Biosphere 2 Science for the Future of Our Planet
Explore Earth's systems and future sustainability through Biosphere 2's unique research facility, from rainforests to Mars colonization.
Explore Earth's systems and future sustainability through Biosphere 2's unique research facility, from rainforests to Mars colonization.
This comprehensive course explores Earth systems science through the lens of Biosphere 2, the world's largest controlled environment research facility. Students learn about climate change, water cycles, rainforests, oceans, soil science, and space exploration from University of Arizona researchers. Through virtual tours, scientific data collection, and global discussions, participants discover how this unique facility in the Arizona desert helps us understand Earth's interconnected systems and plan for humanity's future both on Earth and beyond.
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What you'll learn
Understand Earth's interconnected systems
Analyze climate change impacts and solutions
Explore rainforest and ocean ecosystems
Investigate soil science and biodiversity
Evaluate space colonization possibilities
Apply research methods to environmental challenges
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
541 Minutes PreRecorded video
33 assignments
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Batch access
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There are 9 modules in this course
This innovative course explores Earth systems science through nine comprehensive modules centered around Biosphere 2's unique research environments. From climate change and water cycles to rainforests and oceans, students learn how this remarkable facility advances our understanding of Earth's interconnected systems. The curriculum covers diverse topics including desert ecology, marine environments, soil science, and space exploration, combining theoretical knowledge with practical research applications.
Biosphere 2, an Icon of Possibilities
Module 1 · 3 Hours to complete
Climate Disruption
Module 2 · 2 Hours to complete
The Science of Water Availability
Module 3 · 2 Hours to complete
Desert Plants, Climate, and Changing Landscapes
Module 4 · 3 Hours to complete
Sea Changes in our Marine Environment
Module 6 · 3 Hours to complete
Soil Science - Foundations & Implications
Module 7 · 3 Hours to complete
Feeding the Future
Module 8 · 2 Hours to complete
Life and Resources in Space - Should We Go There?
Module 9 · 5 Hours to complete
Fee Structure
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Instructor
Leading Environmental Education and Research at Biosphere 2
Kevin Bonine, a Tucson native and Flinn Scholar, serves as Director of Education and Outreach at Biosphere 2 while holding faculty positions in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Natural Resources at the University of Arizona. His extensive academic background includes dual bachelor's degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Economics, followed by a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Physiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At Biosphere 2, he oversees educational programs reaching 100,000 annual visitors and 10,000 K-12 students, while managing teacher professional development and research internships. His research focuses on conservation biology, particularly studying Gila monsters and canyon treefrog ecology. As an educator, he has taught numerous courses including Herpetology, Conservation Biology, and Vertebrate Physiology, earning recognition with the UArizona College of Science Distinguished Early-Career Science Teaching Award. Beyond academia, he chairs the board of trustees of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and serves on boards for Friends of Saguaro National Park and the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans. His work bridges environmental stewardship with science education, emphasizing experiential learning and field research to advance understanding of Arizona's unique ecosystems
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Frequently asked questions
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