Graduate Students Take to the Field in K–12 Education 英文参考文献.docVIP

Community Page Graduate Students Take to the Field in K–12 Education Betsy J. Mitchell, Rosemary G. Gillespie * C hildren are born curious, and nature is one of the most compelling targets for their curiosity. Unfortunately, as the world becomes more urbanized, interactions between children and the natural world are becoming all too rare. Children today often express fear, apathy, or disdain toward nature, and some don’t even recognize plants as living things. In many cases a child’s parents or siblings are equally alienated from natural areas, and so cannot serve as role models to help preserve or mentor the child’s innate curiosity about nature. While this problem is widespread, it is especially troubling in California where, with a rapidly expanding human population, we face increasing degradation and loss of wild lands, with native species threatened by extinction through habitat modi?cation and invasion of exotic species. The irony here is that California is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, a fact not recognized by many of its citizens. Biology classes are one place where children can be introduced to nature, where they can gain an understanding and appreciation for the diversity of life, its importance and its wonder. Moreover, activities that engage children in their own explorations of natural history can energize their interest in school, in science, and in important environmental issues. Unfortunately, there are a number of barriers that not only prevent teachers from teaching about the diversity of life but also prevent doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.0050162.g001 Brian Kraatz, a graduate student at the University of California Museum of Paleontology, introduces Adams Middle School students to the ?ora and fauna of the Heath and Marjorie Angelo Coast Range Reserve in Mendocino County. lack the funds to reach such sites. In addition, with current emphasis on academic improvement (based on literacy, math, and standardized tests) and large class loads, t