Developing a learning environment for the Edwards Aquifer with a base in systems thinking dynamics

Abstract

This project proposes a framework for an interactive, hands-on game that will educate young people on the importance of the aquifer and how human activity can either preserve or endanger the ecosystem services provided by the aquifer. When l worked at Aquarena Center for Texas State University - San Marcos, it was my job to educate people about the aquifer; its water, plants, animals, the human impact on the aquifer, and the science that was being conducted in and around it. What I found was that most people did not understand the problems or the science associated with the aquifer, because the information they got about it were usually just isolated facts told to them by a scientist or some other person on TV or radio. What I have done is propose an outline for an interactive systems learning environment (a game) that young people can use to gain a holistic understanding of the interactions between the aquifer's hydraulic dynamics, its ecosystem services, and the surrounding biosphere and anthrosphere. In addition to the natural ecology, the proposed game accounts for the impact of agricultural, recreational, industrial activity, and human population dynamics. The game illustrates the impact of human activity on rainwater infiltration into the aquifer, and allows users to explore the impact of changes in rainfall on the system. Ideally, such a game could provide a hands-on learning environment that could be used by organizations like Aquarena Center and schools to help show young people how to better understand the impact that their day-to-day lives have on the aquifer. The learning environment could potentially be used for different age levels. For the purpose of this thesis, the game is targeted for use by elementary or middle school aged children, but could be adjusted by the user to fit the appropriate age group or education level up through 12th grade. [...]