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

在伯明翰的亚拉巴马大学（少数民族服务机构和NSF的亚拉巴马AMP或少数民族参与计划联盟的领导机构）的暑期课程从事跨学科的问题为基础的研究，奠定了基础的长期动态模型在人类开发海洋生物群落，强调人类与环境之间的相互作用的学生的多元化群体。该计划增强了对全球文化，生物多样性和科学教育有效战略的理解。学生的活动和项目包括：考古调查，测绘和发掘;收集和分析关于资源开发，食物和国内社会经济组织的民族志数据;进行考古材料的实验室分析;使用数据库系统和计算机软件;并为学术界和公众解释书面，数字和口头报告中的数据。这个创新项目产生了一个描述数千年来人类与环境相互作用的模型。PI团队在民族志，考古学和历史生态学方面的专业知识提供了进化的视角，为评估海洋多样性和资源利用的变化提供了时间。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了解和保护文化和自然资源的兴趣。该项目提供了一个模式的创新战略，以教学领域为基础的科学，传播研究的教育工作者，并评估这种方法的教育效果。他们已经开发并将继续开发视觉数字媒体，并为整个亚拉巴马州的K-16教室提供技术娴熟的课程。预计该项目将产生一个举办实地学校的特殊模式。本研究可望对人类学、历史生态学、科学教育等领域的理论与方法产生积极影响。该项目的更广泛影响包括对学生和土著合作者进行人类学实地方法的教学和培训。研究结果是通过这个REU网站和亚拉巴马公共电视台（APT）之间的合作伙伴关系，通过APTPLUS，这是APT的世纪在线学习的目的地传播。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。这种视频点播服务提供学前教育到成人学习的课程内容、专业发展、国家和地方视频图书馆，以及与州和国家教育网站和辅助材料的链接。REU学生收集的数据用于与UAB，McWane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众多机会，与教师互动，并形成远远超出9周REU的支持关系。通过整合实际的研究技能，对科学理论和方法的广泛理解，在外国文化环境中的具体实践参与，以及道德培训，学生从这个REU经验中脱颖而出，为他们在各种潜在领域的研究生课程做好准备和服务。这个REU网站由NSF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.