(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2019) Tierney, Sarah Martina; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg Francis
Outdoor education and citizen science practices were implemented into a high school freshwater ecology curriculum to assess student motivation, attitude, and in general their connection with the outside world. In this study students were exposed to various outdoor learning opportunities and citizen science activities. Pre and post treatment student surveys were conducted, student interviews, student journaling, and student engagement tally sheets were all recorded to assess student engagement. As a result of this study, a majority of students reported a benefit from lessons outside the classroom as well as indicating an increase of energy, pleasantness, and engagement.
(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Letters & Science, 2019) Nealen, Carolyn Ruth; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Greg Francis
Spanish Creek's water quality was monitored over several months, through collection of data from nine parameters. Specific data from two sites were compared to determine the impact of recreational use upon overall stream health. Macroinvertebrates were also sampled. Data was graphed and analyzed for patterns. Results suggest that Spanish Creek's water quality is Good and that recreational use does not negatively impact stream health.
