| Title | MAKING CONNECTIONS: Students, faculty, staff, and community partners as co-creators of a biodiversity science course for undergraduates |
|---|---|
| Faculty/College/Unit | Science |
| Status | Active |
| Duration | 2 Year |
| Initiation | 04/01/2023 |
| Project Summary | The specimens in natural history collections such as the Beaty Biodiversity Museum (BBM) enrich our understanding of biological diversity through the physical, genetic, and ecological information they contain. As sources of scientific information for the public, museums also play a pivotal role in connecting community to science. Future biodiversity scientists require experience with collections based research. They also need to be effective communicators and engaged in equity and decolonization initiatives in order to contribute to the communities they serve. During strategic planning in 2019, BBM faculty, students, and staff recognized that a course rooted in collections and modern museum practices will prepare emerging scientists to do this work. Drawing on the BBM’s rich collections and working in cross-departmental collaboration, the MAKING CONNECTIONS project is the opportunity for students to co-create and pilot a new undergraduate course connected to real world issues, focused on natural history collections and science communication. |
| Funding Details | |
| Year 1: Project Year | Year 1 |
| Year 1: Funding Year | 2023/2024 |
| Year 1: Project Type | Small TLEF |
| Year 1: Principal Investigator | Jackie Chambers & Bridgette Clarkston |
| Year 1: Funded Amount | 24,318 |
| Year 1: Team Members | Jackie Chambers, Teaching and Learning Manager, Beaty Biodiversity Museum (BBM), Faculty of Science Collaborators: Warren Cardinal-McTeague, Assistant Professor, Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry Beaty Biodiversity Museum Team: Derek Tan, Manager of Exhibitions Consultants: Sunita Chowrira, Associate Head, Biology / Professor of Teaching, Botany, Faculty of Science |
| Year 1: TLEF Showcase |  |
| Year 2: Project Year | Year 2 |
| Year 2: Funding Year | 2024/2025 |
| Year 2: Project Type | Small TLEF |
| Year 2: Principal Investigator | Jackie Chambers & Bridgette Clarkston |
| Year 2: Funded Amount | 24,318 |
| Year 2: Team Members | Jackie Chambers, Teaching and Learning Manager, BBM, Faculty of Science Collaborators: Warren Cardinal-McTeague, Assistant Professor, Forest and Conservation Sciences, Faculty of Forestry Beaty Biodiversity Museum Team: Derek Tan, Manager of Exhibitions Consultants: Sunita Chowrira, Associate Head, Biology / Professor of Teaching, Botany, Faculty of Science |