REU Sites: A long-term perspective on marine biodiversity and conservation: Interdisciplinary fieldschool in the Lau Group, Fiji

阿拉巴马大学伯明翰分校（少数民族服务机构，也是美国国家科学基金会阿拉巴马州少数民族参与联盟项目的牵头机构）的暑期项目吸引了不同群体的学生参与跨学科问题研究，为人类开发海洋生物群落的长期动态模型奠定了基础，强调人类与环境之间的相互作用。该项目提高了对全球文化、生物多样性和科学教育有效策略的理解。学生活动和项目包括：考古调查、制图和挖掘；收集和分析有关资源开发、食物方式和国内社会经济组织的民族志资料；对考古材料进行实验室分析；使用数据库系统和计算机软件；并为学术和公众解释书面、数字和口头报告的数据。知识价值。这个创新项目产生了一个模型，描述了数千年来人类与环境的相互作用。pi团队在人种学、考古学和历史生态学方面的专业知识提供了一个进化的视角，为评估海洋多样性和资源利用的变化提供了依据。拟议研究的一个基本部分是来自北美的学生和教师、斐济的合作者和斐济村民的合作。这些互动有助于激发人们对文化和自然资源的理解和保护的兴趣。该项目为实地科学教学、向教育工作者传播研究成果以及评估这种方法的教育效果提供了一个创新策略的模型。他们已经开发并将继续开发视觉数字媒体，并为阿拉巴马州K-16教室使用的技术娴熟的课程做出贡献。预计该项目将产生一种进行实地学校的特殊模式。本研究可望对人类学、历史生态学、科学教育界的理论与方法产生积极的影响。更广泛的影响。该项目的更广泛影响包括在人类学领域方法方面对学生和土著合作者进行教学和培训。研究结果通过该REU网站与阿拉巴马州公共电视台（APT）之间的合作伙伴关系通过APTPLUS传播，APTPLUS是APT的21世纪在线学习目的地。最先进的技术与丰富的内容资源相结合，使学习成为所有年龄段的动态互动体验。APTPLUS免费为教育工作者、成人学习者、家长和青少年提供令人兴奋的多媒体教育。这个视频点播服务提供学前教育到成人学习课程内容、专业发展、国家和地方视频图书馆，以及州和国家教育网站和支持材料的链接。为了尽可能接触到更多的受众，REU小组还继续通过学术报告和出版物等传统程序传播信息。REU学生收集的数据用于与UAB，麦克文科学中心，南太平洋大学，斐济博物馆，伯明翰城市学校和APT合作向公众展示和演示。此外，这种体验式学习机会为学生提供了广泛的技能组合和许多与教师互动的机会，并形成了远远超出9周REU的支持关系。通过整合实践研究技能，对科学理论和方法的广泛理解，在外国文化背景下的具体实践参与以及道德培训，学生将从REU的经验中获得能力，为他们在各种潜在领域的研究生课程做好准备和服务。该REU网站由美国国家科学基金会国际科学与工程办公室（OISE）全球风险基金共同资助。

The summer program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (a Minority Serving Institution and the lead institution for NSF's Alabama AMP or Alliance for Minority Participation Program) engages a diverse group of students in interdisciplinary problem based research that has laid the foundation for a model of long-term dynamics in human exploitation of marine biological communities, emphasizing interactions between humans and the environment. This program has enhanced understanding of global culture, biological diversity, and effective strategies in science education. Student activities and projects include: archaeological surveys, mapping, and excavations; collecting and analyzing ethnographic data on resource exploitation, foodways, and domestic social and economic organization; conducting lab analysis of archaeological materials; working with database systems and computer software; and interpreting data in written, digital, and oral presentations for the academic and general public.Intellectual Merit. The innovative project produces a model describing millennia of human-environmental interactions. An evolutionary perspective is afforded by the PI-team's expertise in ethnography, archaeology, and historical ecology, providing for the evaluation of changes in marine diversity and resource use through time. A fundamental part of the proposed research is the collaboration of students and faculty from North America, Fiji-based collaborators, and Fijian villagers. These interactions serve to stimulate interest in the understanding and preservation of cultural and natural resources. This project provides a model of innovative strategies for teaching field-based sciences, for disseminating research to educators, and for evaluating the educational effectiveness of this approach. They have developed and continue to develop visual digital media and contribute to technologically savvy curriculum for use in K-16 classrooms throughout the state of Alabama. It is anticipated that an exceptional model for conducting fieldschools will result from the project. This research is expected to have a positive impact on theory and method in anthropology, historical ecology, and science education.Broader Impacts. The broader impacts of this project include the teaching and training of students and indigenous collaborators in anthropological field methods. The research findings are disseminated via a partnership between this REU site and Alabama Public Television (APT) through APTPLUS, which is APT's 21st century destination for online learning. State-of-the-art technology combined with a wealth of content-rich resources makes learning a dynamic, interactive experience for all ages. Free for educators, adult learners, parents and youth, APTPLUS provides exciting multimedia education. This video-on-demand service offers pre-K through adult learning curriculum content, professional development, national and local video libraries, and links to state and national educational web sites and support materials.In an effort to reach as many audiences as possible, the REU team also continues to disseminate information through traditional procedures such as scholarly presentations and publications. Data gathered by REU students are used in displays and presentations to the general public in collaboration with UAB, the McWane Science Center, University of the South Pacific, the Fiji Museum, Birmingham City Schools, and APT. Moreover, this experiential learning opportunity equips students with a broad array of skill sets and numerous opportunities to engage with faculty and form supportive relationships that extend well beyond the 9-week REU. By integrating practical research skills, a broad understanding of scientific theories and methods, specific hands-on involvement in a foreign cultural setting, and training in ethics, students emerge from this REU experience with abilities that prepare and serve them in graduate programs in a variety of potential areas.This REU Site is co-funded by the NSF Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) Global Venture Fund.