Educating for Conservation: A Self-Study on Developing Anchoring Phenomenon-Based Curricular Resources for the Western Tiger Salamander Integrating Biodiversity Research
Macias Torres, Salma
Macias Torres, Salma
Abstract
Researchers and educators at the Biodiversity Institute, University of Wyoming recognized a need for devising more resources to foster awareness and educate the public about certain species of importance to the state of Wyoming. Those efforts include an increase of pedagogical resources about species needing more resources and attention from the general public. The institute aims to increase the number of pedagogical resources for teachers and students in Wyoming to connect them to science and math concepts using local wildlife issues.
This self-study explored my approach to developing anchoring phenomenon-based curricular resources using the education theories of social constructivism, place-based education, and problem-based learning. In addition, these curriculum resources are based on the three-dimensional learning of the Next Generation Science Standards. The scenario of the local phenomenon is the migration of western tiger salamanders in LaBonte Park, Laramie, and human intervention. Data collection included 93 journal entries, analysis elicited five prominent themes: content development, final products, personal reflection, process and methodology, and support. This framework and process resulted in the development of three artifacts: the anchoring phenomenon-based curricular resources, my master’s paper, and a resource development guide. My results show how these artifacts can be used to replicate my process in the future to create anchoring phenomenon curricular resources for teachers and outreach activities with species of interest.
Description
Date
2024-08-21
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Wyoming Libraries
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Keywords
Anchoring-Phenomenon,curriculum resources,biodiversity