Dear ECOLOGers, NCEP (the Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners) at the American Museum of Natural History is excited to announce the publication of two new open-access exercises for the conservation biology classroom.
1) Exploring the Social and Ecological Trade-Offs in Tropical Reforestation: A Role-Playing Exercise This role-playing simulation game introduces students to concepts of payments for environmental services (PES), trade-offs and synergies between agricultural land-uses and society’s needs, and tropical land-uses and common rural stakeholders in the tropics. Preview and download the exercise here: https://ncep.amnh.org/index.php/Detail/objects/1026 2) Genetically Modified Crops and Biological Conservation on Farmlands In this case study-based exercise, students use critical thinking and data analysis skills to infer potential effects on biological conservation of three different scenarios taking place on a corn farm in Iowa. Preview and download the exercise here: https://ncep.amnh.org/index.php/Detail/objects/3 NCEP produces open-access resources for teaching and learning—called “modules”—on diverse topics in conservation. Designed for the university and professional level but completely adaptable, each multi-component module is peer-reviewed and targets educational outcomes central to conservation practice. NCEP modules are available free of charge for educational use. For access to educator-only restricted content (e.g., exercise solutions, teaching notes), please register online by clicking on the “Educator Login” button on the top right of the page: https://ncep.amnh.org. In addition to developing teaching and learning modules in a range of conservation topics, NCEP also offers annual training opportunities and facilitates strategic thinking about capacity development with multiple partners. Learn more about NCEP here: https://www.amnh.org/our-research/center-for-biodiversity-conservation/capacity-development/ncep Please don’t hesitate to write us with questions or comments at: [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>. --The NCEP Team
