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Presented at the NABS Annual meeting, Anchorage, Alaska, 2006
in Management of Aquatic Systems
Watershed research and education at the Texas Tech University – Junction Outdoor School: Curing the nature deficit disorder for the next generation of Texans
K. Sullivan, R. Hickerson, and T.L. Arsuffi.Field Station, Texas Tech University, Junction, TX 76849
Water and environment are critical issues for Texans as resources become limited, with a projected population doubling by 2030. Yet, 85% of Texans live in urban areas and the next generation of children (future decision makers) have increasingly little contact or appreciation of nature. The Outdoor School (OS) at TTU–J is devoted to creating innovative educational experiences that immerse learners into hands-on activities that stimulate imagination and understanding of abstract concepts associated with science, ecology and natural history. TTU–J has 400 acres of natural resources to make field-based learning effective. Since 2003, OS has hosted 33 school districts and 3100 5th graders. A new unit focuses on watersheds and involves constructing 12’×12’ watersheds from local topographic maps. The scale model watersheds allow multidisciplinary instruction and are used to show management tools that mitigate the impacts of development. By constructing replicate watersheds and manipulating rainfall land use patterns (impervious cover, riparian buffers) students conduct experiments, collect data and learn proper use of the scientific method, hypothesis testing, replication, graphical analysis and statistics. Similar programs and use of field stations at a national level may be important mechanisms to reconnect urban youth with nature and foster increased interest in science and ecology.
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