Using Evolutionary Instruction to Engage Galápagos Elementary Students with Endemic Land Snails
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| Title: | Using Evolutionary Instruction to Engage Galápagos Elementary Students with Endemic Land Snails |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Brant G. Miller, Alexa R. Warwick, John G. Phillips, Justin K. Scoggin, Christine E. Parent |
| Source: | Journal of STEM Outreach. 2025 8(1). |
| Availability: | Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 10 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Science Foundation (NSF), Division of Biological Infrastructure (DBI) National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Contract Number: | 0939454 1751157 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Secondary Education Elementary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Evolution, Animals, Scientific Research, Biology, Science Education, Knowledge Level, Lesson Plans, Planning, Inquiry, Early Adolescents, Elementary Secondary Education, Curriculum Development, Elementary School Students |
| Geographic Terms: | Ecuador |
| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
| Abstract: | Scientists frequently conduct research in remote field locations, yet in close proximity to local communities. However, too often research conducted abroad involves collecting data and minimum or no engagement with local communities to communicate the broader scientific impacts. To address this deficiency, we worked with Ecuadorian school administrators, teachers, and students in the Galápagos Islands where our research group conducts evolutionary studies on the adaptive radiation of land snails. Despite the wealth of scientific research focused on evolutionary processes conducted in Galápagos, studies have shown that Ecuadorians are less accepting of evolution than other Latin American countries, so our efforts focus on this disconnect. Thus far, our engagement has centered on scientific inquiry and empirical tests of the scientific method while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in the Archipelago. Herein, we outline our efforts to integrate our scientific work into the classroom and collaborate with teachers to design lesson plans centered on evolutionary biology. We show that building a foundation of evolution-based engagement can increase the scientific understanding of this historic evolutionary playground for local students as we continue cultivating this relationship in the future. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1489359 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Scientists frequently conduct research in remote field locations, yet in close proximity to local communities. However, too often research conducted abroad involves collecting data and minimum or no engagement with local communities to communicate the broader scientific impacts. To address this deficiency, we worked with Ecuadorian school administrators, teachers, and students in the Galápagos Islands where our research group conducts evolutionary studies on the adaptive radiation of land snails. Despite the wealth of scientific research focused on evolutionary processes conducted in Galápagos, studies have shown that Ecuadorians are less accepting of evolution than other Latin American countries, so our efforts focus on this disconnect. Thus far, our engagement has centered on scientific inquiry and empirical tests of the scientific method while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity in the Archipelago. Herein, we outline our efforts to integrate our scientific work into the classroom and collaborate with teachers to design lesson plans centered on evolutionary biology. We show that building a foundation of evolution-based engagement can increase the scientific understanding of this historic evolutionary playground for local students as we continue cultivating this relationship in the future. |
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| ISSN: | 2576-6767 |
