Teaching Tools- Middle School through Lower Undergraduate

USGS Documentary on Ecosystem Restoration

The U.S. Geological Survey has produced a 30-min documentary showing how integrated science can build the knowledge base for designing programs of ecosystem restoration. The show presents a case study -- a team of hydrologists, modelers, chemists and ecologists working toward restoration of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. The documentary was produced to show: how integrated science is required to solve complex problems involving linkages between physical, chemical and biological processes; that scientific progress can occur at a rapid pace (countering the notion that science plods along); and to show the joy of scientific discovery. If this documentary might fit in the curriculum of a course you teach, we will mail you a DVD (no cost). We only ask that you send a short description of the course and how this show might contribute to its goals. We have 500 copies for distribution. This video is a joint effort of USGS and the CALFED Bay-Delta Authority, a multi-agency consortium supporting one of the largest attempts at ecosystem restoration in the U.S. The documentary would be appropriate for inclusion in the curriculum of a course on aquatic or environmental sciences, from middle school through lower division undergraduate.

Jim Cloern (jecloern@usgs.gov)