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Parmelia Project
Biomonitoring with Lichens
What is it?
Interdisciplinary Education - everthing is connected
"In the classroom, the sciences seem to be separate. This is convenient for professors who have a hard enough time explaining even one science, but it doesn't help much in the field where you have to put sciences together to explain the simplest event." Aldo Leopold
Lichen identification and study requires the melding of biology, ecology, chemistry, technology, and the arts.
Imagine students working with microscopes, chemical studies, digital photography, GIS, herbarium samples, and more.
Citizen Science - making it real
Citizen science could be real, authentic science intended to 1) educate the public and 2) to increase the knowledge base concerning the topic. Most citizen science projects dilute the second possibility by failing to connect REAL scientists to the project or by necessarily lowering the desired outcomes because of the lack of expertise among the citizen scientists (students).
Our goal is to facilitate the development of relationships between the citizen scientists (HS and college students) and the REAL scientists at all levels of study. We will also raise the standards of study by providing ongoing on-site training and the necessary resources for both study and research.
Imagine students being trained by nationally recognized scientists in the field and lab. Imagine those same students sending questions, data, and herbarium specimens directly to the REAL scientists. Imagine those same scientists asking the citizen scientists (HS and college students) REAL questions so that they can add to the knowledge base concerning the topic.
Why choose to participate in this project?
Even biology teachers know almost nothing about lichens. Why in the world would a teacher take on a project about that which they know virtually nothing?
1) Lichens are everywhere. Lichens are perhaps the most obvious overlooked organism around. Once your eyes are open, it is hard to see past them.
2) Lichens are a great equalizer. Students and teachers will necessarily learn side by side. Teachers are typically the "keepers of knowledge." In this project, teachers will be working beside students.
3) Lichen study requires integrating multiple disciplines. Chemistry, biology, and ecology must all come together. Students must also learn to use technology such as digital cameras, GPS units, and GIS mapping programs.
4) Lichens are environmental indicators. Since lichens receive almost all of their nutrients from the air, lichens can be used to study air quality. "Dirty" air supports fewer lichen species.
5) Lichens are cool. Consider all the current clothing fashions, music lyrics, and body art based on lichens. Hmmmmm. Okay, so not much there, but they are still cool.
It doesn't exist yet, but it will. Please contact us if you are interested in participating. Help us to develop this program so that it fits your needs. Contact us at mail@wolf-ridge.org
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