Incorporating Ecosystem Services into STEM Education

The framework of ecosystem services (ES) and disservices (ED) has increasingly been used in various science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) disciplines, including soil science. objectives this study were to use ES/ED concepts extend test an existing lecture laboratory exercise on organic carbon (SOC) online introductory science course (FNR 2040: Soil Information Systems) taught Clemson University students from STEM disciplines (forestry, wildlife biology, environmental natural resources) Fall 2020. was extended with a series reusable learning objects (RLOs), which are self-contained digital modules commonly utilized e-learning. consisted identifying ES calculating the avoided social cost (SC-CO2) stocks assigned soil’s topsoil horizon. effectively increased student familiarity as indicated by post-assessment survey +24.4% increase moderately familiar category +36.1% extremely category. graded quiz ten questions taken 51 average score 8.7 (out 10). A that most found effective way learn about examples Detailed students’ comments enjoyment (e.g., calculations, applying new knowledge), value multimedia PowerPoint, video), flexibility different parts laboratory), applicability content real-world examples), criticism tedious calculations). word cloud based their experience common words describe experience, such “soil services”, “learning”, “enjoyed”, “ecosystems”, among others. Incorporating into undergraduate enabled connect provided societal systems reliant resources.