Date

2001

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Department

Science & Environmental Policy

Abstract

The goal of this capstone project was to develop the Cycle of Restoration curriculum and implement its contents as part of an action research based investigation that evaluates its effectiveness and usability. The design and implementation of the RON - Cycle of Restoration curriculum was completed as part of a cooperative internship with the Return of the Natives Restoration Education Project and the Bureau of Land Management. The goal of this internship was to explore the environmental science issues associated with invasive plant species, native plant communities, restoration ethics, and to develop an educator resource that would be useful to traditional and non-traditional educators. Determining the effectiveness of the curriculum was focused on collecting quantitative data that answers the following question: "Does the use of the RON curriculum increase knowledge among students and educators regarding noxious weeds and native plant communities?" Results of qualitative data collected from an educator workshop and a classroom field trial evaluates the curriculum's strategy, usability and effectiveness. Analysis of this qualitative data answers the following question: "Is the RON curriculum conveying the importance of preventing and eradicating invasive plant species, while restoring native plant communities as part of a continuing cycle of restoration?" Quantitative and qualitative results support the initial prediction that the RON Cycle of Restoration curriculum would increase knowledge and awareness regarding the negative impacts associated with noxious weeds and the importance of preserving native plant communities.

Comments

Capstone Project (B.S.) Earth Systems Science & Policy Institute

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