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The Stream Study provides a method to determine the water quality of a stream based on the collection and identification of benthic macroinvertebrates.. The site provides key, background information, methods for collecting invertebrates, sample data, and descriptions of the water quality indicated by the presence of specific invertebrates. Illustrations are good quality black and white drawings. Using the materials, a student can calculate a simple water quality index. Designed for use by environmentally-oriented volunteers, the materials could be used by elementary students on up.
Type of Material:
Reference
Technical Requirements:
HTML
Target Student Population:
Introductory College Biology or Zoology
Evaluation and Observation
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
Quality of Content: (4.5)(3) = 3.75
Good quality, basic line drawings of invertebrates
Well laid out
Good introduction for introductory level students or below
Concerns:
Key is illustrated, but only includes one illustration for each description which could mislead naïve users
Keys are to broad categories or indicator species, many species not included
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool: (4)(3) = 3.5
Can be effective in teaching basics of classification, species identification, water quality analysis
Could be used to develop field or indoor exercises
Good quality images
low cost - allows sampling with a minimal investment in equipment
Concerns:
Limited information/background material
Simple, non-technical keys may not be appropriate for more advanced classes even at introductory level.
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
Usability: (5)(4) = 4.5
Easy to navigate
Easy to use
Concerns:
Dichotomous key provides very limited interaction
Features of Excellence:
Simple and straightforward
Easy to use
Easy to write assignments to use it in lab or field
Materials can be used on-line or printed
Recommendations:
Could use additional illustrations for each couplet
Would benefit from more background materials and more links to related sites
The addition of photos for use in the identification key would be nice
May be considered too elementary for some college classes.
