Recording from the Skylight Online Teaching Series (SOTS) session on February 21, 2023.

Celebrating Seaweeds: Developing Class Projects to Connect Students, Community Partners, and Local Biodiversity

Presented by Bridgette Clarkston (Botany, UBCV)

Facilitated by Stephan Koenig and Christine Goedhart, Skylight

Abstract:

This session will present two recent class projects in Biology 320: Survey of the Algae that focus on community partnerships and experiential learning. The first project cataloged Stanley Park seaweed diversity. Students worked in small groups to identify, document and preserve a selection of red, brown and green seaweeds collected during class field trips. Students got to apply their lab-developing knowledge of local seaweeds in a way that has lasting impact outside the classroom and will be discussed.

The second project focused on filling the gap in biodiversity educational materials that very rarely feature seaweeds. Students created books, games, and other materials to inspire people learn more about these organisms. The current iteration of this project includes opportunities for groups to collaborate with the Beaty Biodiversity Museum and/or K12 school teacher-partners to create seaweed-based activities or books that suit the needs of these partners. 

The session will include opportunity for participants to share experiences and ideas for building community-partnerships and outreach opportunities into undergraduate courses.

Links shared in the Zoom chat:

• Teaching Spotlight – Course Projects Focused on Community Partnerships and Experiential Learning in BIOL 320
• Why I Ungrade and a How-To Primer
• Six Principles for Embracing Gender and Sexual Diversity in Postsecondary Biology Classrooms
• In a “Scientist Spotlight” Intervention, Diverse Student Identities Matter
• Project Biodiversify