| Reviewed: |
Aug 30, 2004 by Biology Editorial Board |
| Overview: |
This site is sponsored by The Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota. An interactive game, this web site allows visitors to restore a tallgrass or shortgrass prairie by selecting the appropriate grasses, forbs, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and insects. The site explains why selections beneficial or inappropriate for the particular prairie ecosystem and provides links to read more about each species and its impact on the prairie. If the initial choice was incorrect, there is an opportunity to select again. The results of the "correct" selections are viewed via animation. Users can "see" their prairie being built and also discover how a prairie is rejuvenated. Although aimed toward elementary and middle school learners, the site could be used by educators at other levels. The uses are determined not so much by age as by knowledge level of ecosystems and the interaction of organisms within the community. |
| Learning Goals: |
None specifically listed. |
| Target Student Population: |
Target population ranges from elementary to early high school. Although,
it
could be used to introduce community ecology and interactions to
developmental/introductory college students. |
| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
The site is designed to be useable by persons with little biology background. Use of web browser will be required. |
| Type of Material: |
The site is intended as a simulation with minimal variables available for control. |
| Recommended Uses: |
This site could be used to introduce the concepts of community interactions. This site would work well from two different approaches. 1. A guided assignment leading students to find particular information/concepts or 2. An investigative assignment where the student goes through all parts of the site and derives conclusions from what has been done. |
| Technical Requirements: |
The game requires only current internet browser. Use of parts of the ?On the Praire? portion of the site requires QuickTime VR and a sound card with speakers or headphones. |
