Sykes, Audrey
(2023)
Scales to Tails: Reimagining Relationships in Learning Ecosystems.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
The Scales to Tails (S2T) learning series was designed to function like the biological ecosystems it explores. This learning series aimed to bridge the gap between formal science curriculum and the natural world for underserved youth in western Pennsylvania. The community partners that contributed to S2T include the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt), Carnegie Museum of Natural History (CMNH), Pymatuning Lab of Ecology (PLE), West Liberty University (WLU), and Allegheny College (AC). Each partner offers outreach programs and extends differing areas of expertise that fulfill a niche in the learning ecosystem of western Pennsylvania. During the 2021-2022 school year, four co-developed lessons were taught at three high schools across sixteen sections of ninth grade biology students in the Linesville, Pennsylvania region. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected to gain a more holistic understanding of learning outcomes. In addition to responding to open ended journal prompts, pre- and post- series assessments were completed by students. Findings suggest collaboration between formal and informal science educators led to the development of programming that engaged students and connected with nature. Teachers suggested this project helped students to see that the learning does not end beyond the classroom door.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
7 July 2023 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
3 April 2023 |
| Approval Date: |
7 July 2023 |
| Submission Date: |
1 June 2023 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
66 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Learning Sciences and Policy |
| Degree: |
EdD - Doctor of Education |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
Science Education, Nature, Community, Partnerships, Improvement, Youth |
| Date Deposited: |
07 Jul 2023 20:11 |
| Last Modified: |
07 Jul 2023 20:11 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/44930 |
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