Past Activities
On this page are links to videos, posters and
Water Cooler Chats and Web events
TheESAVideos 4DEE Playlist features introductions to 4DEE, ideas for the classroom and discussions on assessment, gathered here.
Additional videos will be added when available.
2024
ESA Annual Meeting: Supporting Ecologists Throughout Their Careers
Monday, August 5, 2024
INS 02 – Applying ESA’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework to Teach Non-Majors
Organizer: Justin St. Juliana Cornell University Check out the recording here!
PS 10-203 – How is ecology being taught to undergraduates in the US? Early results from the ESA’s Teaching of Undergraduate Ecology Survey.
Presenting Author – Alan Berkowitz. Check out the poster here!
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
OOS 17 – 4DEE as a Framework for Curricular Reform.
Organizers: Christopher Beck, Emory University, Jennifer Doherty, Michigan State University, and Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
WK 12 – Get Your Students Ready to Address 21st Century Ecological Problems: Use the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework to Design Ecology Lessons
Organizers: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida, Natasha Woods, Moravian University, Justin St. Juliana Cornell University
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
WK 17 – Transform your Teaching from Good to Great Using 4DEE Video and Media Resources
Organized by: Mary Beth Kolozsvary, Kenneth Klemow, Sheila Lyons-Sobaski, Jillian Decker, Megan Van Etten, and Kathleen Dahl-Nuckolls
2023
ESA Annual Meeting: ESA For All Ecologists
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
WK23: Affective Education: Engaging Students’ Personal Connections to Nature and Ecology for Improved Ecological Literacy, Room D136. Organized by Loren Byrne, Roger Williams University; Co-Organized by Marney Pratt, Ph.D., Smith College.
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
OOS 38: Diverse Perspectives on Inclusive Education Using the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework, Room 251. Organized by Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida, Maria Miriti, Ph.D., The Ohio State University.
INS14: Ecology Education for All Through More Accessible, Interdisciplinary 4DEE Teaching, Room 251. Organized by Loren Byrne, Roger Williams University; Co-Organized by Emily Rauschert, Cleveland State University.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
WK37: Ecology Education for All: Aligning Your Teaching with the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) and Dimension III Human Environment Interactions (HEI), Room C124. Organized by Justin St. Juliana, Cornell University; Co-Organized by Christopher Beck, Emory University, Leanne Jablonski FMI, Ph.D., Marianist Environmental Edu Center and University of Dayton HSI.
2022
ESA Annual Meeting: A Change is Gonna Come
Monday, August 15, 2022
WK4: Assess What’s Important: Creating Assessments that Show How Students Use Their Ecological Knowledge Room 513E. Organized by: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida; Co-Organized Christopher Beck, Emory University, Diane Ebert-May, Michigan State University, Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University and Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington.
SYMP2: Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Preparing for and Fomenting Change in Ecological Education, Room 524A. Organized by: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida, and Co-Organized by Alan R. Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and Kenneth Klemow, Wilkes University.
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
OOS9: Non-majors, 4DEE and Teaching Ecology for All, Room 520D. Organized by Vikki Rodgers, Babson College, and Co-Organized by Loren Byrne, Rodger Williams Unversity.
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
INS11: How I Incorporate the 4DEE Practice of Natural History in My Teaching and Community Work, Room 520B. Organized by Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington, Co-Organized by Alan R. Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, and Christopher Beck, Emory University.
Thursday, August 18, 2022
WK23: Climate Change in Education – Transforming Lessons using 4DEE, Room 513E. Organized by Tracy Gartner, Carthage College, Co-Organized by Alycia Crall, The Carpentries, and Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida.
2021 7th Life Discovery – Doing Science Education Conference
Friday, October 1st, 2021 in Estes Park, Colorado
4DEE Workshop: Using the 4-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework to Create Learning Opportunities for Non-Majors
Presenters: Vikki Rodgers, Babson College, and Sara Scanga, Utica College
Abstract: What are the key ecology concepts, practices, interactions, and themes all students should learn, regardless of their major? This workshop will begin by briefly introducing the 4DEE framework and then participants will identify which ecology concepts they teach in their non-majors, general education, and introductory classes. Groups will be formed to focus on the concepts identified to be most important for teaching non-majors and these groups will be led through an exercise to create an effective hands-on learning activity integrating the chosen concepts. Groups will be encouraged to finalize the activity and to test it in their own classroom settings. Although the focus of the workshop will be for those teaching non-majors, there will be a group dedicated to teaching majors as well.
