From Temperate to Tropical Islands: Learning Biology through the Partners in the Parks program
Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2018, Volume 39
Kathleen A. Nolan, Kristy Biolsi, William Glider, & Richard P. Conley
Abstract
This year we organized and/or participated in two excursions with students sponsored by a unique
partnership between the National Collegiate Honors Council and the U. S. National Parks Service called the
Partners in the Parks. This partnership, eight years strong, was founded by Joan Digby, Honors Director at LIU Post. This program is interdisciplinary in nature, and weaves the history of place with knowledge about biological ecosystems of the areas. The two excursions we led were to the Boston Harbor Islands
National Recreation Area and Boston National Historic Park and the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park.
Activities included camping in tents or staying in rustic cabins, cooking meals, learning about the ecology
and geology of the areas, and the history of Boston and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Biology became especially
relevant in the history of the U.S. Virgin islands when pointing out that the decline of slavery and
indentured servants was directly proportional to the decline of soil quality due to sugar cane growth on
plantations. In Boston, students learned how the harbor became cleaner after an installation of a sewage
treatment plant and how Spectacle Island was transformed from a dumpsite to a beautifully landscaped island complete with hiking trails after landfill restoration. Students also cleared invasive species from
Peddocks Island under the direction of park rangers. On St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, students snorkeled and learned about coral reef, mangrove, and sea grass bed ecology, and about tropical plants indigenous to the area while hiking. The two experiential learning excursions were an effective way to infuse the curriculum with hands-on learning about biological concepts, ecosystems, sustainability, and stewardship.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok