This website presents basic information on topics relating to ecology, ecosystems and some individual species for children, K-6 grade. The site is created and maintained by the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis.
Type of Material:
Learning Object Repository
Recommended Uses:
Can be used in lecture, as a resource for homework assignments, and for project ideas for teachers
Technical Requirements:
Web browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
To learn about the study of ecology, the scientific method, world biomes, and marine mammal conservation
Target Student Population:
Grade School, Middle school
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
None.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The information is accurate
Covers topics related to ecology, data and the scientific method, and world biomes
Includes supporting images and videos
Audio is provided to augment some topics
Concerns:
The topics are limited in scope
The site includes only a few topics
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Includes a variety of multimedia resources
All of the images and videos are in color, increasing engagement
Includes data sets and project ideas for teachers
Uses real-world science to teach about ecology
Encourages a hands-on, active learning approach to learning
Has a glossary of terms, FAQ page, and additional resources
Includes many games for many of the topics
Provides a Spanish version of the site
Site design appeals to children
Concerns:
Does not include defined learning goals
The presentations are text-heavy, reducing engagement in younger users
Images are low quality and not expandable
Web design is out of date and not interactive (last updated in 2004)
The site is no longer actively maintained
No accessibility information is included
This resource is not in the Creative Commons
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Images are appropriately categorized
Navigation is easy and intuitive
The site is well-organized
Clear instructions are provided for activities
Concerns:
Some external resource links are no longer functioning
Back buttons are not present
Next buttons are not present
Creative Commons:
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