Evaluation of the Ecosystems and Evidence Project

The Ecosystems and Evidence project is a collaborative exploratory research and development project with Rutgers University and the Institute of Ecosystem Studies that addresses the question, “Can students develop an understanding of the nature of ecological science (NOES) in high school biology and environmental science classes that is useful and productive in 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. Over the course of two years, approximately 720 students will be reached, with the expectation that their environmental citizenship will be enhanced through mastery of NOES skills and concepts, as will their self confidence in approaching problems. CSE’s evaluation will focus on teacher learning and implementation in their classrooms, as well as the alignment of program materials with the project goals.