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Peer Review

Transport of Water and Sugar in Plants

Reviewed:

Sep 11, 2020 by Biology
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Quality: 4.2 stars
Effectiveness: 4.5 stars
Ease of Use: 4.5 stars
Overview:

This is a great site for animations of water and sugar transport in plants. It shows the details in a splendid animation for observing water and sugar movement, complete with anatomical features labeled.

The content which is shown in this animation is appropriate in identification of parts of plant and processes involved in movement of molecules within plants through xylem and phloem. The learning is also interdisciplinary in nature - as it supported by both visual animations to show movement of molecules and text to enhance understanding of deep structure and advanced function of process in plants.

Type of Material:

This is an animation that shows differerent types of transport in plants.

Recommended Uses:

There are several possible uses:

  • Homework – Notes Making and Concept Mapping.
  • Group Team Based Learning Activity – Jig Saw
  • Alternative to laboratory exercise to view plant under microscope for longitudinal and transverse section of structures of plants parts- leaf, stem and roots.
Technical Requirements:

An internet browser and access to You Tube.

Identify Major Learning Goals:

  • Students will learn the basic parts of plants.
  • Students will be able to relate and compare internal and external structures of plants.
  • Students will be able to analyze function of specific components of plant involved in movement of molecules.
  • Students will understand what are vertical and longitudinal structures of plants which are eventually part of basic laboratory observations.
Target Student Population:

The target student population includes individuals in Middle School, High School, and College General Education.

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Some background information about plant biology will help users better understand the material.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

  • At the time of this review, content of material is accurate and up-to-date
  • Animations and simulations are accurate and straightforward
  • The labels are accurate
  • Color usage is logical

 

Concerns:

The introduction should be somewhat more elaborative. For example, a video which introduces the importance of transport system in plants and the various processes involved in uptake of water from soil into roots, stem and then leaves within vascular and non-vascular plants. It should also include the interdisplinary summary i.e. on how to calculate water potential in plants which aids in movement of water from soil to leaves via stem. Some focus on Photosynthesis and Respiration should can also be emphasized.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The pedagogy of providing information is a nice blend of learning and interactivity
  • Animations are easy to follow
  • The interactivity is exceptionally well done and engages users to learn material
  • Most of the images and videos are in color
  • Can be completed done from remote locations.
  • Can also be an alternative for laboratory preparatory exercise for plant microscopy.
Concerns:

Some formative assessment questions and summative assessment questions would enhance the site.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The information is well organized
  • No defective links or major bugs were found
  • Information is easy to understand
Concerns:

  • There were no concerns about ease of use at the time of this review
Other Issues and Comments:

This is a super site for students learning about xylem and phloem transport in plants.

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