructure in educational organizations is experienced - sustainability is achieved through the purposeful use of resources, conservation, and the realization of various ideas in the educational process. School leaders develop global competencies to overcome the challenge of equality and inclusion through project and international activities and cooperation, considering examples of good practice and diversity of opinions.

Proposals for the Implementation of a Multidimensional Platform That Allows the Advancement of Oncology Nursing in the Latin American Environment (The INCREASE Proposal).

Cancer constitutes a significant global health challenge, with projections indicating a continued increase in its prevalence in the foreseeable future. This trend is particularly pronounced in Latin America (LATAM), where the cancer burden has increased substantially over the coming decades. Concurrently, nursing, which represents the largest segment of the health care workforce globally, is important for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the essential role of nursing in cancer care, several barriers hinder its optimal contribution, particularly in LMICs. These challenges include professional hierarchy, insufficient educational standards, underfunding for research, and limited representation in decision-making processes. To address these challenges, collaborative initiatives, such as the INCREASE Proposal, have emerged, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and action in oncology nursing within LATAM. Through focused workshops and agile methodologies, the INCREASE Proposal seeks to identify barriers and formulate solutions across key areas including education, research, clinical practice, and policy implementation. The outcomes of the INCREASE Proposal underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to strengthen oncology nursing in the LATAM. These strategies include enhancing education and recognition within health care systems, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, leveraging advanced technologies, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and promoting research-academic partnerships. By addressing these challenges and implementing the proposed solutions, LATAM can advance toward optimized oncology nursing practice, improving cancer care delivery and outcomes across the region.

AVALIAÇÃO DE ATIVIDADES LÚDICAS E ESPORTIVAS PARA ALUNOS COM DEFICIÊNCIA EM DOIS CONTEXTOS SOB A ÓTICA DE FAMILIARES

The objective of this research was to evaluate, from the perspective of family members, the recreational and sports activities developed with students with disabilities in the Motor Activities Program for the Disabled (PROAMDE) and in schools in the regular education network of Manaus/AM. Data collection was performed through a semi-structured interview, in which 15 parents/guardians of students with disabilities participated. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis. The following recreational activities practiced by students in PROAMDE were mentioned: swimming pool activities/Halliwick method, futsal, motor activities, locomotion, motor coordination and volleyball, basketball, manipulation, psychomotor games and activities, handball, athletics, bocce, interdisciplinary activities and wheelchair handling. In relation to school, the activities mentioned were soccer/futsal, locomotion, volleyball, tug of war, wheelchair handling, basketball, circuits and physical activity. Three parents/guardians reported that their children participate but were unable to specify the activities and another three said that their children do not participate in recreational activities at school. The participants showed that they perceive their children as effectively engaged and included in the PROAMDE experiences. On the other hand, they mentioned being unaware of the aspects of inclusion at school or expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of inclusion in Physical Education classes. Although school activities were mentioned, the difficulty of participating by students with disabilities was highlighted. Thus, the importance of training Physical Education teachers to work with students with disabilities in the most varied contexts is highlighted. Received: 2024/11/01 Reformulated: 2024/12/20 Accepted: 2024/12/22

The method in education to the pedagogue John Dewey

John Dewey, an American pedagogue, applied pragmatism in education. The education, according to Dewey, needs to propose a method in the act of acting, in order to be able to transform reality, through the scientific method with democratic practices. The traditional education depended on the finalism of results through written assessments, whose pedagogy of Dewey proposes the elaboration of works with scientific samples and methodologies in groups of students to ensure the educational process in practice through the process. This pedagogy influenced several disciplines of basic education, such as Chemistry by conducting experimental exhibitions by observing experiments in the laboratory; and Geography with the study of the environment through excursions to experience different realities of the lives of students. Based on curiosity and observation, Dewey considers that scientific knowledge becomes accessible to students in basic education and the production of knowledge becomes possible, especially with interdisciplinary activities and educational practices, as occurs in Environmental Education, in order to raise student’s awareness and ensure better results in the educational process.

