Existing Programs at Biosphere 2

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Existing Programs at Biosphere 2
Earth Semester 2001 revolves around three
modules. Sense of Place is designed to teach
basic techniques for getting to know an
environment. Students are introduced to the
scientific method through short field-based
projects. They learn techniques for collecting
and analyzing field samples and data. They also
learn about the forces that shape the local
landscape on different time scales, from geologic
processes to human activity. Environmental
Systems uses a local and regional case-studies
approach to exploring ecosystems, drawing
examples from Biosphere 2, nature reserves,
southwestern conservation plans, western water,
urban systems and industrial systems. Students
learn about the fundamental materials and energy
flows in ecosystems, factors affecting
biodiversity, and the effects of human activity
on these flows of matter, energy and organisms.
They also compare different approaches to
managing ecosystems (including urban and
industrial systems) by studying and discussing
individual cases in small sections. Global
Systems focuses the science and management of
climate change by applying the techniques studied
for measuring, monitoring, modeling and managing
local/regional systems to the global scale.
Students critically examine the concept of
sustainability and various proposals for the
implementation of more sustainable practices and
lifestyles. Students are exposed to a variety of
perspectives on this issue from around the globe.
Students negotiate a global treaty on carbon
management. Semester Research Project All
students will complete a semester-long
independent project for two course credits. This
project may consist of science or policy research
for on-site or off-site mentors, a term paper, or
a service-learning project. All projects must
have a research component. Students will work on
their projects at least one day per week.
Proposed SAHRABiosphere 2 Collaboration
Enhanced Middle School Passport to Learning
Tour Program         Development of
supplemental materials, including at least one
hands-on demonstration, that would complement
B2Cs current material that covers the water
cycle, and could be used for a demonstration
either in the middle school program or for
special public events.         Material will
focus on some aspect of Biosphere 2s
hydrology.         Teaching module should
have lots of visuals to complement the curriculum
and inform the public.   Expanded Public Tour
Program         An explanation or overview of
the history of Tucsons groundwater formation and
the stresses on its sustainability.   Supplements
to Earth Semester Program          Biosphere 2
is currently spending about 1.5 weeks discussing
southwest water issues, along with their
ecological and human implications. These weeks
include some field work and a computer lab, as
well as lectures and discussions,        
Develop and integrate a Biosphere 2 water
modeling exercise which focuses on the contrasts
between Biosphere 2 and Biosphere 1 water
cycles,         Begin collaborative development
of mapping and modeling exercises.  
Passport to Learning This program is more than a
field trip. It includes three educationally
integrated segments, one to three hours of
activities taking place in the classroom before
and after the field trip. A teacher packet is
provided, with fully developed classroom pre- and
post- field trip lessons and ideas for additional
related lessons. The activity write-ups include
activity overviews, learning objectives, teacher
notes, background information or fact sheets,
master copies of overhead transparencies and
student materials, and more. In short, the
teacher packet is designed to assist teachers in
easily and fully integrating the field trip
experience with ongoing classroom subjects and
skills so that students receive maximum benefit.
This program focuses on a small set of
important, carefully selected environmental
concepts. To reach student with different
learning styles and to ensure that they truly
understand the chosen concepts, this program
approaches each concept in more than one context,
method, or activity. The programs goal is to
ensure that they grasp a few carefully chosen
scientific concepts, start to develop critical
thinking skills, and to realize that
environmental issuers and the policies that might
be necessary to confront have social and economic
implications.
This proposal will be partially supported by
SAHRA (Sustainability of semi-Arid Hydrology and
Riparian Areas) under the STC Program of the
National Science Foundation, Agreement No.
EAR-9876800.