Education Activities

Introduction:

The Puerto Rico Biocomplexity Project is working to develop a framework for evaluating the biocomplexity of multiple networks. Project participants propose to develop concepts of network theory to evaluate the spatial and temporal interactions among rivers, roads, and people and how these dynamics affect the structure and function of aquatic species networks in food webs. The main overarching hypothesis is that an integrated individual-based model will more accurately predict environmental effects than any single physical, biotic or social model by reducing unexplained variation. The project will focus on developing network models that will test present and future human impacts on tropical watersheds. Project participants are committed to sharing their approach with students, educators, researchers, and local planners through seminars, workshops, and conferences by use of case studies and comparative network applications.

 

Biocomplexity Courses

Other Partnerships

 

Biocomplexity Teacher Workshop

May 31 - June 2, 2008

The Biocomplexity Project partnered with AlACiMA - Puerto Rico Math and Science Partnership to give teachers an opportunity to gain a better understanding of Biocomplexity and provide them with tools to demonstrate biocomplexity concepts in their classrooms.

 

Workshop Agenda

Workshop Materials

 

Biocomplexity Readings

• Biocomplexity: A definition under development. BioQUEST Notes. 2002.
• Biocomplexity - prepared by the Ecological Society of America. 2002.
• Defining and Unraveling Biocomplexity - William Michener. 2001.
• Biocomplexity and the Future - Alan Covich. 2000.
• World Enough and Time: A Global Investment for the Environment - Rita Colwell. 2001.
• Balancing the biocomplexity of the planet's living systems - Rita Colwell. 1998.

Presentations

• Workshop Summary
• Workshop Overview
• Individual Models
• Modeling Complex Interactions
• Biocomplexity Fundamental Concepts

Workshop Activites

 

Google Earth

• Using Google Earth to demonstrate Biocomplexity Concepts
• Google Earth Navigation
• Creating Placemarks in Google Earth

GIS Demos

• Understanding ArcExplorer
• ArcExplorer Interface
• GIS Projects Overview

GIS Demo 1

• GIS Demonstration Exercise
• Tale of Two Watersheds Introduction
• Tale of Two Watersheds Lesson 1
• Tale of Two Watersheds Lesson 2
• Note to Teachers

GIS Demo 2

• GIS Demonstration Exercise
• Flowchart

Demo 2 GIS Data

Select CNF Boundary.shp Roads.shp Roads Buffer.shp Streams.shp Stream Buffer.shp Gryllus Potential Habitat.shp Gryllus Habitat.shp Karlschmidti Potential Habitat.shp Karlschmidti Habitat.shp Unicolor Potential Habitat.shp Unicolor Habitat.shp

 

GIS Demo 3

• GIS Demonstration Exercise
• Flowchart

Demo 3 GIS Data

Select Rio Mameyes Watershed Boundary.shp Roads.shp Roads Buffer.shp Roads without trails.shp Streams.shp Stream Buffer.shp Intersect of Roads and Streams.shp Suceptible Slope and Aspect.shp High Landslide Susceptibility.shp

 

Field Trip

• Biocomplexity Exercise
• State of the Watershed Handbook
• El Yunque Map