NCEP: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I join the Network?
It is very easy to become part of the Network: you can join our community by signing up for updates, following us on Facebook page, taking part in one of our training events, downloading our resources, or becoming an author or reviewer of NCEP modules.
Our Network includes conservation educators and professionals from around the world. Join today!
What are modules?
NCEP modules are open access, electronic resources for conservation educators and trainers. They include diverse topics in conservation science and are designed for the post-secondary level. Freely available for download and educational use, NCEP modules are intended to be adaptable resources that educators may use as they choose (see How do I use modules?).
Each module includes one or more of the following components: a Synthesis document that brings together key concepts, applications, and literature for a topic, an easily modified visual Presentation, and a practical Exercise for classroom, laboratory, or field use. Exercise solutions and teaching notes are also provided for the instructor, as are learning goals and assessment questions. Interdisciplinary Case Studies integrate key concepts and questions that span the topics of more than one module.
Modules may additionally include select open access resources from our partners and other sources. These undergo a rigorous screening process by the NCEP Team to ensure their high quality and relevance to the topic.
How do I use modules?
Any way you want! NCEP modules are designed to be easily adaptable resources and to support—rather than replace—materials teachers may have already developed. For example, they can be used as an integrated package or as individual components—a professor might pick and choose several slides from a presentation, assign parts of the synthesis to students to read for homework, use an exercise in the classroom, or do all three!
We’d love to hear how you use our resources—please use the “Connect” feature within the NCEP module collection to share how you use NCEP modules in your classroom.
What languages are modules available in?
Modules topics are available in English, French, Spanish, Lao, Ukrainian, and Russian. Some modules have been further adapted to the context where they will be used: for instance, these resources may include local case studies and examples. (See also How do I adapt modules?)
How do I adapt modules?
Any way you want! NCEP modules are designed to be easily adaptable resources and download in an easily modifiable file format. Translate a synthesis or case study, replace an example in a presentation with one more relevant to your students’ context, adapt an activity to meet your needs, the choice is yours. (See also How do I use modules?)
We’d love to hear what you decide—please use the “Connect” feature within the NCEP module collection to share how you use NCEP resources in your classroom. If you have translated any materials or otherwise adapted them to your local classroom and would like to share, please email us at [email protected].
Want to contribute to our collection? / Can I be an author?
If you are interested in contributing new or adapted materials to our collection please contact us at [email protected] and check out our guidelines and review process on the Module Collection page. To donate to the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, take a look at our different giving opportunities.
How do I cite NCEP materials?
To cite stand-alone module components, follow this example:
Pearson, R. 2008. Observed impacts of climate change on biodiversity. Synthesis. Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners, Center for Biodiversity and Conservation, American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY. Available from http://ncep.amnh.org.
To cite from the journal Lessons in Conservation, follow this example:
Cardiff, S.G., and R. Jenkins. 2016. The bats of Madagascar: a conservation challenge. Available in Lessons in Conservation 6:80-108.
What are the training opportunities?
Learn more about NCEP training opportunities and check here for our latest event!
How can I contact NCEP?
Please do not hesitate to email us if we can assist you to use and evaluate these materials in your classes.