2021
ESA Annual Meeting: Vital Connections in Ecology
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2021
11:00-12:00 PM Pacific, OOS15: Integrating Climate Justice Into Ecology Education – Elevating the Human Dimensions of ESA’s 4DEE for a Sustainable Future Organizer: Leanne Jablonski, University of Dayton Hanley Sustainability Institute, Co-Organizer & Moderator: Carmen Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University
Higher education and ngo presenters explore multicultural, local to global, and socio-ecological components of Climate Justice – ensuring equity and environmental justice for disadvantaged groups while achieving sustainable solutions – and how to integrate it into youth and adult initiatives, and ecology education for students, faith groups and the general public.
Wednesday, August 4th, 2021
8:30-9:30 AM Pacific, Inspire9: Vital Connections: Engaging Professional Societies with 4DEE Framework Organizer & Moderator: Kenneth Klemow, Wilkes University, Co-Organizer: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida
Representatives from a range of biological and educational societies share ideas about how their organizations can benefit from – and help advance – the ESA’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework.
1:30-2:30 PM Pacific, OOS30: Expanding the Field in Fieldwork: Connecting the Practice of Fieldwork with the Human Dimensions of the 4DEE Framework Organizer: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida, Co-organizers: Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; George Middendorf, Howard University; Kari O’Connell, Oregon State University, Moderator: Charles Nilon, University of Missouri
This session will provide diverse examples for combining the practice of fieldwork with the human dimension of ESA’s 4DEE framework to extend our definition of fieldwork, expand the locations in which fieldwork is taught, and broaden participation in ecology.
OOS33: Energizing Ecology Faculty Mentoring Networks with ESA’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education Curricular Framework Organizer: Carmen R. Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University, Co-organizers: Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington; Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Kenneth Klemlow, Wilkes University; George Middendorf, Howard University; Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida; Vikki Rodgers, Babson College; Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University, Moderator: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida
The ESA Four-Dimensional Ecology Education Task Force proposes to strategically connect existing faculty mentoring networks of a nationally diverse group of ESA members focused on innovating undergraduate ecology education, to enhance ecological literacy, and promote the effective training of today’s sustainability-centered environmental workforce.
Thursday, August 5th, 2021
Workshop14: Aligning Your Teaching with the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework Organizer: Justin St. Juliana, Cornell University
In this workshop, you will work with a tool that helps evaluate the alignment of your teaching with 4DEE. You will discuss your teaching alignment with fellow ecologists. This will include sharing your best practices, as well as discovering new ways to align your teaching with the 4DEE Framework.
Friday, August 6th, 2021
Workshop19: Assess What’s Important: Creating Assessments That Show How Students Use their Ecological Knowledge Organizer: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida, Co-organizers: Diane Ebert-May, Michigan State University; Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington; Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University
During this workshop, participants will engage in groups to redesign and develop open-ended and multiple-choice assessment questions aligned with the 4DEE framework and course learning objectives.
Workshop25: Convert Your Ecology Teaching Activities to the 4DEE Format Organizer: Kenneth Klemow, Wilkes University, Co-organizers: Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington; Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Kenneth Klemlow, Wilkes University; George Middendorf, Howard University; Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida; Vikki Rodgers, Babson College; Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University, Carmen R. Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University
This workshop will equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to convert their laboratory exercises or other active learning resources into the ESA’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education framework, and to disseminate their converted exercise through the EcoEd Digital Library.
2020
4DEE Showcase events during the Life Discovery – Doing Science Biology Education Conference
For more information about the event dates and times, please visit www.ldc.org
KEYNOTE Oct 22, 2020~ 11:15 am – 12:15 pm EDT
Keynote Speakers, Ken Klemow and Luanna Prevost on
Ecology Education goes 4D.
Daily 4DEE Showcase ~ 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm EDT
Each day, the 4DEE Showcase presents practical ideas, examples and tools to create four-dimensional learning experiences that weave together core ecological concepts, ecology practices, human-environment interactions and cross-cutting themes. All showcase presentations are from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm EDT daily.
October 22, 2020 Fostering interdisciplinary thinking through lessons that follow the 4DEE approach
Speakers: George Middendorf, Howard University, Ken Klemow, Wilkes University, Vikki Rodgers, Babson College
A meaningful integration of 4DEE multidimensional approaches is facilitated by centering a problem or issue at the intersection (venn) of ecosystem services, socio-ecological systems, and interdisciplinarity. We provide three examples that will include lessons to engage majors and non-majors.
