Evaluation of the Ecosystems and Evidence Project

The Ecosystems and Evidence project, a collaborative exploratory research and development project in partnership with Rutgers University and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, addresses the question, “Can students gain an understanding of the nature of ecological science (NOES) in high school biology and environmental science classes that is useful and productive in guiding them toward environmental citizenship?” To address this question, the project will identify the essential elements of NOES, investigate how these can be taught and learned, and explore how NOES skills and understandings are used to enhance environmental citizenship. The project will reach approximately 720 students over the course of two years, with the expectation that mastery of NOES skills and concepts will enhance both their environmental citizenship and their self-confidence in approaching problems. The project’s evaluation will focus on teacher learning, classroom implementation, and the alignment of program materials with the project goals.