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This publication explores the integration of earth science and public policy to effect social change. It discusses the importance of engaging the community and teaching to effect change, as well as the measurable outcomes and collaborative partnerships involved. The goal is to increase advocates for public lands and promote informed decision-making.
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“Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”Margaret Mead
PUBLIC LANDS Integrating Earth Science & Public Policy to Effect Change Margaret N. (Peg) Rees April 2006
Effect Social Change • Why should we? • Who is our audience? • How can we? • What is PLI doing?
Rapid Growth: Environmental and Public Policy Issues 2003
Our Mission The UNLV Public Lands Institute is dedicated to strengthening the national fabric that is essential for the protection, conservation, and management of public lands.
Our Goal • Increase Advocates for the Public Lands • Passionate about Natural World • Literate in Science • Informed Critical Thinkers • Action-Oriented regarding Public Policy “Intellectual Knowledge & Emotional Commitment”
Classroom Engagement: Essential but not Sufficient • Earth science taught • in 5th and 7th grade • as remedial science in high school • in college but not selected as elective • Learning is cumulative over time & space
Engaging the Community:In and Beyond the Classroom Informal Education Formal Education Recreation Free Choice Learners Residents In / Of Place
Residents in/of Place:Free Choice Learners • Rapidly Increasing Population in the U.S. • Living Longer • Ethnically and Culturally Diverse • Technologically Literate - Dependent • Urban Knowledgeable - Urban Dwellers • New to Place
“Nature-Deficit Disorder”Louv, 2005 • Nature is an alien place • Broader & more diverse audience • Learning is cumulative
Teaching to Effect Change • All educators choose: • Whatto and not to teach • How to teach • Who to teach • Where to teach
Collaborative Partnership • Go to the People • Facilitate Positive Encounters • Stimulate Inquiry • Entice into Nature • Shopping • Food • Group - Family Settings • Age Appropriate Activities • Within Comfort Zone Free Choice Learners Resident Teachers
Methods of Engagement • Experiential Learning - Teaching • Place-Based Activities • Inquiry-Based Learner-Centered Activities • Resident Teacher - Learner • Resistant “Feminist” Pedagogy • Social, Historical, Political, Relevant Context
Measurable Outcomes: Evidence of Shaped Behaviors • Increased Passion for the Natural Environment • Increased Knowledge in Science • More Informed Decision Making • Increased Critical Thinking Skills • More Skill and Willingness to take Political Action
Increasing Spheres of Influence RESEARCH PUBLIC POLICY EDUCATION COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Archaeo-Nevada Society CHOLLA Clark County Parks & Recreation Clark County School District Community College of So. Nevada Desert Research Institute Forever Resorts Friends of Gold Butte Friends of Nevada Wilderness Friends of Red Rock Canyon Friends of Sloan Canyon Great Basin Institute Las Vegas Valley Water District Latin Chamber of Commerce Mojave Rock Art Workshop Nevada Wild Horse & Burro Assoc. Nevada Archaeological Association Nevada Rock Art Foundation Nevada Wilderness Society Outside Las Vegas Foundation Paradise Professional Development School Pictographics Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Assoc. River Mountains Trail Partnership Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Southern Nevada Interpretive Assoc. Southern Nevada Regional Trails Partnership Southern Nevada Rock Art Assoc. Virgin River ConservationPartnership Growing Network ofCommunity Partners
College of Business Department of Public Administration College of Education Department of Curriculum and Instruction Department of Educational Leadership Center for Evaluation and Assessment • College of Engineering Center for Transportation Research • College of Fine Arts School of Architecture Department of Film • College of Liberal Arts Department of Anthropology Department of History Department of Foreign Language College of Sciences Department of Biological Sciences Department of Geoscience College of Urban Affairs Department of Environmental Studies Department of Communication Studies UNLV-TV • William S. Boyd School of Law Facilities Management and Planning Office of Planning & Construction Rebel Recycling Program • Student Life Center for Academic Enrichment & Outreach Campus Recreational Services • Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies • National Supercomputing Center for Energy and the Environment Involving Faculty and Students
EDUCATION • Environmental Education Strategy • Forever Earth Science Program • Discover Mojave Outdoor World Program • Red Rock Desert Learning Center
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT • Cultural Site Stewardship Program • Interagency Volunteer Program • Get Outdoors Nevada • Take Pride in America in Southern Nevada • Anti-Litter Program
RESEARCH • Science and Research Strategy for Southern Nevada • Plants, Animals, Air & Water Monitoring • Data Management and Analysis • Alternative Workforce Study • Anti-Litter Strategy for Southern Nevada
PUBLIC POLICY • Praxis in Education • Inform Decision Makers • Inform Resident Activists or Community Groups • Inform Adaptive Management Planning
IntegratingEarth Science and Public Policy to Effect Change • Increase Advocates for the Environment • Reach Diverse National Audience of All Ages • Teach to Effect Change • Use Best Teaching Methodologies • Entice People Out-of-Doors
PUBLIC LANDS http://publiclands.unlv.edu 702.895.4678