Dan
Ardia
2002 - 2003
CEIRP Fellow
Research Interest:
Vertebrate behavior and ecology
My
research interests are broad, but generally focus on the
ecology and behavior of vertebrates, especially birds and
mammals, although I have long-term side interest in forest
ecology. In my own graduate research, I study the reproductive
biology of tree swallows, but I have prior research experience
with the social behavior of birds, habitat and population
ecology of small mammals, and forest ecology.
I
am particularly interested in developing field-based activities
that
are integrated with classroom objectives so as to
enhance and strengthen both approaches. While my own bias
is on teaching hypothesis testing and developing critical
thinking skills, I am open to other perspectives. Some examples
of field-based projects include using nestboxes to study
birds or live traps to study small mammals, and testing relationships
between soil and forest ecology. Another area of interest
would involve students researching an environmental controversy
such as acid rain and forest clearing. By gathering published
evidence from multiple sources, students could generate their
own informed opinions about underlying issues and possible
solutions.
