FROM MASS EXTINCTIONS TO MODERN EXTINCTIONS: TEACHING WITH INTEGRATE'S ONLINE CHANGING BIOSPHERE MODULE

The Changing Biosphere was developed as part of InTeGrate (Interdisciplinary Teaching about Earth for a Sustainable Future), a 5-year NSF-funded effort to create a series of modules for introductory geoscience courses aimed at addressing societal issues and developing the Earth literacy. The 5-unit Changing Biosphere module addresses macroevolution and extinction from an earth systems approach. It gives students a series of experiences exploring relationships among changes in the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. By studying a series of historical and current examples of the interconnections between organisms and their environments, students will be able to discuss the dynamic and evolving nature of ecosystems, explain the relationship between diversity and stability, and analyze the concept of ecosystem health in a changing world. The module begins with lessons from deep time and brings these ideas forward to provide a long-term perspective on the role of humans in altering our biosphere, both directly and indirectly via alteration of Earth’s other major systems.

The Changing Biosphere incorporates a variety of teaching strategies including the use of authentic data, a jigsaw approach, concept maps, case studies, and a role-playing exercise. The module and individual units include formative and/or summative assessments to measure student progress toward learning goals. Prior to publication, materials were piloted in the classroom and passed through a rigorous review process. Based on our experiences piloting the materials, we included detailed information for instructors on how to incorporate and adapt materials for different class sizes and period lengths. The module is a great fit for courses in biology, environmental studies/science, earth science, global change, historical geology, paleontology, or physical geography. It can be accessed online at http://serc.carleton.edu/dev/integrate/teaching_materials/biosphere/index.html.