Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-Term Ecological Research

Title: Urban Ecology REU

Description:The student will have the opportunity to combine environmental science and urban design and ecology with education as part of the CAP LTER Research Experience for Teachers (RET) program. As a supplement to ongoing efforts with Ecology Explorers Schoolyard LTER work, the student will work with teachers at two schools on embedding research and lessons surrounding ecology, green infrastructure, heat, and air pollution into curriculum. The student will collaborate with teachers and be advised by Monique Franco (Education and Outreach Manager for CAPLTER) and Jennifer Vanos (Assistant Professor at ASU and RET advisor). In addition to ESA-organized events and online learning, the summer experience will involve meeting other REU students, meeting teachers at Sunland Elementary and Paideia Academies in South Phoenix, and working with environmental data to allow for use in school activities, experiential learning, and curriculum enhancements with the data and other Ecology Explorers activities.

Research activities: Integrating Research with Experiential Learning in South Phoenix Elementary Schools

The student will be exposed to a variety of environmental data throughout this project and have the task of collaborating with teachers to advance STEM experiential learning at the schools. The student will work with air quality and microclimate data already being collected, learning about data dashboards and tools for teacher/student use and application, while also helping with and documenting how teachers implement the data in their classrooms at different grade levels. The student will also document and share best practices between the two schools, leveraging both place-based knowledge and literature to support ongoing initiatives, particularly to support safe outdoor learning and play in South Phoenix.

Location: Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona

Start and End dates: 5/10/2021 –

Fellowship positions available: 1

Are the dates flexible? Yes

Eligibility and Requirements: None

Summer Stipend: $4,000.00 total

Other services provided: Site can assist in finding housing. Airfare/ mileage is provided, Research materials or equipment are provided, There are other weekly educational opportunities on-site for students e.g. seminars, We have career development / awareness activities in place.