ED31D-0918
Integrating teaching and research in the field and laboratory settings
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Poster Hall (Moscone South)
Lixin Wang1, Kudzai Farai Kaseke1, Stefani Daryanto2 and Sujith Ravi3, (1)Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States, (2)Surya University, Singapore, Singapore, (3)Temple University, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, United States
Abstract:
Field observations and laboratory measurements are great ways to engage students and spark students’ interests in science. Typically these observations are separated from rigorous classroom teaching. Here we assessed the potential of integrating teaching and research in the field and laboratory setting in both US and abroad and worked with students without strong science background to utilize simple laboratory equipment and various environmental sensors to conduct innovative projects. We worked with students in Namibia and two local high school students in Indianapolis to conduct leaf potential measurements, soil nutrient extraction, soil infiltration measurements and isotope measurements. The experience showed us the potential of integrating teaching and research in the field setting and working with people with minimum exposure to modern scientific instrumentation to carry out creative projects.
