Natural History Interpretation

Catalog description

Methods, techniques, resources to acquire knowledge of natural history. Field identification, projects of an applied nature, and seasonal application. RPTM 326 Natural History Interpretation (3)The primary objective of this course is to give students the basic skills and resources to research and interpret the natural history of a given park or natural area. Building on the prerequisite course ( RPTM 325 : Principles of Environmental Interpretation), students continue to apply and practice principles that help create effective outdoor programming. The second objective is to provide students with a variety of service learning opportunities to help them refine their career aspirations. Main topics typically include: *Learning the skills and available resources to identify common fauna and flora found in Central PA including birds, mammals, amphibians, trees and wildflowers *Imparting a basic understanding of the ecology of the Eastern Forest landscape and the ability to interpret that understanding to a general audience. *Writing a short natural history interpretive article for a general audience. *Demonstrating sound interpretive methods and techniques by conducting short presentations. *Gaining an awareness of the operation of a visitor center and the experience of using live birds of prey in interpretive programming. *Demonstrating a competency in program development by planning, researching, and presenting a natural history program in an outdoor setting to their peers. This course is one of the selections for RPTM majors in the Environmental Interpretation emphasis of the Outdoor Recreation Option. Students in other majors are welcome providing they have met the pre-requisite ( RPTM 325 ).