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“What’s That Called?” Folk Taxonomy and Connecting Students to the Human-Nature Interface

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Innovative Strategies for Teaching in the Plant Sciences

Abstract

Naming and classifying organisms is fundamental to our understanding of the natural world. In this era of looming biodiversity crises and growing rates of species extinctions, a public understanding of the importance of taxonomy is essential for both scientists and nonscientists alike. Unfortunately, studies have found that botanical knowledge and appreciation of plant taxonomy, especially among primarily urbanized college students, is dwindling. Limited interaction with the natural world has led to students failing to see that they utilize taxonomy everyday: a cultural folk taxonomy. This chapter outlines a research project where undergraduate students investigate the structure of the folk taxonomy used by their peers, other university students. The goal of the project is to aid students in connecting taxonomy to their lives through the process of carrying out a complete research project from hypothesis development to data analysis and presentation. The modular nature of the project allows instructors to expand or reduce various components without losing the objective. This project, highlighting the interrelation of nature and culture, can engage students as well as provide important opportunities to introduce students to core biological concepts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Drake University, 2507 University, 50311, Des Moines, IA, USA

    Nanci J. Ross PhD

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  1. Nanci J. Ross PhD
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Correspondence to Nanci J. Ross PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology and Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA

    Cassandra L. Quave

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Ross, N. (2014). “What’s That Called?” Folk Taxonomy and Connecting Students to the Human-Nature Interface. In: Quave, C. (eds) Innovative Strategies for Teaching in the Plant Sciences. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-0422-8_8

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