Ecosystem is one of the most enduring and powerful concepts in ecology. How can people become adept at thinking about and understanding ecosystems? I have been collaborating with scientists and educators to more clearly define these and related goals for ecology education, and then to develop metrics for assessing literacy among various groups (especially, teachers and K-16 students). We also are exploring the role ecological literacy plays in environmental citizenship - people's ability to act on their values and interests in the environment using knowledge and skills from science.
