International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: An Interdisciplinary Snow Systems Course for Undergraduates

• • Title: An Interdisciplinary Snow Systems Course for Undergraduates

    Proceedings: Proceedings of the 2006 International Snow Science Workshop, Telluride, Colorado

    Authors:

    • Dr. Koren Nydick  [ Mountain Studies Institute, Silverton, CO. ]
    • Chris Landry  [ Center for Snow and Avalanche Studies, Silverton, CO. ]

    Date: 2006

    Abstract: Despite the growing need for environmental scientists and managers to think with an interdisciplinary perspective, many undergraduate courses are disciplinary in nature and lack adequate exposure to intensive, field-based studies. The winter snow environment provides an excellent setting for interdisciplinary education with a strong hands-on field component. “Snow Systems: Snow Science & Winter Ecology” was designed as an intensive 2 credit hour, five-day, field-based course for undergraduates at Fort Lewis College. The class introduced students to the physical and biological aspects of a winter snow environment while focusing on interactions between physical science and biology, especially those affected by climate change. Students spent a week in the San Juan Mountains based at the Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) field station in Silverton, CO. During the class students: (1) Analyzed snowpack properties, (2) Observed the changes that occur in a snowpack over time, (3) Conducted snowpack albedo experiments by manipulating snow reflectance with screens, (4) Used temperature data loggers to conduct energy balance experiments as related to both the physical environment and organisms, (5) Observed how the physical environment regulates biological patterns and processes in winter snow environments, (6) Discussed winter stress on flora and fauna and adaptations to overcome these stresses, and (7) Identified and analyzed wildlife track patterns and behavior. Our poster at ISSW 2006 illustrated the curriculum, activities, and hands-on studies (including data collected) that constitute this new course. For more information, go to www.mountainstudies.org and click on Education Courses.

    Object ID: issw-2006-435.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): Unknown

    Keywords: education, snow science, winter ecology, fort lewis college, mountain studies institute, energy budgets

    Page Number(s): 435

    Subjects: snow systems course avalanche education mountain studies institute

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