Assessing Visual Preference among Fourth Grade Students for Habitat Components on Educational Green Roofs in Starkville, Mississippi

Author

Amy Counterman

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Brzuszek, Robert F.

Committee Member

Schauwecker, Timothy J.

Committee Member

Summerlin, Peter R.

Date of Degree

12-8-2017

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Landscape Architecture

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Landscape Architecture

Abstract

As urbanization grows wildlife habitat is displaced and fragmented. Vegetative roofs offer an innovative alternative to provide animal food and habitat in urban environments. This research study investigates how wildlife needs in a green roof ecosystem are interpreted through children’s visual perception. A visual preference survey was administered to fourth-grade students in Starkville, Mississippi which offered paired photographs displaying basic vertebrate and invertebrate needs. The responses from 85 students (n=85) were compared to identify preferences for legible habitat components. The results of this survey showed that fourth-grade students could readily identify the basic habitat needs for birds but were less able to with insects. Students were intrigued with utilizing a green roof for learning and play. Green roofs have potential to be designed as innovative teaching tools to enhance science education in K-12 schools.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19415

Recommended Citation

Counterman, Amy, "Assessing Visual Preference among Fourth Grade Students for Habitat Components on Educational Green Roofs in Starkville, Mississippi" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 766.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/766