Instructors
Lawren Sack, Professor, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
Josh Fisher, Associate Professor, Schmid College of Science and Technology; Environmental Science, Chapman University/ UCLA
Introduction
In this cluster, we will introduce students to the ecosystems of the globe, and the plants that dominate them and determine their function, including contributions to the carbon and water cycles and atmospheric CO2. We will examine the physiology of the plants in real time in the lab and urban forest, and analyze their functions in the ecosystems globally and locally using satellite imagery. Students will learn to appreciate the diversity of plants, their contribution to our local and planetary environment, and how they interact with the geosphere to determine climate. Additionally, students will learn how climate change is influenced by the plants, which in turn are affected by climate. Students will learn both laboratory techniques in plant physiology, as well as urban ecology methods, and the analysis of remote sensing data. For their project, students will formulate and test a hypothesis for the interactions of plants and ecosystems with their environment in the city of Los Angeles, or globally for planet Earth, and present their findings in a scientific poster and presentation. Students will also contribute to the development and testing of a plant-ecosystem-global climate-inspired game.
Core Courses
FUN Plant Science: Fundamentals of Plant Physiology and Anatomy from Cells to Ecosystems
This module will introduce the diversity of plant structure and function, from cells to organs (leaves to roots), to urban and wild ecosystems. We will focus on whole plant physiology, from the biochemical and molecular processes to whole-plant function to gain an understanding and detailed appreciation of plant function, including the dynamic processes of growth, development and reproduction. Students will have the opportunity to view, describe, measure and draw plant cells and processes at cell scale and to identify and collect data on plants in the field in field trips.
Observing Earth from Above: Using NASA Satellite Data for Real-Time Environmental Monitoring
Rapid developments in satellite remote sensing technology have facilitated new opportunities for real-time monitoring of the environment and urban and wild ecosystems. How do we leverage that technology to produce novel and impactful science that responds to societal needs? You will learn how to access, analyze and visualize remote sensing data on plants and forests to answer questions about environmental events. We’ll then learn and adopt best practices for communicating our science to broad audiences.
Game design: Prediction, Persuasion and Motivation to Address Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change
Students will collaborate on the design of a game on the topic of predicting and communicating science to address global ecosystem change scenarios. Players assume the role of scientists, politicians and journalists with the aim to disseminate research that can mitigate climate change. Students will deliberate in small groups on what such a game would look like, and share and compare their ideas with other groups. This activity will introduce the concept and challenge of understanding nature and taking action on multiple levels toward sustainability of our ecosphere.
Fundamentals of Plant Structure, Function and Ecology
- Plant cell and tissue anatomy
- Plant diversity globally
- Photosynthesis
- Plant water and carbon transport
- Plant responses to water, light, nutrients, CO2
Plant Ecology
- Plant ecological responses
- Ecosystems of the World and their Adaptation
Remote Sensing
Principles of satellite sensing
Analysing ECOSTRESS data—plant water use measured from space
Process of Science
- Develop research questions based on your own or others’ observations.
- Analyze data, summarize resulting patterns and draw appropriate conclusions.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Interpret and manipulate mathematical relationships (e.g., scale, ratios, units) to make quantitative comparisons.
- Describe how quantitative reasoning helps scientists understand the natural world.
- Record, organize and annotate simple data sets.
- Create and interpret informative graphs and other data visualizations.
Interdisciplinary Nature of Science
- Being able to explain scientific concepts, data and methods, including their limitations, using language understandable by collaborators in other disciplines and general audiences.
Communication
- Use appropriate language and style to communicate science effectively to targeted audiences (e.g., general public, biology experts, collaborators in other disciplines).
- Use written and visual modes to communicate science.
Science and Society
- Describe the roles scientists have in facilitating public understanding of science.
Self-confidence as Scientists
- Develop interest in science and apply it to your own lives.
- Identify as a scientist and be able to describe different careers in science.
- Build self-efficacy in ability to do science.
Final Project
Students will conduct projects in groups to test (at least in part) a hypothesis of their own for how a plant process at the scale of individual cells or plants may scale up to influencing ecosystem processes and responses to climate. Examples could include changes in photosynthetic rate, wilting during drought, or responses to fire. This research will form the basis for a PowerPoint presentation and poster presentation to the group. Additionally, students will work together to collaborate on the design of a game on the topic of predicting and communicating science to address global ecosystem change scenarios
Possible Field Trips
Huntington Botanical Garden
Stunt Ranch UC Nature Reserve