Class-based differences in moral judgment: A bayesian approach

This study employs Bayesian inference to explore class-based differences in moral judgment. Based on the dual-process perspective in interdisciplinary action theory, we estimate in a first step a process model which differentiates parametrically between emotionally driven deontological, deliberatively driven utilitarian, and residual judgmental inclinations. In a second step, our estimates of these parameters are correlated via beta regressions with indicators of social class and thinking dispositions. We find a considerable association between social class, specifically income, and deontological inclinations, whereas consequentialist inclinations correlate with thinking dispositions but not with social class. This research underscores the utility of Bayesian estimation in closing the gap between theoretical and statistical modelling. Employing this approach enhances our understanding of the nuanced interplay between intuitive and deliberative processes in moral judgment and, more generally, offers a promising direction for advancing sociological action theory.

UTILIZAÇÃO DE MAPAS CONCEITUAIS PARA VERIFICAÇÃO DE APRENDIZAGEM SIGNIFICATIVA EM ATIVIDADES INTERDISCIPLINARES NO TÉCNICO INTEGRADO EM AUTOMAÇÃO INDUSTRIAL

This article presents the results of an investigation into the use of concept maps to assess meaningful learning in interdisciplinary activities with students from a Technical Course in Industrial Automation integrated into High School at a Federal Institute campus in the interior of Rio de Janeiro state. Based on David Ausubel's Theory of Meaningful Learning and using Joseph Novak's Concept Maps, this work adopted a qualitative approach with a pedagogical intervention through an Interdisciplinary Didactic Sequence. Concepts from Physics, Programmable Logic Controllers, Instrumentation, Process Control, and Pneumatic Commands were integrated, using the Flipped Classroom and practical activities on a Didactic Bench. The analysis of the concept maps, created by students before and after the intervention, revealed a significant increase of 32.56% in the quality of cross-links, indicating deep integrative reconciliations and improved assimilation of interdisciplinary concepts.

Modelling project activities for future teachers within the innovative infrastructure of pedagogical universities: integrative solutions

Introduction. In the quest to enhance the training of future teachers, particular emphasis is placed on identifying the educational potential of new learning environments within pedagogical universities under the Ministry of Education of Russia. These institutions have undergone infrastructure updates as part of federal programs designed to support education. Aim. The aim of this study is to develop an original model for organising the project activities of student teachers, taking into account the contemporary infrastructural capabilities of pedagogical universities under the Ministry of Education of Russia. Methodology, methods and techniques. The methodological foundation of this research is grounded in the principles of community development pedagogy and the design of evolving educational systems. The integration of integrative, synergetic, environmental, and system-activity approaches facilitated the identification and development of components within the author’s model for organising project activities for future teachers in the context of pedagogical technoparks, such as “Quantorium”, and technoparks focused on universal pedagogical competencies in higher education institutions under the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The validation of the developed model was conducted through expert assessments. Results. The authors developed the model for organising project activities for future teachers within the innovative infrastructure of pedagogical universities. The main components of the model are outlined, including integrative objectives and anticipated outcomes of students’ project activities, interdisciplinary project content, and a technological component that facilitates the transformation of interdisciplinary project content into personally meaningful experiences through the technology of collaborative distributed project activities. The study identifies and justifies the conditions necessary for the effective implementation of the developed model, focusing on the management of processes, resources, and participants involved in interdisciplinary project activities. Scientific novelty. Integrative processes, within the context of this study, are regarded as a pedagogical phenomenon that reflects the interconnections among the objects, processes, and subjects involved in project activities. Practical significance. The research materials can be utilised in the development of programmes aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of pedagogical universities. They can also assist in the refinement of educational curricula for training teaching staff, particularly in disciplines that prepare future educators to effectively organise project-based activities within contemporary educational environments.

Teaching and learning to support climate-neutral transitions: Exploring opportunities and challenges for interdisciplinary design courses

Students’ individual and collective learning processes in interdisciplinary teaching and learning activities that integrate prototype-oriented courses present an opportunity for further exploration. This is particularly relevant given the broader need for capacity-building to support climate-neutral transitions. This contribution draws on an exploratory workshop-in-workshop (WiW) approach to understand and evaluate students learning experiences in an experimental and interdisciplinary design course setting. This experience was embedded in the ENHANCE Alliance, a European network cooperation to innovate research and education in science and technology. The inductive analysis and results from the WiW approach draw upon surveys, group discussions, mapping exercises, and reflections with students. These indicate strong appreciation for problem-based and prototype-oriented teaching along with learning experiences as a part of their individually differentiated but collectively shared learning trajectories. The final insights acknowledge the method as an effective way to enhance instructor-student relationship dynamics and interdisciplinary opportunities. Future improvements to the interdisciplinary design format are discussed and highlight students' desires for open and safe learning environments that are more transdisciplinary in nature.