October 23, 2020 Designing multidimensional assessments
Speakers: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida; Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University; Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington
How do we know what our students have learned? Creating multi-dimensional assessments is critical when developing a multi-dimensional 4DEE curriculum. Participants will be introduced to developing multi-dimensional assessments in line with 4DEE using the 3D-LAP tool.
October 24, 2020 4DEE in Curriculum and Program Design
Speakers: Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Carmen Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University; Kim Bjorgo-Thorne, West Virginia Wesleyan College
How can 4DEE be used to transform programs – from stand-alone REU programs to major and non-major course sequences? We showcase three pathways: 1) bringing the four dimensions into non-major and majors courses , 2) using 4 dimensional ecology to redesign the entire biology major across class levels, and 3) engaging summer research students in 4 dimensional learning . We will provide a step-by-step approach, and insights into successes and challenges.
Daily 4DEE Showcase Workshops ~ 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm EDT
These workshops provide an opportunity for participants to explore how the 4DEE framework can be integrated into lesson building, assessment and curriculum or program design. All workshops will be held from 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm EDT each day.
October 22, 2020 Building a Lesson using the 4D Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework
Facilitators: George Middendorf, Howard University; Ken Klemow, Wilkes University; Vikki Rodgers, Babson College
Meaningful integration of 4DEE multidimensional approaches is facilitated by examining problems and issues at the intersection of ecosystem services, socio-ecological systems, and interdisciplinarity. We will ask the audience to identify a problem/issue and then help build it out using this approach.
October 23, 2020 Assessing Your Assessments for 4DEE
Facilitators: Luanna Prevost, University of South Florida; Amanda Sorensen, Michigan State University; Jennifer Doherty, University of Washington
This will be an interactive assessment design and evaluation workshop. 10 minutes intro, 30 minutes breakout in small groups where participants will work together using the 3D-LAP tool to create a multi-dimensional assessment item, 15 minutes reconvene to discuss group products, final Q&A until the end.
October 24, 2020 Curriculum/Program Design in 4D
Facilitators: Alan Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies; Carmen Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University; Kim Bjorgo-Thorne, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Join us for an open discussion of the successes and challenges of : 1) Course and course-sequence design and transformation; 2) Strategies for successful adoption by faculty and administrators; 3) Building and transforming 4DEE research experiences and other summer enrichment programs; and 4) K-12 applications of 4DEE.
4DEE Sessions during the ESA’s Annual Meeting August 3-6, 2020
Monday, August 3rd, 2020|12:30 – 1:00 PM Eastern: OOS 51 – Teaching the Ecological Data Revolution in the Context of the 4DEE Framework Organized by: Kenneth M. Klemow, Wilkes University, Co-organized by: Carmen R. Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University and Alan R. Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies
Tuesday, August 4th, 2020|1:00 – 1:30 PM Eastern: Assess What’s Important: Creating 4DEE Aligned Assessments That Show How Students Use Their Ecological Knowledge Organized by: Amanda E. Sorensen, Michigan State University, Co-organized by: Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington and Diane Ebert-May, Michigan State University
Wednesday, August 5th, 2020|3:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern: 12th REEFS: Resources for Ecology Education, Fair and Share Organized by: Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington, Co-organized by: Tracy B. Gartner, Carthage College, Kathleen Shea, St. Olaf College, Erica Schlickeisen Tietjen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Teresa Mourad, Ecological Society of America
Click here for the full list of Presenters at this years REEFS
Wednesday, August 5th, 2020|3:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern: Aligning Your Teaching with the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework Organized by: Justin R. St. Juliana, Cornell University
Posters:
Transforming ecology major courses to meet the goals of the ESA-endorsed 4DEE curricular framework Authors: Carmen R. Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University, Alan R. Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Kimberly A. Bjorgo-Thorne, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington, Kenneth M. Klemow, Wilkes University, George Middendorf, Howard University, Teresa Mourad, Ecological Society of America, Vikki L. Rodgers, Babson College, and Amanda E. Sorensen, Michigan State University
View Poster Here
Applying ESA’s 4DEE framework to guide the development of ecological literacy for non-majors Authors: Vikki L. Rodgers, Babson College, Alan R. Berkowitz, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Kimberly A. Bjorgo-Thorne, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Carmen R. Cid, Eastern Connecticut State University, Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington, Kenneth M. Klemow, Wilkes University, George Middendorf, Howard University, Teresa Mourad, Ecological Society of America, and Amanda E. Sorensen, Michigan State University
ESA Four-Dimensional Ecology Education Extravaganza
A day of workshops to energize Ecology teaching. People could join for one or all three workshops.
