This collection of teacher resources centers around animal classification and is designed for 14-16 year olds. There are nine subtopics within the collection; each of the subtopics includes resources such as teachers’ notes, classroom presentation, student activities, student pack, and extension activities. A guide to alignment with US Content standards is also provided. These resources are presented by ARKive, which is part of the charity Wildscreen.
Type of Material:
Assignment, Learning object repository with teacher and student resources
Recommended Uses:
• Could be used as supplementary learning material for science class – both in class work and out of class work. In other words, it lends itself well to both introductory lower-level knowledge and as application in the classroom and further investigation following class.
• Can be used in small groups
• Can be used as entire units in 9-12 grade classrooms
The material is linked to both UK and US standards.
Technical Requirements:
Website opens in Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Chrome. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are needed to open associated files. For some materials, downloading and unzipping a file is necessary.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Nine topics make up this collection and the author identifies the following learning outcomes for the topic indicated:
Indicator Species: Students will learn about what is meant by an indicator species, and about how indicator species can be used to show changes in the environment. Students will use an example case study to critically analyse the use of indicator species in a real-life scenario.
Animal Communication: Students will learn why animals communicate with one another and the different methods used. Students will also learn how to carry out research on a species and select the relevant information to write a video narration.
Human Impacts on the Environment: Students will learn about how humans can have negative impacts on the environment and endangered species. They will be asked to consider how human impacts can be measured, and what can be done to help.
Biodiversity and Evolution: Students will discover the importance of biodiversity and will explore how observing variation in the beak shape of Galapagos finches helped Darwin to formulate his theory of natural selection.
DESIGN A CONSERVATION PROGRAMME: Students learn about the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation, the fine balance of an ecosystem, the impacts of human activity, and the economic benefits and services an ecosystem can provide.
Darwin and Natural Selection: An introduction to the four observations and two deductions that led Charles Darwin to form his theory of evolution.
Evolution and adaptation: Explore how different species are adapted to their way of life, and how common characteristics are used to classify them into groups.
Primate evolution – family ties: Learn more about how all present-day primates, including human-beings, have evolved from a common ancestor.
Natural selection – the peppered moth: Investigate a famous case study for evolution - the peppered moth.
Target Student Population:
For use in grades 5-12, specifically in science. Would be useful in other disciplines as well. For instance a unit in English class that concerns the environment/animals might consult this resource.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Detailed guidance and instructions for teachers allows even those with basic familiarity with the topic the ability to use this resource. Only lower-level technology skills would be required to access and use these materials; this includes downloading and saving resources and accessing various web resources in an internet browser.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Each topic comes with a powerpoint presentation with talking points on some slides. A list of supporting resources available online are provided, along with handouts to guide student comprehension, inquiry, and/or hands-on activities.
Concerns:
Learning outcomes are not written in measurable terms. It is important for the instructor to determine appropriate use of the resources in the context of student-centered, measurable learning objectives. The use the lessons, the teacher must have a computer with PowerPoint installed or a PowerPoint reader.
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Teaching notes accompany most of the topics giving the instructor ideas for use with the resources provided. The materials would be easy to integrate into existing curricula.
Concerns:
While it is clear what the student should learn and do in these activities, the objectives aren’t explicitly stated as such. This doesn’t mean that they are hidden or hard to discern, however. The teacher must read the agreement and properly cite the material and not use it on commercial sites.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
• Very clear instructions
• High design quality.
• Easy to navigate and appealing.
Concerns:
None
Other Issues and Comments:
Beautiful photos. Well designed lessons.
Creative Commons:
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