AIS in the classroom
Reducing the risks of schools, science learning materials and biological
supply houses as potential pathways for aquatic invasive species
An international team of researchers, led by Oregon Sea Grant, is studying
the importance of live organisms in promoting learning in classrooms and
ways to increase awareness of aquatic invasive species and help prevent
their spread and release.
Supported by a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), Oregon Sea Grant's specialist on aquatic invasive
species, Sam Chan, at Oregon State University, is leading the research.
Partners come from the University of Washington, the University of Illinois,
Cornell University, the University of California, the University of Southern
California, the University of Florida, the St Johns River Water Management
District (in FL), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, the British
Columbia Ministry of the Environment, and Fisheries and Ocean Canada.
The goals are to work with stakeholders (biological supply houses, schools,
teachers, and curriculum developers) to i) describe how species are obtained
and distributed, and ii) develop innovative, mutually beneficial solutions
to AIS-related concerns. A coordinated effort to integrate appropriate tools
into curriculum development and the supply and use of live organisms could
increase awareness and help prevent the spread of invasive species.
"As researchers and educators, we acknowledge the educational value of live
plants and animals," said Chan, "and this research does not seek to
eliminate their use in the classroom."
The project will have three key phases:
- Develop a broad-based understanding of the issue by conducting surveys
of teachers and curriculum specialists and interviews with managers of
biological supply houses.
- Hold focus groups with stakeholders to design and develop appropriate
solutions, and
- Develop and test outreach and education tools geared toward preventing
the introduction of invasive species.
Expected outcomes include a peer-reviewed publication detailing the results
of the research and field-tested outreach/education tools (brochures, DVDs,
presentations, curricula, or databases) aimed at minimizing the spread of
aquatic invasive species .
We are currently seeking stakeholder input into this research. Would you
like to get involved? Please contact tania.siemens@oregonstate.edu to share
your ideas, comments, participate or learn more about this project.
Main Project Website:
http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/themes/invasives/AIS-in-the-classroom.html
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