Science Education Research

This area of research deals with both the learning and teaching of science. We qualitively and quantitively examine the barriers that affect each side of this paradigm, introduce intervention strategies to address them, and quantify and communicate the results. Furthermore, we examine the various aspects of scientific communication; how science is communicated to learners, the public, policy makers, etc; and how these individuals use science knowledge/ information in their decision making processes. Our UNT biological science education team also conducts a variety of public outreach programs throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. These programs include the Dallas Environment Education Initiative, which provides conservation education to more than 10,000 Dallas participants per year and the new Bear Creek Ranch Research Center, which provides environmental science education to a wide audience throughout the Aledo, Fort Worth area.

Elm Fork Education Center

The mission of the Elm Fork Education Center is to develop and implement premier environmental education programs. These programs will provide investigative encounters that engage students of all ages in field activities and discovery experiences. These opportunities are designed to encourage sound environmental decision making and responsible environmental stewardship.

Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)

The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) was created in the early 1990's when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in partnership with several state and local agencies, founded the consortium to manage nearly 2,000 acres below Lewisville dam. Today the LLELA consortium includes the Corps, the University of North Texas, the City of Lewisville, the Lewisville Independent School District, and Texas A & M University. Our mission is to preserve and restore our native ecosystems and to provide and promote environmental education and scientific research.

Elm Fork Natural Heritage Museum

The mission of the Elm Fork Natural Heritage Museum is to provide opportunities to discover and share knowledge about plants, animals and their environments. In addition to providing resources to trained scientists the museum also provides resources for citizen scientists of all ages and backgrounds to explore natural history and especially to inspire in the young a life long interest in nature.