An Educational Experience Evaluation Highlighting Pollinating Insects
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Issue Date
2024-03-22
Authors
Royal, Kaitlyn
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First Reader
Bensel, Terrence G.
Whitenack, Lisa B.
Whitenack, Lisa B.
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Keywords
Environmental Education , Pollination , Pollinator , Bee , Insect , Hands-On Learning
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Abstract
Pollination is a phenomenon that is necessary for the germination of a seed. This process is made possible by pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, moths, flies, and bats, who carry pollen from one flowering plant to another. The largest contributors to pollination are insects. Habitat loss, pesticides, pathogens, and parasites are leading to decreases in pollinator populations. Being that there are environmental concerns surrounding pollinators, environmental education aims to make more people aware of their importance. In environmental education, connectedness, real-world application, and tactile learning have been shown to improve learning experiences for students. Being that pollinators face environmental challenges, pollinator education is essential in developing community awareness. To increase conservation efforts towards pollinators, pollinator education becomes essential. There are many techniques in pollinator education, but specimen-based learning has been shown to improve understanding of content and engage learners in a meaningful manner. In this research, a pollinator lesson, which includes hands-on experience with pollinator specimens, was taught to middle school students at libraries. A pre- and post-survey was used to evaluate its effectiveness. Participants were asked about their perceptions of pollinator species, along with willingness and understanding of conservation efforts. While there was no statistically significant change in learning due to the program, there were trends of improved answering and deeper understanding of content. If replicated during the appropriate season and including possible extensions to learning, this model would prove to deepen pollinator knowledge and equip participants with the tools they need to take conservation action.
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Environmental Science and Sustainability
Biology
Biology
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Environmental Science and Sustainability
Biology
Biology
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Honors
Biology, 2024
Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2024
Environmental Science and Sustainability, 2024