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COURSE GOALS: 1) to become familiar with the skills necessary to identify plants in the field, 2) to learn a portion of the flora of Maine, 3) to become adept at using taxonomic keys to identify unknown species, and 4) to learn how to use creative writing to reinforce the learning of botany in particular, and science in general.
INSTRUCTOR: Keith T. Killingbeck, Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881. phone = 401-874-2624; FAX = 401-874-5974; e-mail = keith@uri.edu
DATES: July 29 - August 4, 2007
CLASS MEETING TIME: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, and 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM, at least one evening during the week.
TEXT: None. COA will provide copies of a book we will use to identify twigs that I will collect this winter (Campbell, C.S., F. Hyland, and M.L.F. Campbell. 1978. Winter Keys to Woody Plants of Maine. University of Maine at Orono Press, Orono, ME). This book is a fabulous resource for teaching students how to use a taxonomic key and can be used effectively throughout the academic year in all of the New England states, and beyond. If you have the Flora of the Northeast by Magee and Ahles, the Flora of Maine by Haines and Vining, the Manual of Vascular Plants of Northeastern United States and Canada by Gleason and Cronquist, or any other guides to plant identification, you may want to bring them too.
FIELD SITES: We will travel to a variety of sites to identify plants in the field and to consider aspects of the ecology of some of the major community types of Maine. Ecosystems we will visit include bogs, salt marshes, forests, streams, and ponds. I also anticipate taking a boat trip to one of Maine's offshore islands, Great Duck Island. This trip will be aboard the 40-foot research vessel Indigo, weather permitting.
COURSE PROFILE: Our daytime sessions will be spent in the field at a wide variety of sites throughout Mount Desert Island. The focus of our field activities will be the identification of forbs, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Woven into our field work will be the development of creative writing skills specifically designed to improve the coupling of science and writing. At least one evening session will focus on utilizing taxonomic keys to identify unknown species. Throughout the class I will provide examples of creative writing penned by former students that illustrate ways of integrating writing skills into science curricula. Taken back to your own classrooms, these exercises and techniques will help you meet National Science Education Standards, and perhaps more importantly, will provide your students with an outlet for creative thought and expression.
GRADING: Grades will be based on creative writing assignments, and the development of a specific lesson plan that relies on writing assignments to enhance the learning of scientific principles and skills.
WHAT TO BRING: In addition to any botanical keys or manuals you may wish to bring, please also consider bringing any books, pamphlets, or maps you might have describing Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Most importantly, please bring clothing that will keep you comfortable in the field. Rain gear and old tennies come to mind as essentials. You may wish to bring knee-high boots, but old tennies will work almost as well. Hiking boots will be helpful on some of our trips. Binoculars will also be a welcome addition to your field gear, especially if you enjoy birding. Finally, it is prudent to carry insect repellent and sunscreen .... 'just in case.'
PERSONAL NOTE: Please contact me at any time if you have questions. The ecosystems that surround Bar Harbor will provide a superb backdrop for our excursion into the fusion of science and creative writing.
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