Monday, July 20th, 2020
11:30 – 12:30 PM Eastern: Aligning Your Teaching with the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework
Organized by: Justin R. St. Juliana, Cornell University
1:00 – 2:30 PM Eastern: 12th REEFS: Resources for Ecology Education, Fair and Share
Organized by: Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington
Co-organized by: Tracy B. Gartner, Carthage College, Kathleen Shea, St. Olaf College, Erica Schlickeisen Tietjen, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Teresa Mourad, Ecological Society of America
Click here for the full list of Presenters at this years REEFS
3:00 – 4:30 PM Eastern: Assess What’s Important: Creating 4DEE Aligned Assessments That Show How Students Use Their Ecological Knowledge
Organized by: Amanda E. Sorensen, Michigan State University
Co-organized by: Jennifer H. Doherty, University of Washington and Diane Ebert-May, Michigan State University
2019
Sunday, August 11, 2019 | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm WK 9: 11th Resources for Ecology Education, Fair, and Share (REEFS) – Interactive Workshop.
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 | 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm OOS 12: Ecological Education for All Students: Intersections of Inclusive Pedagogy and 4DEE Framework.
Thursday, August 15, 2019 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm 41: Implementing the Ecological Society of America’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) framework: case studies and future directions.
What an exciting launch! The webinar gave an overview of the Framework and the opportunities and challenges for its implementation, highlighted examples of its application and mapped out an agenda for research and assessment.
- Blog Posted on ESA endorsement of 4DEE, January 14, 2019
- Conversations with our Presidents at the ESA Annual Meeting 2018
- Invitation to ESA Committees, Sections, Chapters
- About the Four-dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework
- View the Four Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework in Detailed Outline Format
Summary Paper presenting the need, structure, and implications of a Four Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) curricular framework of essential ecological concepts and skills for undergraduates
2018
Monday, August 6, 2018 | 10:15 am – 11:30 am SS 19 – The ESA’s Four-Dimensional Ecology Education Framework (4DEE): Opportunities and Challenges. A panel of ESA Presidents
Tuesday, August 7, 2018 | 8:00 am – 11:30 am OOS 8 – Implementing Four-Dimensional Teaching of Ecology: Successes and Challenges
Wednesday, August 8, 2018 | PS 27-53 – Implementing an integrative framework for undergraduates: the ESA’s Four Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) initiative
2017
August 8, 2017 | ESA Annual Meeting, Portland. 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
SS 17 – Implementing ESA’s 4DEE Framework to Transform Your Undergraduate Ecology Course
2016
August 2016 | The framework, now named the Four-Dimensional Ecology Education (4DEE) Framework, was presented at a Special Session – SS 10: The Ecology Curricular Framework Initiative-Current Status at the 2016 ESA Annual Meeting.
May 2016 | A report recommending a a multi-dimensional framework consisting of concepts, cross-cutting themes, skills, and human dimensions was submitted to the ESA Governing Board. The Governing Board agreed to forward the framework to the Professional Certification Board for review.
2015
September 2015 | A two-day workshop was held in Silver Spring MD with the support of a Long Range Planning Grant and augmented with Board Strategic Funds. The workshop included a broad range of ecology professionals from academia, agencies, education, nonprofits, and business. Key concepts, skills, and themes emerged during this workshop.
August 2015 | A Special Session, SS19 ~ Developing a Set of Fundamental Concepts in Ecology was organized at the ESA 2015 Annual Meeting. The Session sought member input on the fundamental concepts appropriate to introductory ecology. Participants emphasized that this was an opportunity to go beyond traditional ecology concepts and to build a framework that is multidimensional. Participants also recommended that the framework be explicit about some of the recent developments such as anthropogenic ideas in ecology.
August 2015 | Members of the task force also participated in another special session organized by Bill Reiners – SS 6 Ecology’s Concepts: How Are They Used and Valued? http://eco.confex.com/eco/2015/webprogram/Session10851.html who presented survey results on what natural resource managers and others perceived are important ideas.