Ortaokul Öğrencilerinin Kitap Edinme Eğilimleri

Bu araştırmada kitap okuma alışkanlığının somut göstergelerinden biri olan öğrencilerin kitap edinme eğilimleri incelenmiştir. Kitap edinme eğilimi, kitap okuma alışkanlığına sahip öğrencilerin ilk ve en öncelikli davranışıdır. Araştırmada öğrencilerin kitap edinme eğilimlerini yönlendiren değişkenler belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında ders kitabındaki metinler ile araştırmacılar tarafından tasarlanan kitap önerisi, sınav yapılması, yazar söyleşisi, müze gezisi ve disiplinlerarası çalışma gibi değişkenlerin öğrencilerin kitap edinme eğilimleri üzerindeki rolü araştırılmıştır. Araştırma nitel araştırma yönteminin desenlerinden olan durum çalışması deseni kullanılarak hazırlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2021-2022 eğitim-öğretim yılında İstanbul’daki bir ortaokulun 6. sınıf öğrencileri oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma 29 hafta sürmüştür. Çalışmanın başlangıcında yapılandırılmamış görüşme formu ile öğrencilerin kitap edinmelerindeki etkenler sorgulanmıştır. Araştırmanın 19 haftası I. dönem ders kitabındaki metinlere yöneliktir. Bu metinlere yönelik yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ve bireysel görüşmeler ile öğrencilerin kitap edinme eğilimleri ve ders kitaplarındaki metinler, yazar bilgisi, yazarların farklı kitapları, metinlere yönelik görüşleri alınmıştır. II. dönem ise 10 hafta boyunca beş kitap edinme etkinliği öğrencilere uygulanmış ve öğrencilerin görüşleri yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ve bireysel görüşmeler ile alınmıştır. Yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile toplanan araştırma verileri içerik analizine tabi tutularak kodlanmış ve ulaşılan bulgular yorumlanmıştır. Alınan görüşlerden her bir etkinliğin güçlü ve zayıf yönleri ile fırsat ve tehditleri ortaya çıkartılarak SWOT analizi yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda ders kitaplarındaki metinlerin öğrencileri kaynak kitaba yönlendirmediği sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. II. dönem yapılan etkinlikler sonucunda öğrencilerin bir kitabı en çok sınav yapılacağı uyarısı ile edindiği, öğrencilerin %88’inin yazar söyleşisi ve disiplinlerarası çalışma etkinlikleri sonrası kitap edindikleri görülmüştür. Öğretmenlere, öğrencilerinin kitap edinme eğilimlerini etkilemek için okullarına yazar davet etmeleri veya farklı branştaki öğretmenler ile iş birliği yaparak aynı kitabı önermeleri önerilmiştir.

Examining the cognitive and affective changes in students through the implementation process of the physics curriculum based on an interdisciplinary context-based learning approach

This case study examines the cognitive and affective changes in students through the implementation process of the physics curriculum based on an interdisciplinary context-based learning approach. The study was conducted during the second semester of the 2017–2018 academic year with 33 students in one of the 10th grade classes of a high school in the Yüreğir district of the Adana province. A criterion sampling method of purposive sampling methods was employed in selecting the school and the class. In the intervention, the researchers used the physics curriculum they developed based on an interdisciplinary context-based learning approach. The plans and activities prepared according to the context-based REACT model were implemented for eight weeks and the data were collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods. At the end of the intervention, significant changes were observed in the students’ ability to relate their knowledge to daily life, interdisciplinary problem-solving skills, attitudes towards problem-solving in physics, and affective characteristics. During the process, students who encountered challenges in problem-solving, focusing on the lesson, working in groups, and relating information to real-life and different disciplines managed to overcome these challenges by increasing their individual efforts and communicating with their peers and the teacher. Because of students who remained passive, made noise, and frequently changed their seats during group work, the researchers encountered some challenges in instruction and time management. To increase classroom participation, they opted for updating the lesson plan, preparing additional examples, and increasing the number of visual materials. In this respect, teachers and other researchers are recommended to allocate more time to interdisciplinary context-based teaching activities, provide students with more real-life problem situations, diversify group work, and conduct group activities more frequently.

