Asset Details
Do you wish to reserve the book?
Training the Next Generation of Sedge Taxonomists: School Kids Tackle Sedge Morphological Diversity
Hey, we have placed the reservation for you!
By the way, why not check out events that you can attend while you pick your title.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place the reservation. Kindly try again later.
Are you sure you want to remove the book from the shelf?
Training the Next Generation of Sedge Taxonomists: School Kids Tackle Sedge Morphological Diversity
Do you wish to request the book?
Training the Next Generation of Sedge Taxonomists: School Kids Tackle Sedge Morphological Diversity
Please be aware that the book you have requested cannot be checked out. If you would like to checkout this book, you can reserve another copy
We have requested the book for you!
Your request is successful and it will be processed during the Library working hours. Please check the status of your request in My Requests.
Oops! Something went wrong.
Looks like we were not able to place your request. Kindly try again later.
Journal Article
Training the Next Generation of Sedge Taxonomists: School Kids Tackle Sedge Morphological Diversity
2016
Overview
We undertook a three-year collaboration with two area schools to generate novel data on the morphological diversity of sedges (Carex: Cyperaceae). Our goals were to generate novel, specimen-based morphometric data that we and the students could use to investigate plant diversification and to mentor students in all aspects of science: hypothesis generation, data gathering, data analysis, and communicating findings and inferences. More importantly, we aimed to inspire in students an appreciation for and enjoyment of the process of science. Protocols and classroom activities were developed in collaboration with five teachers who interned in our lab. Teachers participated in authentic sedge research in our lab, then developed and modified classroom protocols for their students. Over the course of three years, 330 students from two schools made morphological measurements on 276 unique Carex specimens and replicated measurements on 96 of these. Student data were validated by comparison to data generated by in-lab trained observers. Students achieved 81% high-quality (retainable) data in our second year of the project, reflecting improvements in our approach to training and mentoring. In anonymous postparticipation surveying, students demonstrated that they had generated new insights or knowledge by participating in this project. We consider the hands on approach that we took in this project to be a fruitful means of developing local collaborations that increase students' and teachers' understanding of the research process and plant biodiversity.
