Ecology
Course: BIOL 2322
Instructors: Lee Beavington, Nicole Tunbridge, Carson Keever, Brenda Hookham
Note: this is also taught to FINA 1166 (Colour and Theory and Practice) students by Amy Huestis
One-sentence summary:
A place-based activity that has learners return to the same site repeatedly, and research/explore a local plant and animal species through reflective practice and arts-based approaches.
Ecology and Colour in 1m2
The Ecology and Colour in 1m2 study incorporates learner-centred curiosity, direct experience and integrating disciplines. Learners are inspired to look at the world through a pluralistic lens that includes scientific discernment and artistic expression, as well as engaging in contemplative practice. Regular formative feedback is provided from student reflections, drawings, and responses to readings by Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Brading Sweetgrass and David Haskell’s The Forest Unseen. Students select a plant and animal species present at (or near) their site, and create a species summary. They also generate their own inquiry-based questions and seek solutions to these. At the end of this project learners gather to share their drawings, photos, research and experiences with the class and students from another discipline.
From our paper published in Cultural Studies of Science Education:
“The Ecology and Colour in 1m2 study has students from the sciences and the arts observe a small quadrat in their local community over several weeks, engaging in both scientific and creative expression. The connection to Aldo Leopold’s teaching principles and its relevance during our current screen fatigue pandemic and increasing disconnection from the natural world are outlined.”
