British Ecological Society 16-18 Summer School
Research and impact 21st August 2019
The British Ecological Society Summer School for 16-18 year old pupils took place at the end of July 2019. Contributors from Earth and Environmental Sciences at Manchester included Professor Richard Bardgett, Professor of Ecology at the University of Manchester and President of the British Ecological Society, and Dr Cecilia Medupin, Lecturer in Ecology.
Dr Cecilia Medupin discussed her involvement in the week-long residential summer school at Malham Tarn:
‘I delivered two-three hour sessions on “What’s in your river?” for two groups comprising 15/16 students, and received help from their teachers. We measured water quality variables and identified benthic invertebrates obtained from the local river – Gordale Beck. Together, we interpreted the results in line with the EU water quality standard requirements. All participants enjoyed the sessions. Since the students came from different backgrounds, we also had some time to discuss the wider application of the freshwater workshop.’ BES organisers praised Dr Medupin’s session as being “a big hit” with participating students, often mentioned in their final evaluations as a highlight of the week.
Soil is the 3rd largest carbon pool & therefore presents a major threat to climate change – presentation by Richard Bardgett @BritishEcolSoc summer school @BES_Careers at Malham Tarn, Yorkshire.
Dr Medupin and Professor Bardgett were interviewed on Tuesday 23rd July by summer school facilitators and delegates.
Professor Bardgett can be seen discussing how this particular British Ecological Society programme was designed to broaden horizons and encourage inclusivity. The programme enables those who may not normally have the opportunity to participate in ecological studies to get out in the environment with experts in the field. Professor Bardgett talks about his role in academia and his position as president of the BES. The launch of the new journal People and Nature is highlighted alongside the range of established society journals.
Dr Medupin can be seen discussing the sessions she facilitated about river health and freshwater invertebrates, which included measuring water quality and water chemistry; sorting and identifying the organisms found; and analysing the data in comparison with Environment Agency findings. The Tarnwatch video is available on the BES website or accessible via YouTube.
BES summer schoolbritish ecological societyEcologyfreshwater workshopTarnwatchwater qualitywater sampling
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