In this activity, students make claims about different niche partitioning mechanisms based on scientific data. The activity begins with students interpreting a graph about dietary niche partitioning by grazers on the African savanna. Students then watch two short videos, one on niche partitioning and the other on DNA metabarcoding, and answer questions to apply what they have learned.
Type of Material:
This is site is an interactive video with drill and practice questions after completeing the video.
Recommended Uses:
The material can be used in the classroom as a group project
Homework - Students can read and come prepared in classroom for discussions. Can also do worksheet individually in classroom or as a homework
Team work- Problem Based Learning to compare various type of biotic and abiotic interaction to explore how niche is formed
Technical Requirements:
This website requires a PDF downloader and an Internet Browser such as Firefox or Google Chrome.
Identify Major Learning Goals:
Students will learn what a niche is
Students will be able to explore components of a niche
Students will be able to apply the knowledge, concepts and skills to navigate the through the website to learn about mechanisms of niche formation and partitioning
Students will be able to explain what is explain why niche formation occurs in a habitat
Students will understand the importance of DNA metabarcoding in making relationships between plants and animals which might have existed in some era at a habitat
Target Student Population:
Students in High School, College Lower Division Classes will benefit from this material.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
There are no prerequisites for this site, although some knowledge of biology will help in understanding what is presented.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The information is accurate and provides a good basic background about the material
Interactivity keeps users interested in the material
Conceptual flow of information via text and worksheet reinforces learning
Animations are well done and show good detail
Each step is clearly shown
Concerns:
There were no concerns about content at the time of this review
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The learning experience is interesting
This is a unique way of learning
The images shown are colorful and engaging
Demonstrates role of biotic and abiotic interactions in formation of a niche
This is a good site for getting an idea of what might be seen in nature
Concerns:
Integrating a few research articles for purpose of discussion and assessment comparing various types of niches and their impact on micro and macro-evolution would enhance the effectiveness of the site
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The information is well-organized
No defective links or bugs were found
Site is fast and intuitive
Information is easy to understand
Detailed, clear and sequential information.
Concerns:
There were no concerns about ease of use at the time of this review
Creative Commons:
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