Wheelock College Professor Lisa Lobel travels to Belize with her "Tropical Ecology" class. "Tropical Ecology" is designed to give students an opportunity to study first-hand the ecology of tropical ecosystems, understand connections between ecosystem and culture, and participate in service learning within a local primary school. The course provides students with a fundamental knowledge of neotropical ecology and the natural history of tropical organisms. The course also focuses on topics including socioeconomic consequences of development in the tropics, ecotourism, tropical mariculture and agriculture, and conservation of tropical ecosystems. Pre-departure meetings are used to introduce concepts of neotropical ecology, basic naturalist skills, conservation, as well as cultural diversity and ecotourism. While the focus is on American (neo) tropics, comparisons are made to processes to the local temperate ecosystem. While in Belize, students enhance their knowledge through scientific investigations of a variety of ecosystems, guided hikes, and cultural studies. Students also participate in a service learning experience at a local school in which they will extend their learning beyond the classroom and into the community by planning and implementing STEM-related activities for children.

• published: 11 May 2015
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