Implementation Of A Novel And Integrated Community Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation Of Swallowing (FEES) Service Model For Older Persons

Abstract Background FEES is a gold standard Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) led diagnostic instrument that facilitates evidence-based dysphagia care. A novel community-based FEES service for older persons’ services was recently established in Ireland's Mid-West. New pathways, integrated across divisions, were designed and implemented to complement existing dysphagia pathways within Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP), inpatient rehabilitation for older persons and primary care. An integrated pathway was also established with acute services (Otolaryngology). The aim of this abstract is to describe the implementation process for this novel community FEES service. Methods An SLT-led FEES team engaged with a range of community- and acute-based stakeholders across policy and practice: SLTs, Otolaryngologists, management teams, ICPOP teams, Gerontology Consultants, General Practitioners, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) teams. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), an empirically tested and theoretically-sound implementation science framework, scaffolded discussion across a range of implementation and consultation activities including co-design workshops and educational presentations and training, using Health Service Executive (HSE) Change Management tools. Results Stakeholders co-developed a shared understanding of current and new pathways to identify and enact implementation strategies at individual, discipline and system-levels. The project involved stakeholder mapping, communication/engagement planning, risk management, resource planning, and large-scale targeted education/training across settings and disciplines. A FEES working group was formed to coordinate, sustain, monitor, and futureproof implementation activities. Conclusion This collaborative project generated interdisciplinary vision and action to enact an innovative dysphagia care pathway for older people in the community. Articulated through an NPT lens, the project provides insights into the collaboration needed to implement truly integrated care and to identify enablers at individual, disciplinary, and organisational levels. Such knowledge is essential for enhancing integrated care and enacting change and innovation in the Irish health service.

412 Awardee Talk: Implementing student-centered teaching and learning strategies in undergraduate animal science

Abstract Student-centered teaching and learning strategies enhance active engagement, foster critical thinking, and promote the practical application of knowledge gained from undergraduate animal science courses. The scholarship of teaching and learning (SOTL) has evolved within the animal science community, with a recent focus on adopting evidence-based teaching activities in college classrooms. We discuss documented SOTL approaches utilized in our program for the development of student-centered teaching and learning. In addition to traditional internships and student research projects, capstone projects utilizing a design thinking approach to solving animal industry problems have proven significantly effective. This problem-based learning program enables students to develop industry networks, understand problems within the industry, and develop creative ways to address the problems. Non-conventional and innovative designs of course assignments can foster student interest and enhance learning experiences. For example, by incorporating engaging and novel resources such as animal industry webinars and podcasts as classroom materials, instructors can reinforce course content and captivate students’ attention to the topic. Specifically, students have appreciated the opportunity to learn from experts not available locally at the university. Developing and utilizing real-world case studies exposes students to farm practices and related decision-making. Involving students in competitive team activities like the Dairy Challenge and Academic Quadrathlon contests develops marketable skills for students while training them to implement the knowledge acquired in the classrooms on a commercial farm. Field trips, short courses, and summer schools provide hands-on training opportunities, enhancing students’ exposure to the industry and opportunities after graduation. Students have identified that animal science topics are relevant beyond the classroom walls in everyday life including grocery store and kitchen, as demonstrated by a significant increase in enrollment of non-animal science major students in the animal science courses. The student-centered programs like Cross-training students in data-driven decision support tools help to develop strong day-one competency of graduates through training and networking within and outside the discipline. With the advent of new technologies and tools, training programs surrounding data management and interpretation should integrate systems knowledge across plant science, animal science, and computer science disciplines. These interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary training activities promote the exchange of ideas while developing systems-level understanding. Furthermore, initiatives like Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) provide students with exposure to diverse thoughts and situations, broadening their horizons and perspectives. For students not able to participate in study abroad and international programs due to time and financial constraints, COIL delivers cost-effective virtual opportunities to develop global understanding and cultural competency. By incorporating these student-centered teaching and learning strategies, undergraduate animal science programs can effectively prepare students for real-world challenges for the next generation of agriculture leaders.

