New Perspectives in Science Education

In recent years, a conceptual understanding of the natural world has diminished due to a lack of exposure, attachment, and the separation in our daily lives from a connection to these spaces. Research and education in the scientific disciplines in relation to natural history can be difficult due to a lack of funding, the loss of intergenerational knowledge wealth, and a shift in priorities and lifestyle. In this post-COVID world, the majority of people are spending most of their time in the built environment (Morris, Speroni, and Taylor 2024). There are concerns that this deficit of exposure to the natural world can lead to problems with mental and physical health (Warber et al. 2015). This shift in practice can be attributed to shifting societal norms and technological changes, but we can look to those same technological advancements to bring about a renewed interest and understanding of ecological systems. Through the use of applications, software, and mobility tools combined with an emphasis on research and outdoor education, we can restore access to knowledge in ecological literacy in natural systems. This information can help restore a connection to the environment and bridge the understanding of natural environments. This study explores the impact of several tools on research and undergraduate education and finds that participants who utilize these applications gain greater access to this information and knowledge acquisition.