Memorial museums as an object for studying cultural and historical heritage in the system of modern education

Introduction. Preservation and study of cultural and historical heritage is one of the strategic tasks of modern society. UNESCO has played a major role in the implementation of these tasks for many years. UNESCO suggests that cultural and educational tourism, as a way of consuming cultural attractions, among which museums occupy an important place, is an effective method of studying world heritage. The purpose of the article is to prove the role of memorial museums as an objects of cultural and educational tourism and a factor in the study of cultural and historical heritage. Materials and methods. The research materials and methods are based on an analysis of the specifics of memorial museums as an object of study of cultural and historical heritage. The methodological basis is the theory of museum communication, the theory of “memory studies”, as well as methodological aspects of the study of cultural and historical heritage in the system of modern education. The research materials are based both on traditional methods and on the use of an interdisciplinary approach, including sociocultural and activity methods. Results. The results of the study are based on the analysis of information on the topic of educational and scientific activities of two modern memorial museums: The State Memorial Historical-Literary and NaturalLandscape Museum-Reserve of A. S. Pushkin “Mikhailovskoye” and the State Memorial Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad, which have a unique history and status as objects of cultural heritage of the Russian Federation. Authors analyze media files from museum data, materials from online broadcasts of conferences, seminars and round tables, interviews, lectures and publications of researchers. Conclusion. The conducted research helps to determine further ways of developing educational tourism and the role of the memorial museum as an object for studying cultural and historical heritage with the aim of using it in the process of educational and outreach activities.

The Importance of Experience: Supporting Pupils’ Creative Writing About the Natural World

ABSTRACT The first part of this article considers the challenge of supporting pupils to write creatively about the natural world. It examines a text by a gifted young writer: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty. It asks what the challenges might be for pupils who may be motivated to model their writing on McAnulty’s, but have limited experience of the natural world. Drawing on the scholarly work of John Dixon, Robert Eaglestone and others, the article highlights the importance of pupil experience in the formation of their writerly voice, thereby emphasising the need for writing pedagogies that deepen and enrich pupils’ experiences. In the second part, the authors present a series of interdisciplinary activities that are intended to enrich pupil experiences, and ultimately encourage creativity. The plan is aimed at pupils in Manchester in the north-west of England, but the activities can be adapted to work in other locations.

Sozology instead of ecology, other direction for ecosystem services and environmental protection-on the example of the Silesian–Kraków region, Southern Poland

Known mostly in Poland, formulated by prof. Goetel, science—sozology, perfectly corresponds to today’s developing pro-environmental activities. Sozology combines both concerns for the precious values of primaeval nature and the management of man transformed areas. It includes civilisation changes, climate change, and access to natural resources. The article discusses five main research directions: (1) Protection of the natural environment and mineral resources, (2) Rational spatial management, (3) Post-exploitation management of industrial areas, (4) Analysis and prevention of environmental changes and (5) Sozology and Eco-geosystem services. The authors of the article point to the need to integrate specialists from various fields who can jointly solve environmental problems. The world constantly needs new motivations to develop while preserving non-renewable resources (space and minerals). In Poland, science has gained popularity only among a narrow group of scientists who do not try to solve difficult problems on their own that require interdisciplinary action. The frequent dead ends of today’s environmental trends indicate that the word ecological is often not enough. If we use a sozological approach, it will turn out to be much more adequate for our current stage of development. Sozology may be the next direction and philosophy of life on Earth. Its goal is to protect resources so that they can be used for as long as possible.

Linear Algebraic Nodal Analysis: An Applied Project for a First Course in Linear Algebra

Many students who enroll in a first course in linear algebra major in STEM disciplines other than mathematics. Teachers who serve such students may find it difficult to provide authentic problems from these broader areas that ignite students' interest in linear algebra. In this paper, we highlight an interdisciplinary learning activity that engages students in using linear systems of equations to model the behavior of practical electric circuits. This exercise fits nicely into standard introductory linear algebra curricula and is designed to excite students majoring in engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. We also include references to a collection of open-access resources to support instructors who want to use this material in project-based, flipped-learning, inquiry-oriented, or independent-study environments.